Open learning

Barker, J. and Ando, D.J., Mass Spectrometry Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning, Wiley, Chichester, U.K., 1999. 

I.A. Fowlis, Gas Chromatography. Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning, 2nd Edn, J. Wiley Sons, Chichester, 1995. ISBN 0471954683. 

B. George and P. McIntyre. Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning Infrared Spectroscopy John Wiley Sons, New York, 1987. A good primer on the basics of applied infrared spectroscopy. 

P — power, V — volume, N — impeller speed, D — stirrer diameter, Source Biotechnology by Open Learning [22]. 

W O George and P S McIntyre, Infrared Spectroscopy — Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning, ACOL, Thames Polytechnic/Wiley, Chichester, 1987, p 238... 

Following upon the success of the ACOL series, which by its very name is predominately concerned with Analytical Chemistry, the Analytical Techniques in the Sciences (AnTs) series of open learning texts has now been introduced with the aim of providing a broader coverage of the many areas of science in which analytical techniques and methods are now increasingly applied. With this in mind, the AnTs series of texts seeks to provide a range of books which will cover not only the actual techniques themselves, but also those scientific disciplines which have a necessary requirement for analytical characterization methods. 

The project will continue at Thames Polytechnic to support these Open Learning Texts , to continually refresh and update the material and to extend its coverage. 

Open learning texts are designed as a convenient and flexible way of studying for people who, for a variety of reasons cannot use conventional education courses. You will learn from this text the principles of one subject in Analytical Chemistry, but only by putting this knowledge into practice, under professional supervision, will you gain a full understanding of the analytical techniques described. 

To achieve the full benefit from an open learning text you need to plan your place and time of study. 

More in-depth treatments include Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy (second edition) by Michael Thomas, Wiley, Chichester, 1997. This book was written as part of a distance-learning course within the Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning (ACOL) series, so it contains a good number of examples and sample questions. Its typical ACOL format will probably annoy some readers. 

Barker, J. Mass Spectrometry - Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning 2nd ed. John Whey Sons Chichester, 1999. 

No - this book is designed for open learning, i.e. for students and practitioners who are new to electroanalysis and require tutorial support in the form of a book. Students in such a position are advised to work through the examples at their own pace, starting at the beginning and progressing in a linear fashion. There may be a few readers with some prior experience of electroanalysis who prefer to pick at the text, and to use it as a form of refresher course . It is hoped that they will also benefit from the approach used here. 

Riley, T. and Tomlinson, C., Principles of Electroanalytical Methods, ACOL Series, Wiley, Chichester, 1987. This is the first of the three Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning (ACOL) texts on electroanalysis (all of which are now out of print), and the lesser of the three in terms of quality, so few of today s readers will bother to search its pages now. It is nevertheless quite a good introduction to the field, although its age is showing quite badly. The lack of an index, together with other period features, detract from an otherwise readable book. 

Morgan, E., Chemometrics Experimental Design, Analytical Chemistry By Open Learning, John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 1991. 

Clearly, the commercial or consultancy laboratory that tests sub-samples of a marketed product worth millions of pounds, or assesses the purity of pharmaceuticals, or analyses forensic samples, must have far higher levels of both accuracy and verifiability than student practical classes. There should, however, always be an effort to produce the most accurate and reliable results within the constraints of the laboratory facilities available, otherwise a lax attitude will produce work of doubtful interpretation that could mislead others, as well as giving little job satisfaction. Several books, which are more suited to the commercial sector, have been written on the quality of laboratory analysis, however some quality assurance practices could be beneficial in the smaller laboratory. A useful open-learning style book on basic concepts of quality in the analytical laboratory has been co-authored by staff at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (Crosby et ai, 1995). 

Information on how to prepare a Cochrane Review is contained in the Cochrane Reviewers Handbook (www.cochrane.org/resources/handbook). Preparing a Cochrane Review requires skills that may be new to the author. The Cochrane Collaboration s Open Learning Material (www.cochrane.org/resources/ openlearning), together with the Cochrane Reviewers Handbook, helps people to prepare a Cochrane Review, and the Cochrane Centres and some Collaborative Review Groups provide or facilitate training through workshops (www.cochrane.org/news/ workshops.htm). 

Quality in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Pritchard, E. (Ed.), Wiley, Chichester, 1995. A concise practical guide to quality assurance procedures, this open learning text is ideal for beginners. 

Morgan, E (1991), Chemometrics experimental design, in Analytical chemistry by open learning (Chichester Wiley). 

Hamilton, R. and Hamilton, S., Thin Layer Chromatography, John Wiley Sons, Chichester, 1987 (on behalf of Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning, London). 

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