About this course

Lectures take scientific papers, other publications, and compendia that are specific to this course as the point of departure. These give an overview of the course and the theoretical background for relevant methods. The laboratory exercises give the students practical experience with different techniques of atomic spectroscopy, including optical, mass and X-Ray spectrometric techniques, and associated sample preparation. In addition, the laboratory exercises introduce different aspects within method validation and related topics.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Acquire an overview of the basic principles of advanced methods and the use of modern instruments/combination of techniques in inorganic analytical chemistry. Knowledge and understanding of the principles for sample pre-treatment including digestion, and analytical methods based on atomic spectroscopy (atomic absorption, atomic emission, atomic fluorescence, atomic mass, atomic X-ray spectrometry), in addition to techniques for the determination of species and of element isotope ratios.

Skills: Based on theoretical and practical training, be able to apply the knowledge to a problem and critically assess sources of error and uncertainty in the analyses that affect the interpretation of data. Provide a theoretical background for the method, as well as present, discuss, and conclude on results from a survey in the form of a report.

General competence: Be able to choose appropriate sampling, sample preparation and analysis method based on knowledge of sample type and analyte(s), as well as requirements for analysis quality. Assess quality in analysis results. Present the work as a report.

  • Learning activities

    The lectures are to introduce the basic principles of advanced methods and the use of modern instruments/combination of techniques in inorganic analytical chemistry. The laboratory exercises emphasise the development of methods and validation of analysis methods. The laboratory reports are written as articles.

  • Teaching support

    The laboratory exercises place emphasis on the critical evaluation of sources of error and uncertainty in the analyses that affect the interpretation of the data. The students are free to make appointments for discussions with both the lecturer and the technical staff. The deadline for submitting a laboratory report is one week. Each student will be given an opportunity to discuss improvements of the reports, even reports that are approved.

  • Syllabus

    Curriculum is made known in Canvas.

  • Prerequisites

    KJM240 Analytical Chemistry.

  • Assessment method

    Total assessment:

    • 3 of 7 laboratory reports count 1/3.
    • Written exam counts 2/3.

    All parts must be passed.



    Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddel: B1 Calculator handed out, no other aids Lab reports Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Written exam: K1 - No use of AI

    Laboratory reports: K3 - Full use of AI.

    The use of AI is permitted, but it must comply with the Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligens (AI) at NMBU.

    Mandatory activity: K3 - Full use of AI.

    The use of AI is permitted, but it must comply with the Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligens (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    The final exam is assessed by an external examiner.

  • Mandatory activity

    Lab reports need approval. Four reports/essey/oral presentations that are not part of the grade must be approved and three report must be passed.

  • Notes

    We recommend that students who want to take the course apply for admission before August 10th. After that, the available places in the course will be distributed. Mandatory attendance at first lecture.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures: 4 hours per week (ca. 26 hours in all). Laboratory exercises: 6 hours (1 day) per week (42 hours in all).

  • Preferential right

    M-KJEMI, M-MILJØ, M-KB, M-LUR.

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science