Basic Analytical Chemistry
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to make the student capable to use basic chemical devices to perform chemical-physical analyzes (weight scale, burette, spectrophotometer, pH meter) in order to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the lessons of Medical Chemistry
Expected learning outcomes
In line with the objectives of the course, the student after learning the safety rules of a chemical laboratory, will operate safely in the laboratory and will use the main analytical instruments (analytical balance, burette, magnetic stirrer, heating plate, pH meter and spectrophotometer UV).
At the end of course the student will be able to carry out analytical determinations by acidimetric titration with indicators and with the use of pH meter and will also be able to construct a working curve for the quantitative determination of the protein content of an unknown solution, using a UV-VIS spectrometer.
At the end of course the student will be able to carry out analytical determinations by acidimetric titration with indicators and with the use of pH meter and will also be able to construct a working curve for the quantitative determination of the protein content of an unknown solution, using a UV-VIS spectrometer.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
CLASSROOM EXERCISES will focus on numerical applications of solution equilibria and stoichiometric calculations used in analytical laboratories, in particular:
∙ concentration and dilution of solutions (conversion between grams and moles, ways of expressing concentration)
∙ calculation and measurement of pH in aqueous solutions (strong and weak acids and bases, buffer solutions, acid-base indicators)
∙ osmolarity and osmotic pressure
∙ balancing redox reactions
After an introductory lecture on prevention and safety rules in the chemistry lab, the PRACTICAL SESSIONS IN THE TEACHING LABORATORY will include:
- 1st lab session:
∙ Fundamental lab operations: use of common glassware, use of balances (analytical and technical)
∙ Use of variable volume micropipettes
∙ Preparation of solutions (of known concentration, dilutions, buffer solutions): use of a pH meter
- 2nd lab session:
∙ Acid-base titrations (using indicators and/or a pH meter) or
∙ Chromatographic techniques (thin layer and ion-exchange column chromatography) for identifying and separating biomolecules (carbohydrates, amino acids)
- 3rd lab session:
∙ Use of UV-Vis spectrophotometer to determine protein concentration in an unknown sample using an indirect method (preparation of a calibration curve
∙ concentration and dilution of solutions (conversion between grams and moles, ways of expressing concentration)
∙ calculation and measurement of pH in aqueous solutions (strong and weak acids and bases, buffer solutions, acid-base indicators)
∙ osmolarity and osmotic pressure
∙ balancing redox reactions
After an introductory lecture on prevention and safety rules in the chemistry lab, the PRACTICAL SESSIONS IN THE TEACHING LABORATORY will include:
- 1st lab session:
∙ Fundamental lab operations: use of common glassware, use of balances (analytical and technical)
∙ Use of variable volume micropipettes
∙ Preparation of solutions (of known concentration, dilutions, buffer solutions): use of a pH meter
- 2nd lab session:
∙ Acid-base titrations (using indicators and/or a pH meter) or
∙ Chromatographic techniques (thin layer and ion-exchange column chromatography) for identifying and separating biomolecules (carbohydrates, amino acids)
- 3rd lab session:
∙ Use of UV-Vis spectrophotometer to determine protein concentration in an unknown sample using an indirect method (preparation of a calibration curve
Prerequisites for admission
To successfully follow the course, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the topics covered in the Medical Chemistry course.
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered through:
∙ classroom lectures and in-class exercises (6 hours, divided over three days);
∙ practical sessions in a teaching chemistry laboratory (9 hours, divided over three days).
Students will present the activities carried out in the laboratory through written reports, which must be uploaded in .pdf format to the course's educational platform, myAriel.
∙ classroom lectures and in-class exercises (6 hours, divided over three days);
∙ practical sessions in a teaching chemistry laboratory (9 hours, divided over three days).
Students will present the activities carried out in the laboratory through written reports, which must be uploaded in .pdf format to the course's educational platform, myAriel.
Teaching Resources
For texts and teaching materials please consult the teacher. A copy of the slides used during the lectures and classroom exercises will be made available to students in .pdf format on the course's educational platform, myAriel. Photocopies distributed will be to students prior to the practical sessions in the teaching laboratory.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral examination will ascertain the student's knowledge of the typical and basic chemical analysis methodologies. Furthermore, the student will have to demonstrate to be able to interpret and justify the results obtained in the experiments carried out in the laboratory. Access to the exam is granted only upon documented attendance of both theoretical and practical lessons, and the presentation of written reports on laboratory activities. Registration for the exam via the SIFA system is mandatory. The final evaluation will be expressed as approval/disapproval.
- University credits: 1
Laboratories: 15 hours
Professors:
Bartocci Alessio, Morelli Laura
Shifts:
Gruppo 2
Professor:
Bartocci AlessioProfessor(s)
Reception:
only on appointment to be agreed by phone or email
via Saldini 50 (right hand side, second floor) / video call on Microsoft Teams