Teaching directory
Course 2024-2025

Introduction to pharmaceutical analysis [MPHAB284]

  • 4 credits
  • 25h+30h
  • 1st quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français
Teacher: Pochet Lionel

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired 
 
- certain notions associated with the practice of analytical chemistry: weighing, pipetting, dilution and basic calculations (stoichiometry, units of measurement, dilution, etc.);
- the concept of analytical procedure;
- the concept of error in experimental measurement;
- the ability to apply the main calibration methods;
- UV/Visible spectroscopy technique;
- fluorescence technique;
- atomic spectroscopy technique;
- titrimetric analysis techniques;
- fundamental concepts of electroanalysis applied to potentiometric and amperometric techniques.
 
In addition, the student will be able to integrate all these notions in the context of a real analysis.

Objectives

The aim of analytical chemistry is to apply and develop methods for obtaining information on the nature and composition of a sample of matter. The aim of this course is to prepare students for qualitative and quantitative analytical chemistry, which will later be applied to drugs. In addition, this course should enable them to develop critical thinking, rigor, precision and trueness.

Content

In the first part of this course, we will review some fundamental concepts (units of measurement and concentration, weighing, pipetting, dilution). These concepts must be assimilated in the context of a real operating procedure.
 
Today, analytical chemistry is essentially a quantitative technique. It is therefore important to understand the variability associated with any quantitative measurement, and to be familiar with the main calibration methods.
 
The last part of this course is devoted to describing the following analytical techniques: UV/Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopy, titrimetry and some common electroanalysis methods.

Table of contents

1. Basic tools
 
2. Analysis of results
2.1 Experimental errors
2.2 Calibration
 
3. Spectroscopy
3.1 UV/Visible
3.2 Fluorescence
3.3 Atomic
 
4. Chemical equilibrium and titrimetry
4.1 Effects of electrolytes on equilibria
4.2 Titrimetry
 
5.  Electroanalysis techniques
5.1 Theoretical basis of electrochemical reaction
5.2 Potentiometry
5.3 Amperometry

Exercises description

Tutorial sessions are devoted to solving exercises and problems relating to the various chapters of the course. 
 
Practical work sessions are designed to reinforce students' ability to perform a number of essential laboratory operations: weighing, pipetting and dilution. They should also draw students' attention to the importance of quality results. This can only be achieved through rigor and trueness. In addition, these practical exercises will enable students to put into practice the concepts presented during the theoretical course and the exercise sessions.

Prerequisites

Approche pratique de la chimie [SCHIB114] et Chimie générale des solutions [SCHIB112]

Teaching methods

The use of a presentation program and the blackboard are implemented during the theoretical course, which is illustrated by a few numerical examples. 
 
Tutorial sessions are devoted to solving exercises and problems relating to the various chapters of the course. 
 
Practical work sessions are designed to reinforce students' ability to perform a number of essential laboratory operations: weighing, pipetting, dilution and use of the laboratory notebook.They should also draw students' attention to the importance of quality results. This can only be achieved through rigor, precision and trueness. In addition, these practical exercises will enable students to put into practice the concepts presented during the theoretical course and the exercise sessions.

Evaluations

Attendance at practical work during the year is compulsory. In the event of unjustified absence from several practical sessions, the exam mark will be capped at 8/20 for both sessions. The academic in charge of the course will assess whether or not the justification given for an absence is legitimate. The justification, consisting of absence due to accident, illness or force majeure, must be documented by the student, by means of a medical certificate or an attestation from a competent official body, depending on the situation, which must be serious and exceptional.
 
The teaching unit will be assessed by means of an in-session written examination, covering the material covered in lectures, exercises and practical sessions. Particular attention will be paid to the student's ability to integrate these notions in their entirety.
 
 

Recommended readings

Course slides and TD syllabus are available on WebCampus.

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté de médecine
rue de Bruxelles
61
5000 NAMUR
P. 081724347
F. 081724327
administration-medecine@unamur.be

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree