Spring 2011 Introductory Chemometrics CHEM312 (Owens) Syllabus
This syllabus is a living document; students must check the syllabus posted on the Department web site http://chem.winthrop.edu/ for any changes prior to every class attendance
One lecture hour per week, one credit hour
Dates reflect R lecture day for Spring 2011 semester
Required Course Texts: Statistics and Chemometrics for Analytical Chemistry, James N Miller & Jane C Miller, 5th ed. (2005)
Course Outline: This is a short course in Introductory Chemometrics, the application of mathematical and statistical techniques for the analysis of chemical data sets. With the tremendous increase in data collection and processing capabilities, the rate of data generation using modern analytical instruments can be overwhelming. Chemometrics rescues us from the situation in which we are drowning in information but starving for knowledge.
The goal of many chemometric techniques is to use measurements to produce a model for any one of a nearly infinite number of possibilities to include defining a complex system, predicting properties, optimizing a signal, designing an experiment, immediately assessing the quality of a product from an industrial process or proving an important hypothesis. Most research projects require the understanding and judicious use of statistical and mathematical tools we will be learning in this course. While technologies that generate data will continue to evolve, the mathematical and statistical tools available will continue to remain "current." Understanding and using these is an increasingly important part of a science education.
These mathematical and statistical tools are useful for a broad range of applications, particularly those that involve working with large data sets. Applications include solving problems such as apportioning the hydrocarbon air pollutants in a region to specific sources, controlling a major industrial chemical process, evaluating the impurities present in a pharmaceutical product, and determining the amount of moisture in wheat from a satellite. One can even apply these tools to determine the most powerful counting system to use in the game of 21!!
The course begins with a block on the design of calibration experiments that includes the three primary types of models used for analyte quantification: calibration, internal standard and standard addition. This block includes an introduction to sum of squares parameters, design matrices, and multivariable mathematical models of experimental data. This is followed by an examination of descriptive and inferential statistics, followed by a block on quality assurance in analytical chemistry. The last several lessons will focus on important applications such as QSAR, simplex optimization, principle component analysis or Fourier analysis.
Computer Expertise: This course will require students to demonstrate a capability to rapidly analyze data sets to address particular questions using Excel. Tests and final exams will be primarily performance based, time-limited, assessments.
Schedule: Lectures are scheduled at the appointed hour in the assigned classroom. The course syllabus provides the specific schedule. All course information is posted on the chemistry department's web page (chem.winthrop.edu).
Class Preparation: Homework assignments from the previous lesson are to be turned in at the beginning of each class. You are responsible for all assigned material and for all material discussed in lecture. You are expected to complete each reading assignment and begin working on the assigned problems prior to the date listed in the syllabus. For each class I recommend that you do the following:
Review previous lecture notes and course competencies
Complete the assigned problems from the previous lesson
Read assigned lesson for upcoming lecture, take notes
Work assigned problems
Graded Exercises
Periodic class quizzes may be given and will be worth 10-20 points each.
Each problem set requires individual work and will be worth 20-30 points.
The calibration quiz will be worth 75 points.
The final will be cumulative and worth 150 points. The final will be a two-part exam that will include a closed book exam and an open book, computer lab portion to demonstrate proficiency and understanding of material covered throughout the course.
Grades: Percentages will be calculated based upon total earned points divided by total points tested. You must score better than 50% on the final exam to pass the course. You must score an A on the final exam to earn an A in the course. The following grade range will be used: A = 93-100%; A- = 88-92%; B+ = 85-87%; B = 80-85%; B- = 76-79%; C+ = 72-75%; C = 66-71%; D = 56-66%; F = <66%
Attendance: You are expected to attend all class meetings for the full scheduled time.
Students with Disabilities: Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from Services for Students with Disabilities, please inform me as early as possible in the semester.
Student Conduct Code: “Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals.” The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the “Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy” in the online Student Handbook (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf).