Advanced Analytical Techniques (CSL) unit (XGR504)

Introduction

Offered to HDR candidates enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Research (X5A) and as an elective in the Continued Researcher Development program, XGR504 provides the postgraduate researcher with a greater understanding of the diversity, capability and applicability of the specialist analytical personnel, their skills, and the equipment housed within the Central Science Laboratory (CSL).

The unit includes an overview of CSL capabilities followed by four days of practical/workshop electives. Students nominate two practical elective areas to focus on (each of 2 days duration). During the elective component postgraduate researchers are introduced to the technique(s), the principles of operation, have attention drawn to the pros and cons of the methodology, issues related to sample preparation and instrument maintenance, data interpretation, as well as being exposed to specific application areas. In some areas students are encouraged to bring along their own samples for analysis. Key focus is also given to safety aspects. The unit will prove invaluable for students whose research work has a major laboratory component or those requiring specialist analytical requirements.

Summary

Unit name	Advanced Analytical Techniques (CSL)
Unit code	XGR504
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Sciences and Engineering Office
Discipline	Central Science Laboratory
Coordinator	Doctor Richard Wilson
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate a broad range of modern analytical instrumentation relating to individual research projects.
• Describe theoretical principles of selected techniques.
• Apply sample preparation requirements of selected techniques, at both general and application specific levels.
• Discuss and/or display basic operational procedures associated with selected techniques.
• Interpret generated data or spectra of selected techniques, commensurate with an early user.
• Critique the role of selected techniques within the context of current literature and research project design.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Co-requisites

Enrolment in HDR

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Candidates are provided with an overview the different analytical techniques available at the CSL that will be covered by this unit via MyLO. This will be followed by an on-line Q&A session with CSL staff (date in Mid2026 TBD) to guide students in their selection of two analytical techniques for their practical electives.  These two-day practical electives will be taught at CSL on the Sandy Bay Campus between April-July, dates TBD.
Assessment	Introductory Workshop Assessment (AT1) (10%)|Practical Assessment (AT2) (40%)|Literature Critique (AT3) (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required reading material will be provided by the Unit Coordinator.
Recommended	Recommended reading material will be provided by the Unit Coordinator.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.