Course detail

Mass Spectrometry

FCH-MC_HMSAcad. year: 2025/2026

Physical bases of mass spectrometry, MS history. Ionization techniques - overview, development, description of contemporary used techniquies (electron ionization, chemical ionization, electrospray, chemical ionization at atmospheric pressure etc). Analyzers in mass spectrometry (static - magnetic, electrostatic, quadrupole, 3D- and linear ion trap, Time-of-Flight, ion cyclotron resonance, orbitrap). Detectors and vacuum systems. Hyphenated and tandem techniquies. Interpretation of mass spectra with respect to the ionization technique applied.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Ludmila Mravcová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection (ÚCHTOŽP)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of physics - kinematics, the movement of charged particles in magnetic and electric field
Good knowledge of basic, inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The exam consists of a written and oral examination. The subject of the written interpretation of the given mass spectrum, the oral examination is focused on the verification of student's knowledge in the range of themes discussed in the lectures. In the final assessment, the result of the written part contributes by 40%, the result of oral part by 60%.
Attendance at lectures is optional and is not controlled, but it is recommended.

Aims

The aim of this course is:
- to familiarize students with the theoretical foundations of mass spectrometry
- to provide an overview of current instrumentation of mass spectrometry
- to introduce students to the basic concepts interpretation of mass spectra
Successful completion of the course the student will gain the following knowledge and skills:
1. Students will be familiar with the principles of functions of various types of mass spectrometers;
2. Students will be able to choose the optimal device for highly efficient solutions for specific analytical problems;
3. Students will know the basics of mass spectra interpretation, depending on the ionization technique used and the analyzer resolution.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Douglas A. Skoog et.al.: Analytická chemie, 2019 (CS)
J. H. Gross: Mass Spectrometry, Third Edition, 2017 (EN)
K. Záruba a spol.: Analytická chemie 2. díl, 2016 (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NKCP_ECHT Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NPCP_ECHT Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Ludmila Mravcová, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to mass spectrometry, theoretical basics, natural isotopic distribution of elements and its importance in MS.
2. Instrumentation of mass spektrometry.
3. Ionization techniques in mass spektrometry.
4. Mass analyzers.
5. Hyphenated techniques (GC/MS, LC/MS, CE/MS).
6. Hyphenated techniques (MS/MS).
7. Mass spectrometry imaging.
8. Inorganic mass spectrometry.
9. Interpretation of mass spectra using electron ionization, fragmentation rules.
10. Interpretation of mass spectra – practicing.
11. Interpretation of mass spectra using soft ionization techniques.
12. Interpretation of mass spectra using soft ionization techniques – practicing.
13. Practical applications of mass spectrometry.

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Ludmila Mravcová, Ph.D.