Advanced Analytical Chemistry – Theoretical and Practical Sampling
PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen
This is a toolbox course where 80% of the seats are reserved for PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of SCIENCE at UCPH and 20% of the seats are reserved for PhD students from other Danish Universities/faculties (except CBS). Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules.
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.
Aim and Content
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.
Content: 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.
One field trip for sampling soil in the Copenhagen area for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination will be carried out on the second week of the course. The students will use ToS to analyse the results.
Learning 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
Jan H. Christensen, jch@plen.ku.dk
Dates
Start date Monday 31st August 2026.
End date Friday 18th September 2026.
Final report to hand in by 5th October 2026
Expected frequency
Yearly. First three weeks of September.
Course location
Frederiksberg campus
Registration
It is recommended that PhD students contact the course coordinator before registration to ensure prerequisites are met
Course fee
• Participant fee: DKK 1.500
• PhD student enrolled at SCIENCE: DKK 0
• PhD student from Danish PhD school Open market: DKK 0
• PhD student from Danish PhD school not Open market: DKK 3.000
• PhD student from foreign university: DKK 3.000
• Master's student from Danish university: DKK 0
• Master's student from foreign university: DKK 3.000
• Non-PhD student employed at a university (e.g., postdocs): DKK 3.000
• Non-PhD student not employed at a university (e.g., from a private company): DKK 8.400
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.