Online Basic Analytical Chemistry Course
First Edition 2026
2 – 13 March 2026

Background

1.               The OPCW Technical Secretariat (the Secretariat) wishes to inform Member States that an online basic analytical chemistry course will be held from 2 to 13 March 2026.

2.               The aim of this analytical chemistry course is to assist qualified analytical chemists from Member States with economies that are developing or in transition in acquiring further knowledge and experience, specifically in the analysis of chemicals related to the Chemical Weapons Convention (the Convention), and to facilitate the adoption of good laboratory practices and quality standards among the Member States.

3.               Participants who successfully complete the course and pass the test will be given priority in selection procedures for on-site analytical chemistry courses organised by the OPCW, if they decide to apply.

Content

4.               This course will be divided into three parts:

(a)             independent study of online training materials consisting of presentations (with audio) and videos (with subtitles);

(b)             live, interactive online sessions; and

(c)             an online test.

5.                Participants will be granted online access to the training materials from 2 to 13 March 2026 for independent, self-paced study. The materials will consist of five thematic modules:

(a)             Module 1: Introduction to the Convention and the OPCW, and a video about the OPCW;

(b)             Module 2: Introduction to scheduled chemicals and their chemical properties;

(c)             Module 3: Analysis strategies and element‑specific detectors;

(d)             Module 4: The OPCW Central Analytical Database (OCAD), the Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database; and

(e)             Module 5: Sample preparation – solid phase extraction, simplified hydrocarbon clean‑up, and derivatisation.

6.               Live online sessions will be organised on 10 and 11 March. Experts from the OPCW Laboratory will first summarise the content of each module, and participants will then have the opportunity to ask questions.

7.               On 13 March 2026, participants will take an online test to verify the knowledge acquired during the course. Participants who pass the test will receive a certificate.