Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Subject Title

Chemical Instrumentation

Subject Code

CMI533

Subject Description
This subject provides students with an overview of common
spectrophotometric instruments. Topics covered include atomic absorption
and emission spectrophotometry, electrode potentials, electrochemical
cells, potentiometry, and mass spectrometry (if time permits). The theory
of these instrumental methods will be supported by proper interpretation of
analytical data and mathematical techniques for preparing standards and
samples.
Credit Status
One credit towards the Chemical Engineering Technology (CHY) Advanced
Diploma or Chemical Laboratory Technician - Pharmaceutical (CLP)
Advanced Diploma.
Prerequisites
CHY Students: CMI 333, and either ECI 533 or BIC 433
CLP Students: CMI 333, and either CHO 433 or BIC 433
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Have a fundamental understanding of the theory behind flame and furnace
atomic absorption spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma emission
spectrophotometry, electrochemistry (including potentiometric analysis and
specific ion electrodes), and mass spectrometry
Understand the evolution of these instruments and therefore understand the
reason for the next generation
Understand the advantages, disadvantages and applications of these
instruments
Understand of the Nernst equation and calculations using it
Have hands-on laboratory experience in setting up and running flame atomic
absorption systems, zeeman background corrected furnace atomic
absorption systems, specific ion electrodes and redox electrodes

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Have laboratory experience in dealing with quality assurance analysis

Have experience with proper graphing and interpretation of laboratory data
Classroom Component
Topic
1
Atomic Absorption & Emission
Spectrophotometry

Electrode Potentials

Potentiometry

Mass Spectrometry

Laboratory Component
Lab No.
Topic
1
Atomic Absorption

Atomic Absorption

Atomic Absorption

ICP - OES

Selective Ion
Electrode

Redox Electrodes

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Summary
Principle of AAS & ICP; components
of
instrument;
atomizer/furnace
design in relation to sensitivity;
background correction; applications
electrochemical
reactions;
nomenclature; half cells; standard
electrode potentials; electrochemical
cell; Nernst equation; concentration
cells; equilibrium constant; reference
electrodes.
the potentiometer; glass electrodes
and
specific
ion
electrodes;
applications of electrochemistry
Basic theory; instrument design;
introduction to interpretation of
spectra.

Summary
Flame AAS; sample digestion; quality control
calculations;
matrix
interference;
mass/concentration calculations
Computer controlled flame AAS; sample
digestion; quality control calculations; matrix
interference; mass/concentration calculations
Computer controlled furnace AAS; sample
digestion; quality control calculations; matrix
interference; autosampler; ppb analysis
Computer controlled ICP-OES; sample
digestion; quality control calculations; matrix
interference; mass/concentration calculations
Calibration and maintenance of selective ion
electrode; sample digestion; quality control
calculations;
matrix
interference;
mass/concentration calculations
Calibration of redox electrode; evaluation of
unstable electrochemical system

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Essential Employability Skills

In this subject, the graduate will demonstrate the ability to:
Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in written, spoken, and visual
forms that fulfil the purpose and meets the needs of the audience
Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures
effective communication
Execute mathematical operations accurately
Apply a systematic approach to problem solving
Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems
Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and
contributions of others
Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective
working relationships and the achievement of goals
Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects
Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences
Please refer to Appendix F of the Academic Policy 1 for further information and a
detailed list of Essential Employability Skills.

1http://www.senecacollege.ca/academic-policy/

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Reference Materials
These reference materials are recommended for supplementary reading, but are
not required to succeed in this subject. All required materials will be provided on
the subjects my.Seneca site.
Skoog, D.; Holler, F.; Crouch, S. Principles of Instrumental Analysis (6th
Edition), Thompson Brooks/Cole, Belmont, 2007.
This textbook describes all of the instrumental methods that will be studied in this
subject. Methods for experimental design and data analysis are also discussed
here. This book is a useful supplement to the classroom discussions on the subject
of instrumental analysis.
Principles of Instrumental Analysis is available in hardcopy form through Seneca
Libraries. Purchase of this textbook is not required.
Required Supplies
Laboratory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a laboratory kit are required
for participation in the laboratory. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory
without the required PPE or laboratory kit. PPE and laboratory kits are available at
the Seneca Bookstore.
The required items of PPE are:
Lab coat
Safety glasses and/or safety goggles
Closed shoes and full-length pants or skirts are also required in the lab.
A lab notebook is also required. This notebook may be any bound notebook (not
including spiral- or ring-bound) and does not have to be an official lab book.

