Infrared spectroscopy: interactions with molecules- absorption and scattering, means of excitation (light sources), separation of spectrum (wavelength dispersion, time resolution), detection of the signal (heat, differential detection), interpretation of spectrum (qualitative, mixtures, resolution), advantages of Fourier Transform (FTIR), samples and results expected, applications: issues of quality assurance and quality control, special problems for portable instrumentation and rapid detection.

UV-visible/ Near IR: emission, absorption, fluorescence and photoaccoustic, excitation sources (lasers, time resolution), wavelength dispersion (gratings, prisms, interference filters, laser, placement of sample relative to dispersion, resolution), detection of signal (photocells, photomultipliers, diode arrays, sensitivity and s/n), single and double beam instruments, interpretation (quantification, mixtures, absorption vs. fluorescence and the use of time, photoaccoustic, fluorescent tags).

Methods of making the gaseous molecule into an ion (electron impact, chemical ionization), methods of making liquids and solids into ions (electrospray, electrical discharge, laser desorption, fast atom bombardment), mass analyzers (magnetic-deflection, time of flight, electric quadrupole), resolution, ion- collection systems, detection and interpretation.

Chromatography: gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, supercritical fluids chromatography, importance of column technology (packing, capillaries), factors affecting separation (volatility, solubility, interactions with stationary phase, size, electrical field), detection: simple vs specific (gas and liquid), detection as a means of further analysis (use of tags and coupling to IR and MS), electrophoresis (plates and capillary) and use with DNA analysis. 

Atomic spectroscopy: Atomic absorption, atomic emission, and atomic fluorescence, excitation and methods of getting sample into gas phase (flames, electrical discharges, plasmas), wavelength separation and resolution (dependence on technique), detection of radiation (simultaneous/scanning, signal noise), interpretation (errors due to molecular and ionic species, matrix effects, other interferences).

Instrumentation and applications: NMR  spectroscopy, electroanalytical methods: potentiometry & voltammetry, radiochemical methods, X-ray analysis and electron spectroscopy (surface analysis).