Spring 2020 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
Required Course Texts: None, this website is a useful reference: http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/
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 multivariable enviromental models and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships.
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.
Graded Exercises
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 performance-based, time-limited, data analysis exam that will be held in the Sims 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 the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 803-323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Disability Services, 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).