2023-2024 / CHIM0657-1

Emerging techniques in the science of separation

Duration

10h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Jean-François Focant, Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto

Coordinator

Jean-François Focant

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This class aims to initiate students to advance separation science methods used in research. The class focus specifically on multidimensional methods combining chromatography and mass spectrometry. The content is split into four active and applied learning modules. They are each based on a different learning approach.
The students are working in team and they are supervised by a group of PhD students and post-docs. The class is given in English.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the class, the students will be able to:

  • Explain the concept behind multidimensional analytical methods
  • Explain the different analysis steps taking place in a research lab
  • Establish an analytical workflow in order to select and develop an analytical method
  • Explain the different steps taking place during the data processing
  • Process data using uni- and multivariate methods in the MetaboAnalyst platform
  • Communicate the method used and the results obtained

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The students have to master the basic concepts of analytical chemistry. The main topics are: chromatography, mass spectrometry, and basic statistics.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The class content is split into four active and applied learning modules.
The first module aims to introduce the topic: sample types, analytical methods, and data treatment. This section contains a theoretical introduction and some suggested scientific readings.
 The second module aims to perform the analysis in the laboratory. The student will be coached by scientists for the sample preparation and the use of the instruments.
The third module focus on the data treatment through the online open source platform, Metaboanalyst. This section is a hand on session. The students discover the platform by following and reproducing the teacher actions on their own computer. They are pushed to explore the different platform capabilities to reach independence.
The last module is the final presentation of the results. The students have to build a Powerpoint presentation et they have 15 minutes to share their work. During the presentation preparation, they are coached by the teaching team regarding the content and the preparation of the visual communication media.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Due to the active and applied format, this class is a sit-in module.

Recommended or required readings

Les notes de cours seront partagées avec les étudiants avant chaque séance de cours.
En fonction des sujets choisis, des lectures recommandées seront mise à disposition des étudiants.

The assessment will be based on the 15 minutes' presentation of the results. The students are highly encouraged to use visual communication media (e.g. Powerpoint). The assessment included the scientific content and the communication (e.g. presentation and visual communication media)

Work placement(s)

NA.

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The class is organized around different modules. Each module lasts a half- day, depending on the students and teachers' availability. Each half-day will be separated by at least a week in order to perform the samples analysis.
The students are encouraged to contact the class teachers in the beginning of the term to establish the planning.

Contacts

Prof. Jean-François Focant, JF.Focant@uliege.be
Dr. Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto, phstefanuto@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs