This three-day course on elemental analysis, particularly on trace metals is designed for both chemists and non-chemists who are involving directly or indirectly in the use of atomic absorption and emission instrumentation. The course is brief but provides an overall review of the techniques from basic theory, instrumentation design to application. The course is most suitable for chemists and technicians who have no prior knowledge on the subject. The detail content of the course is as follows:

• Instrumentation design of atomic absorption (AAS) and emission (AES) spectrophotometer A detail discussion on the various instrumentation for the analysis of trace metals will be given. For AAS, the discussion will include the light source, sample atomization via flame technique, cold vapour and hydride generation methods for Hg and metalloid elements respectively and thermal method such as graphite furnace (GFAAS). For AES, the sample atomization technique will include flame and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES). Some aspects of the optics used in common and advanced AAS/AES instrumentation will be presented. Hyphenated technique such as ICP-MS (ICP mass spectrometer) will be described briefly.
  

• Application of atomic absorption and emission techniques to the analysis of trace elements This section will be devoted to various practical aspects in the analysis of trace elements such as metals and metalloids. Detail sample preparation methods (dry, wet and microwave sample digestions) will be discussed with examples from all kinds of sample matrices including water, biological and non-biological samples. Good laboratory practices to avoid contamination in ultra-trace analysis of metals and quality control in analytical procedures will be emphasized
  

Prof. Dr Lee obtained his Ph.D on sensor/biosensor for metal analysis as well as his M Sc. from Cambridge University, U.K. He also obtained a First Class Honours from UKM Sabah. Prof Lee is currently a Professor at UKM School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology and his field of expertise is analytical and bioanalytical chemistry. He has conducted various courses on Techniques of AAS/ICP – ES, GC Techniques, Laboratory Research Skills, Principles of Instrumental Analysis, Chemical Instrumentation, Water Chemistry, Air and Water Quality, etc. Prof Lee has completed several environmental chemistry research projects as well as research on bioanalytical chemistry and biotechnology. He has received various research awards comprising bronze, silver and gold medals from UKM, MOSTI and ITEX. Prof Dr Lee’s research has been published in refereed Journals.