As the list of details of the units indicates, the first Block on ‘Classical Methods’ of separation comprises of three units. The course begins with the discussion on basic aspects such as importance of separation methods, their classification and choice of separation methods in the first unit. Units 2 and 3 deal with the techniques of ‘Solvent Extraction’ and cover the general principles, classification of extraction systems, extraction equlibria, factors influencing extraction & metal ion separations as well as choice of organic phase for extractions.

Block 2 and 3 deal with the ‘Chromatographic Methods’ of separation. Block 2 comprises of three units. The first unit i.e. Unit 4 of this block explains the ‘General Principles of Chromatography’. Unit 5 on ‘Liquid Column Chromatography’ recapitulates the basic aspects, explains experimental details and the choice of stationary and mobile phases, development techniques in addition to giving basic idea of HPLC. Unit 6 on ‘Planar Chromatography’ explains basic principles of paper chromatography and its applications. A discussion of thin layer chromatography also forms the part of this unit. Block 3 continues the discussion on chromatographic methods and covers ‘Gas Chromatography’ in Unit 7 wherein 43 the theoretical aspects, instrumental details and applications are discussed. Unit 8 on ‘High Performance Liquid Chromatography’ highlights the basic aspects as well as the applications of HPLC.

Block 4 comprises of two units, i.e. Unit 9 and Unit 10. Unit 9 on ‘Ion Exchange Chromatography’ describes the mechanism of ion exchange, classification of ion exchangers, synthesis of ion exchange resins and properties of resins. Besides this, details of operation, inorganic ion exchangers and applications of ion exchange chromatography have also been explained. Unit 10 on ‘Size Exclusion Chromatography’ discusses the basic principles of separation involving gels, gels and their properties and applications of this technique.

Block 5 covers other separation methods with two units i.e. Unit 11 and 12. Unit 11 on ‘Membrane Separation’ begins with classification of membrane processes, the mechanism of separation through membranes is also highlighted. This unit also discusses the phenomenon osmosis, reverse osmosis as well as dialysis and electro-dialysis. Finally, the applications of the membrane separation have also been explained in this unit. Unit 12 on ‘Electrophoresis’ discusses the theory of electrophoresis, classification and its applications.