In this course you will study different aspects of quality towards the improvement amd assessment of the quality of results from the analytical laboratory. Starting from the fundamentals of analytical methods studied in previous subjcts, tools to achieve the improvement of the results obtained are developed. On the one hand, you will work on the technical issues, like those related to the development and implementation of analytical methods and the quality control and, on the other hand, issues related to management of the laboratory in the implementation on quality assurance.

In this course, different methods for guaranteeing the quality of the analytical determinations are described. Moreover, legislation and regulations that affect to the activity of the analytical laboratories are studied. Finally, methods for the quality control and assurance in the laboratory are included.

Competences:

M03CM04: To know the protocols and quality standards for an analytical laboratory in order to carry out validation of the methods of analysis and measurement and to help in the correct management of the resources.

M03CM09: To interpret and discuss the relevant results obtained experimentally and present the corresponding conclusions in scientific-technical reports and oral presentations

M03CM11: To be able to explain orally and in written in a comprehensible way, phenomena and problems related to Chemistry and related fields in English.

M03CM12: To be able to use the information and knowledge to be competent in new, existing or emerging fields related with Chemistry

1.- Development and implementation of analytical methods.

Uncertainty and traceability of measurements; method validation; interlaboratory comparisons; sampling.

2.- Quality control.

Diagrams and trends; control solutions; blanks. Reference materials.

3.- Quality assurance.

ISO 17025 certification and accreditation. Good laboratory practice. Laboratory management.

Two hours per week will be lectures (M), 1 hour per week will be practical (GA) except for the last 5 weeks, 1 hour per week will be computer practice (GO) and during the last 5 weeks one hour per week will be seminars

• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 60
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 40

Written exam 60%

handed work 40%

Written exam 60%

previously handed work 40%

Basic bibliography

Quality Assurance in analytical chemistry. E. Prichard Vicki Barwick. Wiley. 2007, Weinheim

In-depth bibliography

Quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurements, Eurachem/Citac Guide, 3rd ed. 2012 (www.eurachem.org)
Quality assurance in analytical chemistry. B.W. Wenclawiak, M. Koch eta E. Hadjicostas ed. Springer, 2004, Berlin

Journals

Accreditation and Quality Assurance, Springer
The Quality Assurance Journal, Wiley

Web addresses

Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) : http:// www.lgc.co.uk
Eurachem: http://www.eurachem.org/
http://www.nordicinnovation.net/nordtest.cfm
National Institute of Standards and Testing: http://www.nist.gov