The error associated with sampling is often 100 times larger than the error in
analytical methods. Quality Control efforts in every industry depend on the
samples obtained from the process, and environmental studies also depend on the
samples obtained. In spite its importance sampling is not discussed in the majority
of analytical chemistry books. The Theory of Sampling (TOS) was developed by
Pierre Gy for the mining industry. Gy has defined sampling as "mass reduction of
lot L by selection of a certain subset of units, with the purpose--not always
fulfilled--of obtaining a true, reliable sample S (when the conditions of sampling
correctness are respected)” [1]. The course will not focus on sampling plans that
indicate the number of samples to obtain, but on how samples are obtained. The
course will prepare students to recognize the sources of sampling errors and how to
avoid them. The course will also review pharmaceutical and environmental
applications of TOS. [2,3]
References:
1. P. Gy, Sampling for Analytical Purposes, Wiley, Chichester, 1998.
2. K.H. Esbensen and P. Paasch-Mortensen, "Process Sampling: Theory of
Sampling-The Missing Link in Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)”. In
Process Analytical Technology, Edited by K.A. Bakeev, Wiley 2010.
3. RCRA Waste Sampling Draft Technical Guidance Planning, Implementation,
and Assessment, Environmental Protection Agency, August 2002.
- Professor: Rodolfo J Romanach