Practical Essentials of GC & GC-MS

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Course summary

Course approval

Royal Society of Chemistry approved training logo

This course has been approved by the Royal Society of Chemistry for purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

What will you learn on this course?

This course covers all the practical theory you need to know about Gas Chromatography and its related techniques including GC-MS; gases and plumbing; sample introduction like split, splitless, on-column and large volume injection techniques; analytical columns; GC detectors and mass selective detectors; data analysis; and sampling techniques like headspace, SPME, pyrolysis, thermal desorption, purge & trap, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction. 

This course is packed full of examples and practical tips, makes full use of props and includes a Questions and Answers session at the end of each day making it the course to attend for all of your useful GC knowlege!

Learning outcomes

  • You will learn the importance of good chromatography
  • You will learn how to select and use the GC carrier gas
  • You will learn about various injection techniques and when to use each
  • You will learn how to select a GC column
  • You will learn the operation and selection of an appropriate GC detector
  • You will learn about the principles and components of the mass spectrometer
  • You will learn how to undertake data analysis
  • You will learn about different sampling techniques for GC

Who is this course for?

The Practical Essentials of GC & GC-MS course is for those who have some knowledge of gas chromatography and would like to greatly enhance it, learning the essential and practical theory about all available GC & GC-MS techniques.

For complete beginners with no or very little knowledge of GC, it is advisable to first attend the Absolute Basics of GC & GC-MS as you may be overwhelmed by the amount of information on this course.

Course combinations

Add the complementary GC & GC-MS Clinic course to the end of this course to obtain a full picture and learn Complete GC & GC-MS

If you would like to improve your knowledge in a particular area, you can choose to attend individual days from the Practical Essentials of GC & GC-MS course.

Individual Modules - Virtual Classroom training

For Virtual Classroom training, you can choose to attend the individual modules from this course:

How to book this course

Feedback from previous attendees of Virtual Classroom course

"I enjoyed a broad (but detailed!) overview of 'everything' I needed to know about GCs. The course instructor used detailed explanations, analogies and course questions throughout to build confidence on every aspect covered.." Delegate (December 2023).

"(I enjoyed) the in-depth information on each and every element of the GC and what makes them happy/sad. It was amazing to learn these in depth so I can apply the knowledge to my own lab."  Rachel Holmes, Laboratory Technician, Teagasc (September 2022).

"It is comprehensive and covers all topics. The course instructor speaks very clearly and good use of analogy to explain the concept."  July 2020.

"All the course questions are a good reminder to apply each time when I need to choose a method or technique for an application."  (Module 1: Practical Essentials of Gas Chromatography and GC-MS Introduction, July 2020).

"Comprehensive knowledge about sample introduction, particularly all the diagrams with a clear explanation from the instructor."  (Module 3: Practical Essentials of Sample Introduction in GC & GC-MS, July 2020).

"I found good details illustrated in the course materials and a clear explanation of each method and technique as well as the comparison of the methods and techniques are equally interesting and useful."  (Module 3: Practical Essentials of Sample Introduction in GC & GC-MS, July 2020).

"Comprehensive knowledge about columns."  (Module 4: Practical Essentials of GC Columns, July 2020).

"I enjoyed that this module material covers all methods and detailed the why, how and the importance of each, as well as listed the pros and cons of each method."  (Module 7: Practical Essentials of Data Analysis for GC & GC-MS, July 2020).

"It is great all about different sampling and sampling preparation techniques in a structured way. I particularly enjoy the part of solid-phase sampling techniques. Diane gave an overview of all the solid phase sampling techniques, also the theory behind and how to apply. Her rich knowledge and experience add to another layer of understanding of these techniques, especially in the Q&A session."  (Module 8: Practical Essentials of Sampling & Sample Preparation Techniques for GC & GC-MS, July 2020).

Feedback from previous attendees of Face-to-Face course

"(I enjoyed) practical aspects - cutting column - taking components apart."  (April 2019).

"The method of teaching was excellent and focussed. Covered all topics related to GC and GC-MS. The slides were appropriate and good for better understanding."   Dr Azra Ahmed from the Saudi Ministry of Health (April 2013).

"Excellent course and good knowledge of the presenter. Explanation good and broad spectrum of knowledge."  Karen Scott, a laboratory manager from CTDS Ltd (April 2013).

"Really good course and a great overview. Enjoyed relating the theory to my practical applications (and problems) in the lab."  Ellie Sargent from The Open University (February 2013).

"A lot of new information that is helpful to me in my study."  Layla Al Omran from Birmingham University (February 2013).

"Good background knowledge on GC techniques and instrumentation, these were the things I was lacking."  Research Technician, Metabolomic Research, Manchester University.

"Very good overview of the technique and possibilities, but also great practical tips. It's a lot of information - sometimes a little too much maybe, but it makes it possible for everyone to pick out the points that are important for them. Having a reasonably small group like we had, gives more chance for personal guidance - get your answers!"   Femke Sterckx, PhD Student, Centre for Malting and Brewing Science, University of Leuven, Belgium.

"Diane presented the material well with easy digestable content."   Adnan Zulfqar, PhD Student, The Open University.

"Strong background and practical focus. A session of hands-on would be advantageous. Instructors and organisers are warm and nice, yet professionable and knowledgeable. A very good exposure to GC-MS, current knowledge, industry, networking and technologies."   Su Shiung Lam, PhD Student, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK.

"Brilliantly presented, warm and cosy atmosphere. Very informative, use of full documentation. Nice tips to organise yourself."   Service Engineer, Separation Sciences.

"I found the course refreshed my knowledge and also taught me some things I didn't know beforehand.  Some really good tips!  Explained some techniques I had heard of but had no experience or knowledge of".  Moya McCarron, Laboratory Technician, University of Liverpool.

"Rather a lot of information over a short period, I will need to sit in front of my instruments with the manual and go through it asap".  Dr. Stan Lambert, John Moores University, Liverpool.