Analytical methods in chemical ecology
The course contains a combination of lectures, workshops and practical exercises.
The lectures will cover methods of extraction of organic compounds, such as aeration, SPE, SPME and choices of organic solvents, as well as chromatography techniques such as liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Modern identification methods in chemical ecology, including HR-GC/MS and MS/MS will be covered.
The practical parts are a mix of workshops, covering for example interpretation of electron impact mass spectra, and preparation-and-analysis of samples using the analytical instrumentation at Chemical Ecology, Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agriculture, Alnarp.
The course has a practical focus with hands-on laboratory exercises, while also containing major elements of lectures and student-run workshops.
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
PLS0081 Analytical methods in chemical ecology, 6.0 Credits
Subjects
BiologyEducation cycle
Postgraduate levelGrading scale
Prior knowledge
The course is intended for PhD students in chemical ecology, analytical chemistry, ecology or related fields. Postdocs and M.Sc. students are also welcome.Objectives
After completion of the course, the students should:
-Have a good practical knowledge of methods for sampling of organic
compounds
-Understand gas chromatography and liquid chromatography analytical techniques
-Have a good practical knowledge how to choose methods, columns and detectors for chromatographic separations
-Understand different methods for identification of organic compounds
-Have a good practical knowledge how to identify and quantify organic compounds with GC-MS
Content
The course contains a combination of lectures, workshops and practical exercises.
The lectures will cover methods of extraction of organic compounds, such as aeration, SPE, SPME and choices of organic solvents, as well as chromatography techniques such as liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Modern identification methods in chemical ecology, including HR-GC/MS and MS/MS will be covered.
The practical parts are a mix of workshops, covering for example interpretation of electron impact mass spectra, and preparation-and-analysis of samples using the analytical instrumentation at Chemical Ecology, Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agriculture, Alnarp.
The course has a practical focus with hands-on laboratory exercises, while also containing major elements of lectures and student-run workshops.
Formats and requirements for examination
The students will be continuously examined throughout the practical moments of the course. All students are required to present their results from the workshops and practical exercises, and to discuss each other’s results.
Additional information
The course is scheduled full time for two weeks (minus the last Friday). Generally, there are lectures in the mornings (ca 9-12), followed by workshops or practical laboratory exercises in the afternoons (ca 13-17). The last day is reserved for student presentations/examinations.Apply by sending an email to the course leader no later than 15 June.
Responsible department
Department of Plant Protection Biology