Qualitative/quantitative Analysis of Health and Cosmetic Products
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the basic concepts of analytical chemistry, both qualitative and quantitative. It will focus on the key principles and the most widespread techniques for analyzing and identifying molecules present in natural products based on medicinal plants, functional foods, and cosmetics. Students will learn the main methods of classical chemical analysis through theoretical lessons and practical laboratory sessions, enabling them to address various analytical issues with scientific precision. The skills acquired during the course are preparatory for the core subjects related to the professions that graduates can pursue.
Expected learning outcomes
By the lectures, the students will improve their knowledge concerning the theoretical and practical aspects related to the general and inorganic chemistry, qualitative analysis, which they will apply during the individual experimental practices.
By the laboratory experiences (mandatory), the students will acquire expertise to perform studies on the physical states, on the reactivity and to identify and quantify molecules present in natural products based on medicinal plants, functional foods, and cosmetics.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
describe the main techniques of classical qualitative/quantitative analytical chemistry
explain the analytical procedures put into practice in the laboratory
process the analytical data obtained
By the laboratory experiences (mandatory), the students will acquire expertise to perform studies on the physical states, on the reactivity and to identify and quantify molecules present in natural products based on medicinal plants, functional foods, and cosmetics.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
describe the main techniques of classical qualitative/quantitative analytical chemistry
explain the analytical procedures put into practice in the laboratory
process the analytical data obtained
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The program is the same for both attending and non-attending students.
Lectures The course includes lectures focused on the development of the following topics:
Consistency note: any online support for selected non-laboratory lectures is described in the Teaching methods section; the course programme lists disciplinary contents.
· Partly delivered online in synchronous format
· Purpose, phases of the analytical procedure, and classification of analytical methods
· Sampling
· Expression of sample concentration
· Review of the chemistry of aqueous solutions: chemical equilibrium
· Theoretical aspects of dissolution and precipitation processes
· Salt hydrolysis: acid-base properties of anions, cations, and salts.
· Buffer solutions
B) Laboratory (0.5 CFU)
· Safety standards and risk prevention in a chemical laboratory
· Laboratory equipment and general analytical operations
· Learning tests
C) Qualitative Inorganic Analysis (0.5 CFU)
· Wet method for anion detection
· Wet method for cation detection/Flame test
D) Quantitative Analysis (0.75 CFU)
· Generalities on volumetric analysis and titration curves
· Acidimetry
· Alkalimetry
· Iodometry
· Gravimetric analysis/scales
E) Errors in Chemical Analysis (0.25 CFU)
· Precision/Accuracy
· Random/systematic/gross errors
· Significant figures
Lab Experiences
The course includes mandatory on-site lab experiences organized around the development of the following exercises:
I Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Basic techniques in laboratory practice
· Preparation of Acetolite
· Solubility tests
· Precipitation tests
· Gas development recognition reaction
· Preparation of a 0.4 M HCl solution through dilution
· Salt hydrolysis and pH measurement of saline solutions with litmus paper
· Preparation of a buffer solution
II Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Wet method recognition of Cations in individual salts
· Dry method recognition of Cations (flame test)
· Wet method recognition of Anions in individual salts
· Identification of minerals in Spirulina-containing samples
· Identification of phosphates and nitrates in a fertilizer
III Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Recognition of cations and anions in some health products
· Preparation of an inorganic pigment by precipitation
· Determination of the formula of an unknown salt
IV Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Preparation of an approximate 0.1 M NaOH solution
· Standardization of an approximate 0.1 M NaOH solution with 0.1 M standard HCl
· Standardization of an approximate 0.1 M NaOH solution with potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP)
· Determination of acetolite acidity by titration with 0.1 M standard NaOH
· Determination of citrus acidity by titration with 0.1 M standard NaOH
V Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Titration of a known concentration Vitamin C solution with 0.1 N standard Iodine
· Determination of Vitamin C content in a citrus with 0.002 N standard Iodine
· Determination of Vitamin C content in commercial products with 0.002 N standard Iodine
· Preparation of a room fragrance
· Titration of an unknown Vitamin C solution with 0.1 N standard Iodine
VI Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Calculation and pH measurement with a pH meter of acidic and basic solutions
· Preparation of a burdock astringent tonic and measurement of its pH with a pH meter
· Measurement of pH and chlorides in a bath foam with a pH meter
· Filtration of the previously prepared room fragrance
· Set-up of a synthesized inorganic pigment for makeup
· Determination of total ashes of Althaea radix according to F.U. (10th Ed.)
