Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CHEM 316 D100

Introductory Instrumental Analysis (4)

Class Number: 5821

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Byron Gates
    bgates@sfu.ca
    778-782-8066
    Office: SCC9026

  • Prerequisites:

    CHEM 210, 216, and 260, all with a minimum grade of C-, or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Principles and applications of basic analytical instrumentation based upon spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Please note, this course outline was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Mode of Teaching:

2 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week; 4 laboratory hours/week
Lecture: In-person at Burnaby campus
Tutorial: In-person at Burnaby campus
Laboratory: In-person at Burnaby campus


Description/topics:

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the primary spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques currently in widespread use. A selection of laboratory assignments will augment theoretical concepts. The principles of signal generation by chemical species will be discussed in class. Discussions will also include the importance of optimizing all stages of an analysis, from sampling and sample preparation to signal detection and data analysis. Key learning objectives include decision making, formulation and testing of hypotheses, and critical thinking as they apply to the analysis of chemical species using a variety of instrumental techniques. The laboratory component of this course provides hands-on experience to develop a working knowledge of key techniques, which will be captured in regular laboratory reports.


Lecture Topics:

Instrument based identification of chemical species, such as using atomic spectroscopic techniques (e.g., AAS, AES, EDS, XRF, ICP, ICPMS) & molecular spectroscopic methods (e.g., UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence). Isolation of chemical species for qualitative and quantitative analyses will be pursued through chromatographic techniques (e.g., GC, HPLC, CE, IC) and hyphenated techniques (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS). Lectures will cover the principles of chemical species identification based on instrumental techniques, including separation theory as it applies to this analysis.

Laboratory Assignments:

Assignments will include gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy (AAS and AES), and molecular absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy.


Prerequisite/corequisite: CHEM 210, 216, and 260, all with a minimum grade of C-, or permission of the department.

Grading

  • Weekly Quizzes 35%
  • Lab Reports 40%
  • Pre-labs 5%
  • Lab Marks (e.g., notebooks, timeliness, cleanliness) 5%
  • Final Exam 15%

NOTES:

Attendance of In-Person Laboratory Sessions: Students are required to attend all in-person laboratory sessions. If you are unable to attend an in-person laboratory session due to illness, please contact your lab instructor as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

REQUIREMENTS:

To pass this course, students must pass BOTH the exam and laboratory portions.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Materials:

  • Each student must bring their own hard-bound laboratory notebook with numbered pages.
  • Lab coats and safety glasses/goggles.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 Precautions: Lab coats and safety glasses/goggles are mandatory in Chemistry for all in-person laboratory sessions. Additional PPE and precautionary measures may be required during in-person laboratory sessions based on the recommendations of the University and provincial health officials.

REQUIRED READING:

Skoog, Holler & Crouch. Principles of Instrumental Analysis. 7th Edition, 2017. Publishers: Brooks Cole or Cengage Learning.

Electronic version recommended. Available from Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781305577213

RECOMMENDED READING:

Principles of Instrumental Analysis, Skoog, Holler & Crouch, Custom Edition, or any other edition.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.