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CHE-20089 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

CHE-20089 - Environmental Analysis
Coordinator: Chloe Harold Room: LJ1.60B Tel: +44 1782 7 33584
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

In this module you will gain experience with a wide range of modern spectroscopic and analytical techniques, focusing on their use in environmental analysis. These techniques include analytical chromatography, mass spectrometry and multinuclear NMR, which are widely used in commercial analytical laboratories and constitute essential employability skills. You will gain hands-on experience in using some of these techniques in the lab, as well as professional data analysis, interpretation and presentation in a series of structured exercises and a group project 

Aims
The aim of the module is that students will use a wide range of modern spectroscopic and related analytical techniques for the chemical characterisation in the context of environmental analysis. It aims to provide experience of the application of these techniques in the laboratory alongside the understanding and use of a range of techniques, students will develop fundamental analytical chemistry skills including error analysis, data interpretation and scientific presentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse, interpret and predict NMR spectral data: 3
Discuss the potential of analytical techniques for the analysis of complex samples: 1
Report and discuss the results of an analytical investigation in environmental chemistry according to the professional standards of chemistry: 1,2
Critically evaluate journal articles in relation to the analysis of data obtained in analytical investigation: 1
Explain and apply the basic principles of quantitative analysis using a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques: 2,3
Determine analyte concentrations with their associated errors through problem solving and analysis of experimental data, including the use of spreadsheets and graphical representations of chemical data.: 2
Discuss and apply principles of analytical chemistry to topics in environmental chemistry: 1,2,3

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Interactive Lectures: 30 hours
PC class workshops: 6 hours
Laboratory Practicals: 15 hours
Interactive workshop: 2 hours
Independent Study Hours:
Spreadsheet assessment preparation: 15 hours
Group Project assessment preparation: 15 hours
Problem Sheet assessment preparation: 35 hours
Self Study: 32 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 40%
Group Assessment
A group report equivalent to ~2000 words based on data obtained in the laboratory. Students will typically work in groups of 3 to collect and interpret analytical and spectroscopic data on a complex mixture. Student marks will be moderated based on peer assessment, such that each student receives an individual mark comprised of a group component (80%) and individual component (20%).

2: Exercise weighted 20%
Exercise (Spreadsheet)
Data analysis and interpretation, with emphasis on errors and scientific presentation, associated with work carried out in the laboratory. Approximately equivalent to ~1000 words.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 40%
Problem Sheets
Problem sheets employing a range of question styles and answer formats, equivalent to 2000 words

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025