MSc Analytical Chemistry

About the course

This course provides postgraduate education in Analytical Chemistry, a specialism which is a major source of employment for scientists. Analytical Chemistry involves the identification and measurement of chemicals, be they in industrial processes, humans or materials. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the most recent technological developments and applications in Analytical Chemistry. Instrumental techniques used in the analysis of organic compounds, metals, solids, etc. are all covered. Possible sources of error in experimental and instrumental analysis are discussed, thus allowing the correct interpretation of experimentally-derived scientific data There is the opportunity to study a specialised module in the area of biochemical analysis or pharmaceutical analysis. This course is two thirds taught material and one third research project.

Career support

Currently there are good employment opportunities for Analytical Chemists not only in the chemical industry, but in a range of other sectors. In industry they monitor product quality, raw materials and effluent. In hospitals, as Clinical Chemists, they monitor the health of patients by analysing samples of blood or urine. Public Analysts working on behalf of local government check the food we eat and the air we breathe. Analytical Chemists also test for toxic substances in the work place, pollutants in the environment, and levels of drug abuse. Analytical Chemists are also employed in the pharmaceutical industry working on drug development and in tablet testing. Recent graduates from this course are employed in the pharmaceutical and food Industries as well as in research positions and in educational establishments.