This module introduces students to ion mobility and column chromatography techniques of analytical separation. The principles of these separation techniques will be described and exemplified, with an emphasis on understanding how each component within a given separation technique contributes to the analytical quality and efficiency of the overall separation process. The practice of analytical chromatography will be described in terms of the application of advanced methods that enable the optimisation of separation resolution, detection sensitivity, and analysis time.
Students will gain an appreciation of how analytical separation systems rely on a combination of components working together and how the performance of any individual component affects the overall separation process. Throughout, practical examples of separation applications will be used to illustrate the principles and practice taught in the module. The module also demonstrates how an understanding of the fundamental chemical principles of a technique may be used to assist method development and the optimisation of the practical application of a technique. A study of analytical separations brings together both qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical data.