Lectures The course includes lectures focused on the development of the following topics:
Consistency note: any online support for selected non-laboratory lectures is described in the Teaching methods section; the course programme lists disciplinary contents.
· Partly delivered online in synchronous format
· Purpose, phases of the analytical procedure, and classification of analytical methods
· Sampling
· Expression of sample concentration
· Review of the chemistry of aqueous solutions: chemical equilibrium
· Theoretical aspects of dissolution and precipitation processes
· Salt hydrolysis: acid-base properties of anions, cations, and salts.
· Buffer solutions
B) Laboratory (0.5 CFU)
· Safety standards and risk prevention in a chemical laboratory
· Laboratory equipment and general analytical operations
· Learning tests
C) Qualitative Inorganic Analysis (0.5 CFU)
· Wet method for anion detection
· Wet method for cation detection/Flame test
D) Quantitative Analysis (0.75 CFU)
· Generalities on volumetric analysis and titration curves
· Acidimetry
· Alkalimetry
· Iodometry
· Gravimetric analysis/scales
E) Errors in Chemical Analysis (0.25 CFU)
· Precision/Accuracy
· Random/systematic/gross errors
· Significant figures
Lab Experiences
The course includes mandatory on-site lab experiences organized around the development of the following exercises:
I Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Basic techniques in laboratory practice
· Preparation of Acetolite
· Solubility tests
· Precipitation tests
· Gas development recognition reaction
· Preparation of a 0.4 M HCl solution through dilution
· Salt hydrolysis and pH measurement of saline solutions with litmus paper
· Preparation of a buffer solution
II Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Wet method recognition of Cations in individual salts
· Dry method recognition of Cations (flame test)
· Wet method recognition of Anions in individual salts
· Identification of minerals in Spirulina-containing samples
· Identification of phosphates and nitrates in a fertilizer
III Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Recognition of cations and anions in some health products
· Preparation of an inorganic pigment by precipitation
· Determination of the formula of an unknown salt
IV Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Preparation of an approximate 0.1 M NaOH solution
· Standardization of an approximate 0.1 M NaOH solution with 0.1 M standard HCl
· Standardization of an approximate 0.1 M NaOH solution with potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP)
· Determination of acetolite acidity by titration with 0.1 M standard NaOH
· Determination of citrus acidity by titration with 0.1 M standard NaOH
V Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Titration of a known concentration Vitamin C solution with 0.1 N standard Iodine
· Determination of Vitamin C content in a citrus with 0.002 N standard Iodine
· Determination of Vitamin C content in commercial products with 0.002 N standard Iodine
· Preparation of a room fragrance
· Titration of an unknown Vitamin C solution with 0.1 N standard Iodine
VI Exercise (0.5 CFU)
· Calculation and pH measurement with a pH meter of acidic and basic solutions
· Preparation of a burdock astringent tonic and measurement of its pH with a pH meter
· Measurement of pH and chlorides in a bath foam with a pH meter
· Filtration of the previously prepared room fragrance
· Set-up of a synthesized inorganic pigment for makeup
· Determination of total ashes of Althaea radix according to F.U. (10th Ed.)
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of General and Inorganic Chemistry is required in order to deal with chemical equilibria, aqueous solutions, ionic reactivity, stoichiometric calculations, and concentrations. The prerequisites are the same for attending and non-attending students. No prerequisite examinations are required.
Teaching methods
Teaching combines instructional and interactive activities. In-person lectures are integrated with synchronous and asynchronous online activities, delivered alternately and specified in the detailed schedule published on MyAriel with dates, times, contents, methodologies, and required resources. The online component concerns selected parts of the non-laboratory lectures and is used to support autonomous consolidation of concepts, preparation for laboratory practice, and discussion of applied case studies; individual laboratory practice (ESEPS) is compulsory and held in person over full days.
