ADVANCED SEPARATIONS: CHROMATOGRAPHY, MASS SPECTROMETRY AND DATA ANALYSIS - 2026/7

Module Overview

This is module designed to offer students a thorough grounding in two important techniques within modern analytical science. In contemporary scientific practice, the ability to separate, identify, and quantify components in complex mixtures is essential across various fields, including pharmaceutical development, environmental monitoring, forensic science, and biomedical research. This module will examine the fundamental principles of different chromatographic techniques, detailing how compounds are separated based on their differential distribution between stationary and mobile phases. It also covers the principles of mass spectrometry, a significant technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, allowing for molecular weight determination and structural investigation of a wide range of analytes.
Throughout this module, students will not only grasp the core theories underpinning different chromatographic methods (such as GC, HPLC, and TLC) and diverse mass spectrometric ionisation and analysis techniques (including LC-MS and GC-MS as well as ambient ionisation and mass spectral imaging), but they will also gain invaluable hands-on practical experience. Students will learn to operate state-of-the-art instrumentation, develop and validate analytical methods, and critically interpret the rich data generated. The combination of theoretical understanding and practical skills is intended to provide students with the expertise to apply these analytical methods effectively in academic research or various industrial contexts, preparing them for their future scientific careers.

Module provider

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

SEARS Patrick (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

The module will include background and theory of standard techniques in chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry with application to chemical, clinical, pharmaceutical, forensic and environmental industries.
Specific content will address:

• Chromatography; traditional separation methods (TLC, LC, GC, IC, SEC, SFC, SPE), advanced separations (2d and chiral separation).

• Mass Spectrometry; ionisation, detection technology (quadrupoles, tandem mass spectrometry, time of flight, ion traps and orbitraps), ambient ionisation and mass spectrometry imaging.

• Method development; column selection, sample preparation and clean-up.

• Data interpretation; qualitative analysis, quantitation, and structure elucidation.

Using relevant, real-world examples such as common drugs and pharmaceuticals, clinically relevant analytes, and environmental pollutants this module will illustrate both qualitative and quantitative applications of analytical science including target analysis, impurity profiling, degradation studies and extractable and leachables.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

For each coursework: An essay of 3000 words will be required, critically reviewing analysis to support a chosen application covered in the lecture material in place of the Practical/Workshop assessment covering the same Learning Outcomes.

This alternative assessment is only available to those who have attended / completed the lab work. If lab sessions have been missed, then they will need to be retaken in the LSA period.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to:

• Help students to develop and test their knowledge and their skills in a manner that not only enhances their understanding of the topic but allows them to situate it within the wider context of the subject area providing consistency within the program they are studying.  The assessments therefore contain valuable employability components and test a range of transferable skills.

• Allow for assessment to take place in a supportive context through collaborative work that is, in part, peer assessed, and that can be applied to assessments in other modules.  This approach contributes to the development of students as independent learners by empowering them to self-evaluate, and reflect on, their own performance in relation to others.

• Assist students to test their performance in relation to ¿real-life¿ scenarios using authentic industry relevant methods and procedures in theoretical and practical problem solving.

All aspects of the assessment strategy further allow students to receive feedback from expert staff.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Coursework 1: Collect, interpret, critically analyse and present the experimental data related to attended laboratory sessions ¿ LO1, LO2, LO3

• In class test 1: Complete an in-class test covering the range of material related to chromatographic analysis discussed in lectures and workshops.  The in-class test will be designed to test knowledge understanding, applications and problem-solving using the material presented¿ LO1, LO3, LO4

• Coursework 2: Collect, interpret, critically analyse and present the experimental data related to attended workshop sessions ¿ LO2, LO 3, LO4

• Examination: Complete an exam covering the range of material related to mass spectrometry discussed in lectures and tutorials. The exam will be designed to test knowledge, understanding, application and problem-solving using the material presented ¿ LO1, LO4, LO5

Formative assessment:
Informal formative assessment is conducted throughout the module during seminars where students can engage in a variety of activities (including quizzes with instant feedback) and to receive both peer and tutor feedback, with the aim of allowing students to assess their progress week by week. 
Feedback: 
Feedback and feedforward on summative assignments will be provided via SurreyLearn. This will indicate what students did well, less well, and what they need to do to improve in the future and will relate both to issues specific to the module and to transferable skills. Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module within in-class discussions and activities, and tutorials.

