BSEN40520
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Optical Spectroscopy (BSEN40520)
Subject: : Biosystems Engineering
College: : Engineering & Architecture
School: : Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level: : 4 (Masters)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Aoife Gowen
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : Blended
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This course will introduce students to the field of optical spectroscopy. Optical spectroscopy provides information about the external world through measurement of the interactions between materials and light. This enables non-destructive measurement of quality in a wide range of agri-food, pharmaceutical and material science domains.\ \ In this module, students will learn how to become critically aware of the basic principles, practice and applications of optical spectroscopic sensors. The underlying theory of ultraviolet, visible, near infrared, mid-infrared and Raman spectroscopy will be explored and illuminated through several real world examples. Standard approaches and configurations for acquisition and analysis of spectral and spatial data will be covered both in lecture and lab sessions. Spectroscopic data analysis tools such as Principal components analysis for will be implemented through tutorial sessions.\ \ Students will participate in lectures, through group work in tutorials and laboratory work, where they will select and evaluate an application in optical spectroscopy. Participants will also be provided with spectroscopic data to explore in class.\
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:\ 1. Understand the basic principles of light-matter interaction at different wavelength ranges and spatial scales\ 2. Differentiate between, compare and contrast different optical spectroscopic techniques \ 3. Measure and compare spectral responses of materials using a range of optical spectroscopic techniques\ 4. Analyse and interpret spectral data using multivariate analysis\ \
Indicative Module Content:
- Fundamentals of electromagnetic spectrum wave/particle theory\
- Calibration curve development and prediction of concentration of unknown\
- Basic components of a UV-Vis spectrometers and their applications\
- Basis of IR spectroscopy and analysis\
- Operation principles behind FT-IR spectrometry\
- Basic principles and applications of NIR spectroscopy\
- Comparison between UV-Vis, Raman, MIR and NIR spectroscopy\
- Basic principles of Raman spectroscopy and analysis\
- Key components of a Raman spectrometer and its operation\
- Lab experiments to measure samples using Raman, NIR, MIR spectroscopy\
- Multivariate analysis of spectroscopic data from various sources\
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 96 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 120 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- Lectures and tutorials on theory and methods.\
- Problem-based assignments to develop critical awareness, analysis, synthesis and communication skills.\
- Data collection, interpretation and analysis to answer a given question.\ \ \ While the University uses letter grades to grade assessment components, some assessment components are quantitative, in which case a Module Coordinator may use a numerical scale to initially determine the component result, which then is converted to a grade. For this module, the Alternative Linear Conversion Grade Scale will be used, for further information see: https://www.ucd.ie/students/exams/gradingandremediation/understandinggrades/\
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment on application of spectroscopic techniques | Week 8, Week 15 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Exam based on module content | End of trimester Duration: 1 hr(s) | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
No
\
What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Summer | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Feedback on assignments will be provided throughout the trimester.
Reading List
Workman, J. The Handbook of Organic Compounds; NIR, IR, Raman, and UV-Vis Spectra Featuring Polymers and Surfactants (a 3-volume set), 2001\
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Studio | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 | Thurs 11:00 - 12:50 |