Chemistry (CHEM) 311

Overview

Chemistry 311, the first of Athabasca University’s two courses in analytical chemistry, provides an introduction to commonly used “wet chemical” analytical methods. An emphasis is placed on the background theory of the techniques, combined with applications of the techniques in the laboratory. Topics covered in the course include a discussion of the analytical process, experimental measurement and tools used by an analytical chemist. We also discuss the basic statistical methods used by analytical chemists, and methods of determining and expressing experimental error, and we consider some of the basic concepts of quality control and quality insurance. As a background to many of the wet chemical methods, we include a review of chemical equilibrium, including the concept of activity. We cover the common titration methods (gravimetric, acid-base, oxidation-reduction and complexometric) in the context of specific applications. We present the theory of oxidation reactions as a background to oxidation reduction titrations, and we discuss gravimetric analytical methods.

The compulsory laboratory component of CHEM 311 is designed to teach student to prepare solutions for use in analytical procedures, perform analytical experiments based on specified procedures and equipment, perform statistical calculations on data (including determination of mean, range and standard deviation), write laboratory reports designed for a specific target audience and work safely in a chemical laboratory.

Outline

CHEM 311 comprises the following ten units.

• Unit 1: Introduction, Measurement and Tools of the Trade
• Unit 2: Experimental Error
• Unit 3: Statistics
• Unit 4: Quality Assurance and Calibration
• Unit 5: Chemical Equilibrium
• Unit 6: Activity and Equilibrium
• Unit 7: Acid-Base Equilibria and Titrations
• Unit 8: Complexometric Titrations—EDTA
• Unit 9: Fundamentals of Electrochemistry and Redox Titrations
• Unit 10: Gravimetric and Combustion Analysis

Evaluation

To receive credit for CHEM 311, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least a D (50 percent). You must achieve a combined average of 50 percent on the exams, a weighted average grade of at least 60 percent on the assignments, and a weighted average grade of at least 60 percent on the laboratory work. The weighting of the components that comprise the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.