Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired 
 
- certain notions associated with the practice of analytical chemistry: weighing, pipetting, dilution and basic calculations (stoichiometry, units of measurement, dilution, etc.);
- the concept of analytical procedure;
- the concept of error in experimental measurement;
- the ability to apply the main calibration methods;
- UV/Visible spectroscopy technique;
- fluorescence technique;
- atomic spectroscopy technique;
- titrimetric analysis techniques;
- fundamental concepts of electroanalysis applied to potentiometric and amperometric techniques.
 
In addition, the student will be able to integrate all these notions in the context of a real analysis.

Goals

The aim of analytical chemistry is to apply and develop methods for obtaining information on the nature and composition of a sample of matter. The aim of this course is to prepare students for qualitative and quantitative analytical chemistry, which will later be applied to drugs. In addition, this course should enable them to develop critical thinking, rigor, precision and trueness.

Content

In the first part of this course, we will review some fundamental concepts (units of measurement and concentration, weighing, pipetting, dilution). These concepts must be assimilated in the context of a real operating procedure.
 
Today, analytical chemistry is essentially a quantitative technique. It is therefore important to understand the variability associated with any quantitative measurement, and to be familiar with the main calibration methods.
 
The last part of this course is devoted to describing the following analytical techniques: UV/Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopy, titrimetry and some common electroanalysis methods.

Table of contents

1. Basic tools
 
2. Analysis of results
2.1 Experimental errors
2.2 Calibration
 
3. Spectroscopy
3.1 UV/Visible
3.2 Fluorescence
3.3 Atomic
 
4. Chemical equilibrium and titrimetry
4.1 Effects of electrolytes on equilibria
4.2 Titrimetry
 
5.  Electroanalysis techniques
5.1 Theoretical basis of electrochemical reaction
5.2 Potentiometry
5.3 Amperometry

Exercices

Tutorial sessions are devoted to solving exercises and problems relating to the various chapters of the course. 
 
Practical work sessions are designed to reinforce students' ability to perform a number of essential laboratory operations: weighing, pipetting and dilution. They should also draw students' attention to the importance of quality results. This can only be achieved through rigor and trueness. In addition, these practical exercises will enable students to put into practice the concepts presented during the theoretical course and the exercise sessions.

Teaching methods

The use of a presentation program and the blackboard are implemented during the theoretical course, which is illustrated by a few numerical examples. 
 
Tutorial sessions are devoted to solving exercises and problems relating to the various chapters of the course. 
 
Practical work sessions are designed to reinforce students' ability to perform a number of essential laboratory operations: weighing, pipetting, dilution and use of the laboratory notebook.They should also draw students' attention to the importance of quality results. This can only be achieved through rigor, precision and trueness. In addition, these practical exercises will enable students to put into practice the concepts presented during the theoretical course and the exercise sessions.

Assessment method

The teaching unit comprises two learning activities (AA) with a pass mark of 8/20: the theoretical course and practical work (TPs). If the student obtains 8/20 in one of the two AAs, the average is not calculated and the student obtains 8.

 

Theoretical course: The teaching unit will be assessed by a written exam during the exam period, covering the material presented in lectures, exercises, and practical work sessions. Particular attention will be paid to the student's ability to integrate these concepts as a whole.

 

Practical work (TPs): Attendance at practical work sessions during the year is compulsory. The TPs grade will be capped at 8/20 in the event of absence from more than one TP session. Students who are absent are asked to inform the teaching assistant and copy in the course coordinator, Mr. Pochet. Any unjustified absence will result in a grade of 0/20 for that session. In the event of a justified absence, we will offer a make-up session if possible. This make-up session will be with another group that has not yet had this session. There will be no second session for the practical work part and the grade obtained during the year will be carried over to the second session.


Repartition of points: The practical work grade includes the grades for each practical work session and accounts for 20% of the final grade (4/20). The grade for the theoretical course assessment during the exam period accounts for 80% of the final grade (16/20). Note: Students who have been exempted for years prior to the 2025-2026 academic year will not have any points awarded for the practical work in their final grade. Their grade will be based on the assessment of the theoretical course during the exam period.

 

 

Sources, references and any support material

Course slides and TD syllabus are available on WebCampus.

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Pharmacy Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Pharmacy Standard 2 4