Module Details

Module Code: ZBIO C3102
Module Title: Spectroscopy for Biosciences
Title: Spectroscopy for Biosciences
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: John Cleary
Domains:  
Module Description: To develop the learners' understanding of the analytical applications of UV-visible (UV-vis) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies and familiarise them with the principles, interpretation, and biologically relevant applications of mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Learners will also develop their theoretical and practical knowledge in relation to chromatographic methods.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the principles, instruments, and applications of various spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, and interpret the output of these techniques to extract analytically meaningful information.
LO2 Demonstrate practical measurement and analytical skills using a range of laboratory instruments and data acquisition systems.
LO3 Work effectively in a group and demonstrate good communication skills within a group, in presentation format, and in written reporting of laboratory activities.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Chromatography
System suitability for chromatography - parameters, calculations, and interpretation; van Deemter equation - theory and application
Spectrophotometric Techniques
Principles, instrumentation, and biologically relevant applications of a range of spectroscopic/spectrometric techniques including ultra violet (UV) infra-red (IR) spectra, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Raman spectroscopy.
Practical
Practical skills will be advanced in chromatographic (TLC/IC/GC/HPLC) separation and analysis, and in spectrophotometric analysis (UV-visible, IR, AAS) and in associated sample preparation procedures.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Practical50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Presentation summarising and appraising a relevant article from the scientific literature.
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
1 hour exam
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
1 hour exam
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical reports
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Laboratory Contact Practical class 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 15 Weeks per Stage 5.53 83
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gordon G. Hammes. (2005), Spectroscopy for the Biological Sciences, Wiley-Interscience, p.192, [ISBN: 9780471713449].
  • Douglas Skoog,Donald West,F. Holler,Stanley Crouch. (2013), Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 9th. Cengage Learning, p.1072, [ISBN: 0495558281].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Skoog, Douglas A.. (2007), Principles of instrumental analysis, 6th ed..
  • Lu-Yun Lian,Gordon Roberts. (2011), Protein NMR Spectroscopy, John Wiley & Sons, p.384, [ISBN: 9781119972013].
  • Barbara S Larsen,Charles N. McEwen. (2019), Mass Spectrometry of Biological Materials, CRC Press, p.488, [ISBN: 9780367400583].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: