Instructions:
Candidates are to answer ALL questions/ALL parts of questions

This assessment is designed to assess the following learning outcomes of the module:

1. Discuss and critically evaluate the principles and applications of selected analytical techniques used for drug analysis (in-class test and examination)

2. Critically evaluate scientific data from analytical instruments and/or from relevant research publications in the field (laboratory exercise and in-class test)

Summarise and critically appraise the Article included as follows:

PART A

Write a synopsis of the article highlighting its major findings and key results and conclusions - avoid all abbreviations and acronyms

PART B

Write a critical appraisal of the article in terms of the science, methods, and results contained therein as well as a discussion of how the research contributes to the body of knowledge in its field both in terms of the analytical techniques it employs and its application to the field.

In the context of the critical appraisal give consideration to whether GCMS or LCMS should be adopted for general drug screening in wastewater.

PART A - Should be a clear and concise summary of the article which;

- Focuses on and summarises methodology, results and their meaning and demonstrates clear understanding of the subject matter

- Is comprehensible to a scientist not intimate with the research topic

- Avoids jargon, abbreviations, acronyms and extraneous material

PART B - Should be a personal and critical appraisal of the article which

- Places the study in its wider context

- Assesses the articles validity, positives and negatives, importance and contribution to the field, as well as its limitations (this should cover the technical aspects of the instrumentation as well the specific application of it as reported in the article)

Questions to consider here might include:

1) Is the science in the article robust?

2) Are the results valid, easily reproducible, accurate, important, merely theoretical or likely to have real application?

3) Does the article leave any questions in your mind, what is missed or what further could be undertaken?

4) Does the article have an impact or is it likely to?

5) Is it a one off study or part of a longer research programme of the authors?

6) What, if any useful contribution does it make to the field of study?

7) Is it highly specialised or likely to be of general interest?

Article Included:

Optimization of in-situ derivatization SPME by experimental design for GC-MS multi-residue analysis of pharmaceutical drugs in waste water by Gomes, P., Nazario, C., von Wolff, A., Coneglian, C., Umbuzeiro, G., Lancas, F. Journal of Separation Science (2011) 34, 436-445