Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

Course details

The Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques was developed based on an analysis of the importance of the pharmaceutical and related industries in Ireland and within the South-East region and also using information generated from the Wales Ireland Network for Scientific Skills (WINSS) Scientific Survey from a large number of pharmaceutical/biotechnology, medical device and food companies based in the South East of Ireland. One of the outputs from this survey indicated that 35% of the companies surveyed require training in UV-Vis Spectroscopy while 33% require Near/Mid/Far FTIR training. Recognising this demand, the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques was devised. This module is a part-time Level 9 programme and specifically addresses this recognised skills deficit by providing advanced level training.

This course places a strong emphasis on the professional development of the graduate and is aimed at students already working in an industrial environment. Such a qualification will enable and facilitate career progression for graduates in the region. The certificate programme can be taken singly as a stand-alone module worth 10 credits at level 9, or if the student wishes they can use these credits towards the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc (WD 519/520).

This module will provide the student with an advanced understanding of the theory, practices and instrumentation associated with advanced spectroscopic techniques. The techniques covered include molecular (UV-Vis, IR, Raman, NMR, MS) and atomic (AAS, AES, AFS) spectroscopies, focusing on state-of-the-art developments in their practices and instrumentation, as well as issues to deal with the spectroscopic identification of samples in complex matrices. The learner will be exposed to the application of advanced separation techniques in a wide range of environments focusing mainly, but not exclusively, on applications in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to

• Understand the principles, practices and instrumentation associated with advanced spectroscopic techniques.
• Describe sample preparation and method development issues relating to the use of advanced spectroscopic techniques.
• Competently operate and calibrate associated laboratory instrumentation for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sample analyses.
• Critically appraise spectroscopic literature and identify future trends in this area.

Entry Details/Progression

Applicants for entry to this Postgraduate Certificate course should hold a bachelors degree at honours level (Level 8) in an appropriate subject area or equivalent qualification. In addition, in order to fully appreciate the industrial impact of the analytical content of this programme, it has been deemed necessary to have a minimum of two years relevant industrial experience.

This module is worth 10 credits and can be taken singly or as part of the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management WD519/WD520.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.