MSc in Adv Chemical & Pharmaceutical Analysis

Course details

There will be no intake to this programme in September 2015

This programme provides a formally structured training at postgraduate level for appropriately qualified science graduates.

The goal of the programme is to provide graduates and scientists, working in a laboratory environment, with a fundamental training in the theory and practice of modern, advanced instrumental methods of analysis. These environments include analytical and development laboratories, food and pharmaceutical industries, and in government, semi-state and hospital laboratories. The programme is designed to supplement the material covered by primary degree programmes in science (particularly those which are chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology related) and stresses the importance of instrumentation in the solution of problems encountered in the workplace.

Aims and Objectives:

• To provide a sound theoretical basis for analytical measurements.
• To develop your understanding of the operation of modern analytical instrumentation and how it can be interfaced with computer hardware and software.
• To develop competence in the application of modern techniques of data analysis in analytical method development.
• To develop your analytical problem-solving skills.

Programme Structure:

The  programme consists of eight lecture-based modules: six are followed by examinations, and two are continually assessed.

There are also two laboratory-based modules including a project and a self learning component (the literature survey). These reinforce and supplement the material covered during lectures, and allow for substantial hands-on experience with modern analytical instrumentation. Not only does the laboratory work provide experience in the applications of modern chemical and pharmaceutical analytical techniques, it also includes aspects relating to instrumentation.

Students who achieve 65 credits carry out a research project and you are encouraged, where possible, to investigate a problem of interest to your employer. This may be conducted in your employer's laboratory. Where such arrangements cannot be made, access to DCU facilities will be provided for the duration of the project.

Why DCU:

• DCU graduates have an excellent track record in securing employment.
• Superb state-of-the-art analytical laboratory facilities. You will develop a diverse range of specialised skills. Excellent support from DCU's technical and academic staff.
• You will develop an awareness of the recent developments at the forefront of chemical and pharmaceutical analysis.

Career Prospects:

Masters graduates will be of great interest to employers in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biopharma sector, for positions in analysis, development, quality control and management. In particular, many of the students on the part-time programme are already employed full-time and, upon graduation, will use the Masters qualification to progress their careers with their current employer.

Entry Requirements:

The normal minimum entry requirements are an honours degree in chemistry or a related subject from a university or other recognised awarding body, or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants with other qualifications may be considered, particularly where the applicant is employed in an area which makes use of modern instrumental analysis.