Analytical Chemistry MSc 2012-13

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, forensic investigation or pharmaceutical analysis. This course is two thirds taught material (core lectures are delivered on two days of the week) and one third research project.

The course is designed to train you in the scientific methodology relating to analytical chemistry and extend your interest and knowledge in all areas of the subject. The taught part of the course consists of six core modules in Analytical Chemistry plus an additional two optional modules in the areas of forensic science, biochemistry, biology and pharmaceutical science. The research project requires 50 days laboratory work and takes place during the summer, sometimes through an industrial placement.

The core modules are:
- Fundamentals of Analytical Science
- Instrumental Methods and the Analysis of Solids
- Data Treatment and Analysis
- Advanced Separation Techniques
- Advanced Methods for Organics
- Practical (including a mini-project)
- Research Project
- Placements and Careers (no credits are awarded for this module).

Two optional modules can be selected from:
- Forensic Investigation
- Molecular Medicine
- Molecular and Cellular Toxicology
- Biochemical Methods
- Pharmaceutical Preparation and Testing

There is the opportunity for some students to carry out their research project in an industrial setting. Placements are normally a minimum of eight weeks in the period between June and September.

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.

Considerable emphasis is placed on independent learning. Face-to-face contact is through weekly lectures, workshops and practical laboratory classes. Additional leaning materials are provided on the University’s VLE. There is an Academic Skills Tutor within the School of Applied Sciences who can help with things like report writing, revision and examination technique, numeracy skills, etc. Modules are mainly assessed by assignments, problem solving exercises, assessment of laboratory skills and written examinations. The research project is assessed by written report and oral presentation.

Here at the University of Huddersfield, we continue to work hard to ensure that we set a fee for postgraduate students that is fair and offers you value for money. The tuition fees for postgraduate taught courses will cover the cost of your study at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision and examinations. For more information about funding, fees and finance, please see Fees and finance.

You can sign up to iHud here to make sure you receive our 2013 fee information as soon as it is published.

If you are interested in postgraduate research degrees, you can find information about research degree fees and finance here.

Unfortunately we do not have any loans or bursaries for UK or EU citizens.However, applicants may apply for a Career Development Loan before they accept a place on the course.Please use the following link: http://www.direct.gov.uk
There are also a number of Scholarships available and other schemes for well qualified international students. See: http://www2.hud.ac.uk/international/scholarships.htm

Research degrees are also available in this area. Contact us for details. Interim Awards A Master's course is 180 Master's level credits, which would normally take one calendar year full-time study. Interim awards are available at Postgraduate Certificate level or Postgraduate Diploma level should you decide to exit the course early. Please contact us for details of the credits required for these interim awards.

-One of the most important aspects of this course is that you will also get hands-on experience using a wide range of analytical instrumentation in our well equipped laboratories. This is through structured practicals as well as open ended group mini-projects.
-The course includes statistical analysis of data which is essential in the interpretation of all analytical data.
- You will be taught by research active staff most of whom are members of professional bodies including the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Forensic Science Society, the Biochemical Society and the Higher Education Academy.
- Science research at Huddersfield is thriving and expanding. In the 2008 RAE 75% of the research in chemistry was rated as internationally recognised with 25% being rated as internationally excellent. As well as pure analytical science there are many research projects which involve the application of analytical science. This is evidenced in the range of in-house MSc research projects which include sensor development, drug analysis, design of novel drug formulations and delivery methods, thermal degradation of novel drug formulations, bioremediation, characterisation of therapeutic polysaccharides, application of polysaccharides in waste water treatment, firearms and DNA recovery.

We hope you are interested in what you have seen and want to apply to join us.

If you are a student from the UK or from a country in the European Union (EU), you can find application information here.

If you are an international student from outside the European Union (EU), you can find application information here.

Research plays an important role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant to industry. For more information, see the Research section of our website.