Program Overview

Course Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course designed to provide participants with a thorough training in the theory and practice of modern analytical techniques. The course consists of lectures, laboratory work on set experiments, and a short analytical research/development project.

Course Outline

The course covers various topics, including:

• Sampling methods
• Classical methods of analysis
• Instrumentation in spectroscopy
• Atomic and molecular spectroscopy
• Near-infrared nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• Mass spectrometry
• Separation methods (including gas-liquid and high-performance liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid extraction)
• Ion exchangers
• Potentiometry
• Voltammetry
• Sensors
• Process analysis
• Thermal methods
• Materials analysis
• Statistical data handling
• The use of computers in analytical chemistry

Modules

The course includes the following modules:

• CM6012 Modern Analytical Techniques, Chemical Data Analysis and GLP (10 credits)
• CM6013 Separation Science, Sensors and Process Analytical Technology (10 credits)
• CM6014 Materials, Pharmaceutical and Bio-analysis (10 credits)
• CM6015 Practice of Analytical Chemistry (10 credits)
• CM6019 Research Project in Analytical Science (10 credits) Elective modules (choose 10 credits):
• PF6301 Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation, Secondary Processing and Regulation (10 credits)
• EV4002 Environmental Monitoring (10 credits)

Why Choose This Course

Opportunities exist for industrial placement both locally and through IAESTE and for the exchange of staff and students with other European research laboratories through various EU-supported Socrates networks, linked to University College Cork.

Requirements

Entry Requirements - Direct Entry

• Candidates must have a Merit or Distinction in BSc or HETAC/NCEA Ordinary Degree/Diploma (NFQ, Level 7, or equivalent).
• The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree.
• Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places following interview and assessment.
• Candidates must be approved by the Professor of Analytical Chemistry and/or the Co-ordinator of the MSc Programme, and by the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science.
• Bridging courses may be assigned as a pre-requisite depending on the background of the individual candidate.

Progression to the MSc

Students of the Postgraduate Diploma who achieve at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, aggregate across all modules at the first attempt qualify to progress to the MSc programme in the same year and be permitted to undertake the MSc research dissertation module.

Fees and Costs

• The EU fee for this course is Full-time: 6,300 Part-time: 3,800.
• The Non-EU fee for this course is 27,000.
• A 1,000 bench fee is also required, payable directly to the department.

Additional Information

• The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.
• For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
• Opportunities exist for industrial placement and exchange of staff and students with other European research laboratories.
• The course is designed to provide a thorough training in the theory and practice of modern analytical techniques, with special regard to solving problems in various areas of Irish industry.