Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Sample Preparation
PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen
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
This toolbox PhD course focuses exclusively on advanced sample preparation methods important for chemical analysis in complex matrices. Topics include liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid-phase extraction (SPE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME), super-critical fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and modern automated sample preparation technologies. The course provides theoretical knowledge and practical training in method optimization and troubleshooting.
Hands-on laboratory exercises will emphasize real-world applications and solutions for complex sample preparation challenges.
Learning outcomes
Intended learning outcome for the students who complete the course:
Knowledge
- Describe the theory, tools, instruments, and techniques for sample preparation of organic analytes.
- Deep understanding of modern sample preparation techniques.
- Automation and optimization strategies in sample preparation.
Skills
- Execute advanced extraction techniques efficiently.
- Optimize and troubleshoot complex sample preparation methods.
- Validate sample preparation procedures for analytical reliability.
Competences
- Develop robust, efficient, and reproducible sample preparation methods tailored to complex analytical challenges.
- Evaluate and critically discuss sample preparation protocols and literature.
- Apply advanced sample preparation methods to interdisciplinary scientific research.
Target Group
PhD students across scientific disciplines who need advanced sample preparation techniques for their research.
Recommended Academic Qualifications
Basic understanding of analytical chemistry and practical laboratory experience required
Research Area
Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Plant and Soil Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, practical laboratory exercises, theoretical problem-solving, industry guest lectures
Type of Assessment
Completion of laboratory exercises (50%), and oral exam based on curriculum and practical experiences (50%).
Literature
Selected articles, laboratory manuals, and electronic resources via Absalon
Course coordinator
Jan H. Christensen, Professor, jch@plen.ku.dk
Guest Lecturers
Industry specialists with expertise in automated and advanced extraction methods.
Dates
Start Date: 23. September 2025
End Date: 16. October 2025
Expected frequency
The course takes place every year.
Course location
Frederiksberg Campus
Registration
Deadline for registration:
26 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.