Some Latin American experiences concerning teaching of chemical metrology

Abstract

Some acquired experiences concerning the teaching of Chemical Metrology in Latin-America for almost fifteen years are presented. They include postgraduate and undergraduate activities developed in seven countries of this continent. The combination of theoretic and practical activities and the sequence of learning from metrological, statistical and chemometrical backgrounds up to practical activities in personal computers are basic and motivate the learning process. Care is taken in order to promote the metrological approach and thinking in Analytical Chemistry. The learning of computing techniques plays an important role, combining graphic and numerical techniques for data analysis. The role of examples during the teaching process is analyzed and recognized. The introduction of a general model of errors permits to approach different topics on a metrological basis. Similarly, linking of performance characteristics of analytical procedures and validation concepts is essential. The understanding of traceability prepares students for organizational actions. Proper understanding of interlaboratory studies is attained on a practical basis. The metrological approach of uncertainty based on the Theory of Errors permits to develop the topic. A better comprehension of written standards is obtained from practical examples. Undergraduate students acquire a basic metrological knowledge very well. Recommendations for undergraduate and postgraduate programs are pointed out.