Teaching activities include slide-based lectures, discussion of case studies, recorded learning objects, self-assessment tests, collaborative small-group activities, and presentation and discussion of laboratory results. The methods are aligned with the expected learning outcomes: lectures support knowledge and understanding of analytical principles; laboratory practice develops applied skills and operational autonomy; reports and presentations foster critical processing, communication skills, and collaborative learning.
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended; attendance at ESEPS laboratory activities is compulsory according to the Degree Programme requirements. Teaching materials and laboratory procedures are available on MyAriel for both attending and non-attending students.
Teaching activities include slide-based lectures, discussion of case studies, recorded learning objects, self-assessment tests, collaborative small-group activities, and presentation and discussion of laboratory results. The methods are aligned with the expected learning outcomes: lectures support knowledge and understanding of analytical principles; laboratory practice develops applied skills and operational autonomy; reports and presentations foster critical processing, communication skills, and collaborative learning.
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended; attendance at ESEPS laboratory activities is compulsory according to the Degree Programme requirements. Teaching materials and laboratory procedures are available on MyAriel for both attending and non-attending students.
Teaching Resources
Mandatory material: laboratory procedures, slides, learning objects, sample tests and additional materials made available on MyAriel. This material is the same for attending and non-attending students, unless supplementary instructions are published on the platform.
Recommended supplementary texts (not compulsory):
Skoog, D.A.; West, D.M.; Holler, F.J.; Crouch, S.R., Chimica analitica: una introduzione, EdiSES, most recent available edition. Mandatory text: No.
Porretta, G.C., Analisi di preparazioni farmaceutiche. Analisi quantitativa, CISU, most recent available edition. Mandatory text: No.
Araneo, A., Chimica analitica qualitàtiva, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Rubino, F.; Venzaghi, I.; Cozzi, R., Stechio & Lab - Le basi dell'analisi chimica, Zanichelli, most recent available edition
Recommended supplementary texts (not compulsory):
Skoog, D.A.; West, D.M.; Holler, F.J.; Crouch, S.R., Chimica analitica: una introduzione, EdiSES, most recent available edition. Mandatory text: No.
Porretta, G.C., Analisi di preparazioni farmaceutiche. Analisi quantitativa, CISU, most recent available edition. Mandatory text: No.
Araneo, A., Chimica analitica qualitàtiva, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Rubino, F.; Venzaghi, I.; Cozzi, R., Stechio & Lab - Le basi dell'analisi chimica, Zanichelli, most recent available edition
Assessment methods and Criteria
Intermediate formative assessments will be carried out during the course to monitor student progress and provide feedback on areas requiring further study. These activities include short multiple-choice, true/false or short-answer tests, reports on laboratory activities, group oral presentations on experimental results, and evaluation of active participation in classroom or online discussions.
General Exam Type
The final examination is always held in person and consists of a written test with a maximum duration of 90 minutes, including: open-ended questions on the topics covered in lectures and laboratory classes (2-5 points each), stoichiometry and/or analytical chemistry exercises (2-5 points each), balancing of chemical reactions and/or formulation of calculation expressions (2-4 points each), and multiple-choice questions (0.5-2 points each). Compensatory and dispensatory measures are provided for students with disabilities and specific learning disorders in accordance with current regulations.
The student must demonstrate a good ability to process information, clearly explaining the acquired concepts with critical thinking and proficiency in the use of scientific language.
Grading Scale (The assessment is graded out of 30): The written examination contributes up to 26/30 points; the remaining 4/30 points derive from assignments connected to practical activities, including laboratory reports, presentations, and documented participation in interactive activities. Intermediate tests are mainly formative; the assessment component of the assignments is explained to students at the beginning of the course. Evaluation criteria include: correctness and completeness of knowledge; ability to apply analytical procedures and stoichiometric calculations; accuracy in data processing; ability to organize knowledge in a coherent discourse; appropriate use of scientific terminology; clarity of presentation; synthesis, connection-making, and critical reasoning skills. During the written test, the use of textbooks, notes, or connected devices is not allowed; any permitted tools, such as a non-programmable calculator or tables/formula sheets, will be specified in the test instructions.