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Evaluation
Classroom
Evaluation

Term Test #1

Term Test #2

Final Exam

50%
Type
25% multiple
choice
25% short answer
25% diagrams
25% problems
25% multiple
choice
25% short answer
25% diagrams
25% problems
25% multiple
choice
25% short answer
25% diagrams
25% problems

Due Date

Submission

Week 6

In class

15%

Week 10

In class

15%

Exam period

In class

20%

Laboratory

Weight

50%

Evaluation

Type

Prelab and Lab

Reports

100% essay

25% short answer

75% problems
Professionalism 100% in process
Lab Exam

Total

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Due Date
Approximately
biweekly (start
Week 2)

Submission

Weight

In lab

40%

Week 13

In lab

5%

Weekly

In lab

5%
100%

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Course Policies
Attendance at Tests
Attendance at all tests is mandatory. Any absences must be communicated to the
instructor by phone or email immediately (no less than 15 minutes before the start
of the test) and supported by appropriate documentation (see below) within one
week of the missed test. Note that no student will be allowed to enter an exam or
test later than 30 minutes after it has started.
Laboratory Attendance
The laboratory component of the subject is essential, and therefore attendance in
all laboratory sessions is mandatory.
Any student who misses two (2) or more scheduled laboratory sessions
will receive a final grade of DNC or F for the course.
Any absences must be supported by an acceptable document (see below) within
one week. The faculty member supervising the laboratory must be notified no less
than 15 minutes before the lab period in the event of a missed laboratory.
Submission of Lab Reports
Each laboratory report is due at the beginning (i.e. within the first 5 minutes) of the
laboratory session following the session in which the project was completed.
Reports submitted late will be subject to a -10% penalty to the grade for every day
(including weekends) of lateness. Days begin at 5 minutes after the start of the lab
period when the report was due; e.g., an assignment due at 11:45 AM is one day
late if submitted at any time between 11:46 AM and 11:45 AM the following day.
Assignments submitted after the date when they are returned (typically one week)
will not be accepted and will receive a grade of 0.
Laboratory Safety
Each student must review the safety procedures and guidelines outlined and sign
a document to this effect before beginning work in the laboratory.
No student will be allowed to attend a laboratory session if that student does not
have a proper lab coat and safety glasses or goggles. The mark for this lab report
and professionalism will be 0.
A student who arrives late and misses the relevant safety instructions for that
particular lab will not be allowed to participate in that lab. The mark for this lab
report and professionalism will be 0.

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

General School Policies & Guidelines

Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating and plagiarism are major academic offences and carry serious penalties.

First offence: A student caught cheating will receive a mark of 0 on the

work in which the offense occurred 2 and have a comment listed on their
transcript. This comment will be removed upon graduation.
Second or subsequent offence: The penalty for the second offense of
cheating or plagiarism is immediate expulsion from the college for the
remainder of the semester or longer, depending on the circumstances. The
comment will remain on the students transcript and will not be removed
upon graduation.

Students are referred to College Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism in the College
Academic Policy2.
Policy on Discrimination & Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment
that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that
violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment 3 shall not be tolerated.
Information and assistance are available from the Centre of Equity and Human
Rights, Room 1185, Seneca@York, 491-5050, ext. 3088.
Punctuality
Please arrive on time (within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time) for classes so
as to minimize disruption to your classmates and faculty. It is at the instructors
discretion whether to allow a late student to enter the lecture or laboratory.
Cell Phone Usage
As a courtesy to your fellow students and faculty, cell phones should remain on
silent or be turned off while in class. If, in the case of an emergency, the cell phone
must remain on, please set the cell phone on vibrate and notify the instructor of
the situation before class begins. Cell phones are not permitted during tests.
Permission must be asked and granted from the instructor and/or fellow students,
if applicable, before recording any audio, video, or still images using a cell phone
during lecture or laboratory periods. Obtaining or circulating such materials without

2
3

http://www.senecacollege.ca/academic-policy/
http://www.senecacollege.ca/policies/dh.html

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

permission constitutes a violation of the Colleges Freedom of Information and

Protection of Privacy Policy 4.
Acceptable Documentation
Proper documentation is required for missed assignments, tests and exams. This
may include a signed doctors note, a police report, death certificate, note from a
transit agency, etc.
Computing Acceptable Use Policy
All Students are responsible for abiding by the Colleges Information Technology
Acceptable Use Policy 5 and for obeying Provincial and Federal laws/regulations
regarding the use of computer equipment, facilities and/or networks.

Prepared by:

_________________________________________________
Brynn Dooley, Professor, SBSAC

Approved by:

________________________________________________
Paola Battiston, Chair, SBSAC

4
5

http://wwwos.senecacollege.ca/policies/fipp.html
http://www.senecacollege.ca/policies/itau.html

Subject Outline: CMI533, Winter 2017