Analytical chemistry
Term Paper
This term paper will account for 40% of your total mark.
To attain a high mark you will need to:
Research the topic very thoroughly. There is a considerable breadth of reading required.
Provide literature references throughout.
Demonstrate a clear understanding and justification of the analytical technique(s) chosen.
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen analytical technique(s).
Consider both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the problem.
Consider instrumentation limitations and difficulties you perceive.
Describe solutions to problems where possible.
Show independent thinking and analysis of the literature.
Use what you have learnt to draw reasonable conclusions and recommendations.
There are often no right or wrong answers. Well balanced supported arguments are required.
There is a maximum page limit of 25 pages of text, no rules on font or spacings used.
You have been hired by a General Electric. General Electric manufactures MRI spectrometers and used to make NMR spectrometers back in the 70-80’s.
General Electric left the NMR market as there were lots of manufactures, Nicolet, Bruker, GE, Joel, Varian to name a few.
However, now there is just one main manufacture Bruker. You have been asked to research both the current and up and coming technologies in NMR and look at its potential for future growth as a field.
You need to assess and report on the benefits of NMR, as well as its current and future uses across all fields.
What are its unique selling points, what can it do that other instruments cannot? How important is NMR to the future of science in general?
Identify its weaknesses, for example, low sensitivity, cost, maintenance, helium shortages etc.
Research potential solutions to these problems, this should include all state-of-the-art as-well as up and coming technologies to help with NMR sensitivity and help reduce costs (for example, cryogen free super conducting magnets in the future).
Critically argue whether these advancements in your opinion will change the field of NMR or are more “trends” that will likely die out.
Finish by concluding whether you think GE should re-enter the NMR market and start making spectrometers again.
Note this is NOT a business proposal.
You will get zero marks for discussing profit/loss, financial projections.
Stick to the science of NMR, balance its positives and negatives in terms of scientific information.
Discuss the developments in NMR, its potential to provide unique information and cutting edge solutions to solve its weaknesses.
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