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Laboratory Activities

Quality Control Analysis for a Local Brewery

A laboratory project for instrumental analysis with the theme of quality control for a local microbrewery is described. The analyses of important flavor and aroma compounds can be easily modified to work with a variety of instruments and wet chemical techniques. Learning objectives, an instructor’s manual, project calendar, assignments, and grading rubrics are provided. The instructor’s…

Acid Mine Drainage Project Lab

Introduction This laboratory project uses the context of Acid Mine Drainage to teach concepts important to analytical chemistry and quantitative analysis. Students set up experiments that mimic the process of metal sulfide mineral oxidative dissolution. The experiments explore how the rate of dissolution changes with respect to changes in pH, added oxidizing agents, and oxygen rich…

Analysis of Phosphorus Concentrations in a Natural Water System

Introduction This guided research project explores the chemistry and impact of phosphorous on a fresh water system of lakes connected by a river in south-central Wisconsin. Students begin this project by comparing the detection limits, matrix effects, and linearity of standard curves of two different spectrophotometric methods for measuring phosphorus. Once the method of choice is…

Separation Science – Chromatography Projects

An instructor’s manual, including learning objectives, for a set of semester-long chromatography projects that are undertaken by students working in small groups is provided. Information about the proposal that students complete before undertaking the experimental part of the project as well as the final written report is provided. Peer- and self-evaluation forms for students are provided…

Elemental Analysis of Ancient Roman Coins

Elemental Analysis of Ancient Roman CoinsDownload After completing the lab activity, students will be able to: Design an effective sampling strategy of solids by considering the necessary aspects of matrix and analyte (e.g. population vs. sample, phase of sample, quantity available, homogeneity, chemical stability, distributional vs constitutional heterogeneity) Use qualitative tests to determine what quantitative analysis to…

Phytochemicals in Broccoli Microgreens

Phytochemicals in Broccoli MicrogreensDownload After completing this laboratory activity, students will be able to: Design and execute statistically relevant experiments for measuring a suite of chemicals from treated plants; Collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to form and support conclusions Troubleshoot and revise experiments to demonstrate accurate scientific results; Clearly communicate experimental results within statistical…

Theme-based Lab Experience

An instructor’s guide to implementing a modular theme-based approach to the advanced analytical chemistry laboratory is provided. The guide provides information on student learning objectives, group dynamics, and grading, and provides examples of themes implemented at Butler University. Sample scenarios, student handouts, student reports, and grading rubrics are included in the online appendices. Table of Contents…