BPS3042 · Advanced experimental spectroscopy

Overview

This unit will develop advanced concepts in spectroscopy and introduce experimental approaches to the characterisation and qualitative analysis of chemical samples. A key focus of the unit is using spectroscopic data to establish the chemical identity of a compound. The initial focus will be on using multiple techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and infra-red spectroscopy to determine the chemical structure of a compound. Subsequently, a range of advanced experimental approaches for analysis of more complex samples will be introduced. The theoretical basis of multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy will be covered from a conceptual perspective. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of data from the more common two-dimensional homonuclear and heteronuclear experiments. Through analysis of experimental data students will develop practical skills in the design of experiments for structural elucidation. The unit will focus on the analysis of small organic compounds and peptides.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

In-semester assessment 75%; final assessment 25%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse spectroscopic data to determine the chemical structure of small chemical compounds in different solvents
2. Analyse and interpret two-dimensional spectra to identify the chemical structures of compounds
3. Analyse and interpret two-dimensional spectra to identify the chemical structures of compounds.
4. Define the term Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) and account for the observation of NOEs in one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectra of both small and large molecules.
5. Analyse and interpret NOE data to determine the conformation of small molecules.
6. Analyse and assign two-dimensional NMR spectra of small peptides.

Workload

• Approximately 3 hours of online video lectures with accompanying spectroscopic problems and quizzes each week • Eight 2-hour workshops • Eight 3-hour laboratory classes • One 1-hour assessment (Mid-semester test)

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.