After successful completion of the course, students are able to analyze the signals of NMR, IR, and mass spectra of a compound, deduce structural elements, combine these to a complete structure, and verify this result by cross-checking in all spectra.

Practical examples for structure elucidation of unknown molecules based on proton and carbon NMR spectra, IR spectra and electron impact mass spectra, discussion of convergent strategies for structure determination incorporating the following data: chemical shift-/coupling-/integration-information derived from NMR spectra; electron impact mass spectra: molecular weight and fragmentation, isotopic pattern, elemental composition and collisions induced dissociation; vibration types and frequencies as well as spectral ranges for various functional groups in IR spectroscopy; if required including data from chemical elemental analysis and utilization of computer-aided methods and data bases in NMR, IR and MS.

Presentation of important aspects of NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry by the lecturers; joint solving of combined spectral examples by lecturers and students.

Written examination covering the contents of the lecture. During this examination, for which 120 minutes are available, three questions about the theory of the spectral methods (one point each) as well as one combined spectral example (five points) have to be solved. 7-8 points correspond to a "Very Good", 6-7 points to a "Good", 5-6 points to a "Satisfactory", 4-5 points to a "Sufficient", and less than 4 points to an "Insufficient", which means that the examination has to be repeated.

During the examination it is allowed to use a pocket calculator and a ruler; supporting tables will be provided for the examination.