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Advanced Analytical Chemistry – Theoretical and Practical Sampling
Provider: Faculty of Science

Activity no.: 5981-25-00-00There are 20 available seats 
Enrollment deadline: 04/08/2025
PlaceDepartment of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Date and time01.09.2025, at: 09:00 - 20.09.2025, at: 16:00
Regular seats20
Activity Prices:
  - 2 Course fee PhD student enrolled at UCPH SCIENCE0.00 kr.
  - 3 Course fee PhD student at Danish Universities (except CBS)0.00 kr.
  - 4 Course fee PhD student at Copenhagen Business School3,000.00 kr.
  - 5 Course fee PhD student at foreign university3,000.00 kr.
  - 6 Course fee Master's student at Danish university0.00 kr.
  - 7 Course fee Master's student at foreign university3,000.00 kr.
  - 8 Course fee Employee at university (e.g., postdocs)3,000.00 kr.
  - 9 Course fee Others (e.g., from a private company)8,400.00 kr.
  - 1 Participant fee (all participants in add. to course fee)0.00 kr.
LecturersGiorgio Tomasi
ECTS credits2.50
Contact personGiorgio Tomasi    E-mail address: gito@plen.ku.dk
Enrolment Handling/Course OrganiserPhD Administration SCIENCE    E-mail address: phdcourses@science.ku.dk
Aim and content
This is a toolbox course where 80% of the seats are reserved to PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of SCIENCE at UCPH and 20% og the seats are reserved to PhD students from other Danish Universities/faculties (except CBS).
Anyone can apply for the course, but if you are not a PhD student at a Danish university (except CBS), you will be placed on the waiting list until enrollment deadline. After the enrollment deadline, available seats will be allocated to applicants on the waiting list.
The course is free of charge for PhD students at Danish universities (except CBS).
All other participants must pay the course fee (except if you are a master’s student from a Danish University).

Aim
To provide PhD students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of sampling principles and techniques relevant for obtaining representative samples for chemical analysis from various matrices. The course focuses on minimizing sampling errors and quantifying sampling uncertainty.
NB This course covers sampling only; sample preparation techniques are not included.

Content
Sampling is a cornerstone of reliable analytical results. This course provides a thorough treatment of Pierre Gy's Theory of Sampling (ToS), focusing on heterogeneity, correct sampling principles (minimizing increment delimitation, extraction, and preparation errors), and the estimation of sampling variance (Fundamental Sampling Error, Grouping and Segregation Error). Practical aspects include strategies and tools for sampling different types of lots (0D, 1D, 2D, 3D) including particulate solids, liquids, and potentially gases. Methods for sample mass reduction (sub-sampling) will be discussed. Statistical tools for planning sampling protocols (e.g., determining the number of increments) and evaluating sampling uncertainty (including variographic analysis and ANOVA) will be covered through theoretical exercises and case studies.


Learning objectives / outcomes
Intended learning outcome for the students who complete the course:

Knowledge:
Fundamental principles of Gy's Theory of Sampling (ToS), including types of sampling errors and material heterogeneity.
Theory and application of different sampling strategies and tools for various matrices (solids, liquids, potentially gases).
Recognition of the importance of correct sampling practices for ensuring data quality in chemical analysis.
Statistical methods for planning sampling protocols and evaluating sampling uncertainty.

Skills:
Identify potential sources of bias and error in sampling processes.
Design basic sampling protocols for simple matrices based on ToS principles.
Select appropriate sampling tools and techniques for given scenarios.
Perform calculations related to sampling variance (e.g., using Gy's formula for simple cases).
Interpret results from sampling variance experiments (e.g., ANOVA, variography).
Critically evaluate sampling plans described in scientific literature or project proposals.

Competences:
Independently plan and justify sampling strategies for research projects, considering objectives, material properties, and acceptable uncertainty levels.
Assess the representativeness of samples and the reliability of analytical results based on the applied sampling protocol.
Effectively communicate sampling plans and associated uncertainties.
Engage in qualified discussions about sampling challenges and solutions within their field of research.


Target Group
PhD students across various disciplines (e.g., Environmental Science, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Geology) who require a thorough understanding of sampling theory and practice for their research involving chemical analysis. The course is relevant for students planning, executing, or evaluating sampling campaigns.


Recommended Academic Qualifications
A basic understanding of chemistry and statistical principles is recommended.
Familiarity with fundamental analytical chemistry concepts is advantageous but not strictly required. Please contact the course coordinator if you have questions about prerequisites.


Research Area
Analytical Chemistry, Sampling Theory, Environmental Science, Food Science, Process Chemistry, Geo-chemistry, Bioanalysis, Quality Control


Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, theoretical exercises, one practical exercise and a sampling excursion in the Greater Copenhagen area.


Type of Assessment
Approval of final report on field sampling experiment results


Literature
"Theory of Sampling and Sampling Practice" by Francis F. Pitard,
Relevant chapters from Pierre Gy's work
Selected scientific articles and guidelines (e.g., DS 3077).
Specific literature list will be provided.


Course coordinator
Giorgio Tomasi, Associate Professor, gito@plen.ku.dk


Dates
The course lectures, exercises and field work will start on 1st September 2025 and end by 20th September 2025. The final report must be submitted by Monday 6th October 2025.
The course takes place every year.


Course location
Frederiksberg Campus


Registration
Deadline for registration: 04 August 2025

Requirements for signing up
PhD students must contact the course coordinator before registration to ensure prerequisites are met


Seats to PhD students from other Danish universities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules.
Applications from other participants will be considered after the deadline for registration.




Cancellation policy
• Cancellations made up to two weeks before the course starts are free of charge.
• Cancellations made less than two weeks before the course starts will be charged a fee of DKK 3.000
• Participants with less than 80% attendance cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000
• No-show will result in a fee of DKK 5.000
• Participants who fail to hand in any mandatory exams or assignments cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000

Course fee and participant fee
PhD courses offered at the Faculty of SCIENCE have course fees corresponding to different participant types.
In addition to the course fee, there might also be a participant fee.
If the course has a participant fee, this will apply to all participants regardless of participant type - and in addition to the course fee.

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