MSc Chemistry - Environmental Analytical Chemistry
This is the most established Environmental Analytical MSc course in Ireland and is amongst the more popular MSc courses studied in UCC. This MSc course in particular has great international success in attracting students from all over the World due to the industry-led teaching agenda. The industry relevant curriculum offered to students and the opportunity to complete a six-month placement in industry or an academic research lab has also impacted greatly on the student experience. The global recognition of the course is also evident from our international alumni that maintains contact through a dedicated LinkedIn group.
This course also has an Industry Advisor Board that provides crucial industry feedback on both the teaching strategy and practice for the taught postgraduate course in Environmental Analytical Chemistry. There are currently 18 companies on this board with representatives from the Pharmacutical, BioPharma, Biomedical Device, Environment and Food/Beverage sectors. There are a number guest lectures from industry and a dedicated industry led module where students participate in a series of workshops either delivered on site with the industry partner or hosted by the Tyndall National Institute.
Annually, the George Guilbault Symposium provides the MSc students with an opportunity to present their Thesis projects. This event is run over two days, with all students presenting. An evening reception also takes places where students have the chance to present a poster on their research work and engage with industry. Students are shortlisted for presenting to the industry judges on the second day and these presentations are distributed amongst several keynote presentations made by industry. All the awards (Best Presentation and Best Poster) are sponsored by industry.
This MSc course in Environmental Analytical Chemistry gives students a broad foundation in analytical chemistry and its application in an industrial setting with more focus specifically on the analysis of environmental samples and environmental legislation. It also provides them an opportunity to gain much sought-after and valued industry relevant training and qualification in an analytical division. This course is internationally recognised for its award-winning and high quality students with >90% of students finding employment in industry or going on to further their studies through PhD.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
During the second and third semester (April to September), students complete a six-month research project on a topic related to analytical chemistry. Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which students prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students. For students interested in an academic career (PhD studies), projects are offered in a broad range of research areas utilising modern research techniques. These such projects are usually done within the Chemistry Department or supervised by Principle Investigators located in the Universities research centers such as the Tyndall National Institute.
There also exists the opportunity for placement aboard, where students have a choice of destination. There currently exists collaborations with research institutes in Belgium (imec), The Netherlands (NFI), France (CNRS) and Northern Ireland (Almac).
All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an academic supervisor and examiner. Those in industry also have an industry supervisor.