The overall verbalized grade is assigned according to the following scheme:
· Sufficient (18 - 20/30): Limited knowledge acquired, superficial understanding, many gaps; poor synthesis and expression abilities.
· Fair (21 - 23/30): Fair acquisition of knowledge but lacking depth, few gaps; acceptable command of scientific language; logical abilities and moderate continuity in linking moderately complex topics; more than sufficient synthesis ability.
· Good (24 - 26/30): Fairly broad knowledge base, moderate depth; satisfactory expressive abilities and significant command of scientific language; good synthesis ability.
· Very Good (27 - 29/30): Very extensive knowledge base, well elaborated; considerable expressive abilities and high command of scientific language; high synthesis ability.
· Excellent (30/30): Very extensive and deep knowledge base; high expressive abilities and high command of scientific language; pronounced aptitude for making connections between different topics; excellent synthesis ability. Distinction (Honors): Awarded to candidates distinctly above average, whose potential knowledge, expressive, conceptual, or logical limitations are overall completely negligible.
Examples of previous written tests are available on MyAriel.
General Exam Type
The final examination is always held in person and consists of a written test with a maximum duration of 90 minutes, including: open-ended questions on the topics covered in lectures and laboratory classes (2-5 points each), stoichiometry and/or analytical chemistry exercises (2-5 points each), balancing of chemical reactions and/or formulation of calculation expressions (2-4 points each), and multiple-choice questions (0.5-2 points each). Compensatory and dispensatory measures are provided for students with disabilities and specific learning disorders in accordance with current regulations.
The student must demonstrate a good ability to process information, clearly explaining the acquired concepts with critical thinking and proficiency in the use of scientific language.
Grading Scale (The assessment is graded out of 30): The written examination contributes up to 26/30 points; the remaining 4/30 points derive from assignments connected to practical activities, including laboratory reports, presentations, and documented participation in interactive activities. Intermediate tests are mainly formative; the assessment component of the assignments is explained to students at the beginning of the course. Evaluation criteria include: correctness and completeness of knowledge; ability to apply analytical procedures and stoichiometric calculations; accuracy in data processing; ability to organize knowledge in a coherent discourse; appropriate use of scientific terminology; clarity of presentation; synthesis, connection-making, and critical reasoning skills. During the written test, the use of textbooks, notes, or connected devices is not allowed; any permitted tools, such as a non-programmable calculator or tables/formula sheets, will be specified in the test instructions.
The overall verbalized grade is assigned according to the following scheme:
· Sufficient (18 - 20/30): Limited knowledge acquired, superficial understanding, many gaps; poor synthesis and expression abilities.
· Fair (21 - 23/30): Fair acquisition of knowledge but lacking depth, few gaps; acceptable command of scientific language; logical abilities and moderate continuity in linking moderately complex topics; more than sufficient synthesis ability.
· Good (24 - 26/30): Fairly broad knowledge base, moderate depth; satisfactory expressive abilities and significant command of scientific language; good synthesis ability.
· Very Good (27 - 29/30): Very extensive knowledge base, well elaborated; considerable expressive abilities and high command of scientific language; high synthesis ability.
· Excellent (30/30): Very extensive and deep knowledge base; high expressive abilities and high command of scientific language; pronounced aptitude for making connections between different topics; excellent synthesis ability. Distinction (Honors): Awarded to candidates distinctly above average, whose potential knowledge, expressive, conceptual, or logical limitations are overall completely negligible.
Examples of previous written tests are available on MyAriel.
CHEM-07/A - Pharmaceutical Chemistry - University credits: 7
Tutorials: 48 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Meneghetti Fiorella, Straniero Valentina
Shifts:
Professor:
Meneghetti Fiorella
Turno 1
Professor:
Meneghetti FiorellaTurno 2
Professor:
Straniero ValentinaProfessor(s)