Module aims

• Provide a knowledge framework that enables students to select appropriate analytical tools based on a sound understanding of the underlying principles.
• Empower students to act autonomously in planning and conducting chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis through the development of necessary practical skills.
• Ensure students can analyse real-world chromatography and mass spectrometry data to support qualitative (including structure elucidation) and quantitative conclusions.
• Enable students to critically review methods and studies conducted elsewhere to understand the validity of the data and how it supports the critical findings.
• Improve understanding of key applications in the fields of chemical, pharmaceutical, clinical, forensic and environmental sciences and how these are supported by analytical measurement and regulatory frameworks.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Enable students to develop knowledge, skills, and critical thinking in relation to analytical techniques, quality assurance and quality control through lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, study examples, videos, active learning/discussion sessions, and self-study with online resources.

• Allow students to work individually and collectively to achieve analytical outcomes that mirror those common in quality control assessment, building upon previously acquired skills.

• To maximise learning by encouraging students to be actively engaged in critical evaluation, decision-making, negotiation, evaluation of information, and the application of theory to practice, to address challenges and solve problems faced by pharmaceutical scientists.

The learning and teaching methods include:
Students will learn the principles of separation and mass spectrometry in relation to the evaluation of a range of different samples. They will learn how this ¿fits¿ within the wider context of environmental, forensic, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences.  The learning and teaching strategy will use this context to develop students¿ confidence and competence in working with others, digital capabilities, leadership, teamwork, communication skills, employability, and professionalism.
To achieve this, a mix of learning and teaching methods will be used including flipped learning lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, active learning/discussion sessions, and online resources. These methods will combine guided learning, independent learning, and self-reflection.

• Lectures will introduce and explain key concepts, theories, and core aspects of the practical application of the issues discussed.

• Practical workshops and laboratory sessions will provide students with the opportunity to be active participants in their learning experience by undertaking interactive exercises and group discussions, demonstrating their acquired understanding and knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills.

In order to build confidence and to engage students with diverse learning backgrounds, students will be encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and reflections, including those relating to their own experiences.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHEM050

Other information

The school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Digital capabilities: Through this module students will be exposed to many different analytical tools and platforms, each of which has its own software platform. Giving students hands-on experience with these systems will help them develop digital skills with industry-standard software.  Laboratory simulations and digital modelling will be used to provide the opportunity to develop transferable skills and this will be further supported through coursework assessments.
Employability: This module allows students to develop their understanding of analytical chemistry as it applies to a range of different industries and purposes.  Students will be exposed to industry best practice and the latest developments through the inclusion of external speakers ¿ specially selected professionals working in the field to provide students direct access to experts.  This will give the opportunity for networking supporting future career planning for roles across the industry.  This will hold clear benefits in relation to their post-graduate employability as they progress to their employment or to the year in the industry.
Transferable skills will be addressed as the module allows students to further practice wider attributes that will be attractive to employers in this field. The focus of the assessment strategy will help to prepare students for the realities of the world of work because it allows them to be familiar with work ethics, time management, reporting and how different types of analytical techniques are used in the chemical, clinical, forensic and environmental industries.
Global and cultural capabilities: This module will provide an overview of the global impact of analytical science across the chemical, pharmaceutical and environmental industries. Students will be exposed to the important aspects of globalization and appreciate cultural differences among the student body. This module exposes students to many examples from different countries related to the production of chemicals and medicines (with regards both quality of production and management of waste) as well as analysis to support clinical and forensic analysis in toxicology, environmental and other fields.
Sustainability: Students will develop their appreciation, understanding and critical thinking focused on the use of green solvents, novel analytical tools that shorten the time of the analysis and energy input minimization when conducting the analytical assessment.  The impact of persistent organic pollutants (PFAS, pesticides and PCBs), trace impurities (nitrosamines and other carcinogens) on the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and wider environment will be developed throughout the module reflecting on the green economy.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.