Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Spectral Analysis and Interpretation
Reference AS3070 Version 8
Created April 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved June 2002 SCQF Points 15
Amended September 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To critically analyse IR, Raman, MS, and NMR spectra in structure elucidation.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Understand the techniques used in spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis of organic compounds.
2 Interpret IR, Raman, MS and NMR spectra in structure elucidation.
3 Discriminate between different drug/organic molecules using a combination of IR, Raman, MS and NMR spectra and perform data analysis from a range of advanced spectroscopic experiments.

Indicative Module Content
Topics include: Infrared, Raman, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and Mass spectrometry in structure elucidation and the identification of drug/organic molecules IR and Raman Spectroscopy: The IR and Raman absorption process, sample preparation. The uses and interpretation of IR and Raman spectra. Mass Spectrometry: Theory of ionisation processes in the formation of molecular ions, mechanisms involved in base peak and other stable fragment ions, interpretation of mass spectra. NMR spectroscopy: nuclear spin states, magnetic moments, resonance absorption. 1H NMR: chemical shift, integration, spin-spin coupling, (n+1) rule, signal width and multiplicity, techniques to simplify complex spectra. 13C NMR: fully and partially decoupled spectra. An introduction to advanced techniques, DEPT, COSY,HSQC, HMBC. Combined spectral interpretation of drug molecules, paint samples and polymers in forensic and chemical applications.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture based module supplemented by tutorials, practical laboratory classes and directed reading.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 40 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 110 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Open book written examination.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 (Examination ) comprises 100%. A minimum of a Grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 2 Forensic and Analytical Science or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 PAVIA, D.L., et al. Introduction to Spectroscopy. Current Edition. 2015, 5th Edition. Harcourt
2 WATSON, D.G. Pharmaceutical Analysis a textbook for pharmacy students and pharmaceutical chemist. 2017, 4th Edition. Elsevier Edinburgh
3 SIMPSON, J. H. Organic structure determination using 2-D NMR spectroscopy: a problem-based approach. 2012 2nd Edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier
4 RAHMAN, A., CHOUDARY, M. I. AND WAHAB, A. Solving problems with NMR spectroscopy. 2016 2nd Edition. Amsterdam: Academic Press
5 LARKIN, P.J. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy: principles and spectral interpretation. 2018. 2nd Edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781