Our MSc Analytical Chemistry comprises a broad range of modules covering the major analytical techniques, and complemented by studies in transferable and professional skills. You also have the option to study aspects of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry if desired. For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.

Compulsory modules

Research Methods (15 credits)

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students experience of literature searching in specific chemical or environmental science areas.
  • To introduce students to the statistical evaluation of data in analytical science.
  • To provide practical training in a number of advanced laboratory techniques relevant to chemical and analytical science.
  • To offer students the opportunity to gain a range of transferable skills useful for personal and professional development.

Separation Techniques (15 credits)

The aim of this module is for students to gain an understanding of the methods and application of the principal analytical separation methods, including gas and liquid chromatography, and electrophoretic techniques.

Mass Spectrometry and Associated Techniques (15 credits)

The aim of this module is for the student to develop an understanding of the principles of molecular and elemental mass spectrometry, combined chromatography-mass spectrometry and and their applications in bioanalytical science and proteomics.

Optional modules

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism (15 credits)

The aim of this module is for the student to understand the processes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs, the kinetic modelling of these processes, the test systems available and the application of this information to drug development.

Biomedical Analytical Technologies (15 credits)

The aims of this module is for the student to:

  • Gain an understanding of the methods, components, and applications of select analytical technologies for in vitro biochemical and in vivo physiological measurement.
  • Compare and contrast the various sensing design elements.
  • Critically appraise biosensors for laboratory and clinical environments, including characteristics such as sensitivity, selectivity and biocompatibility.

Compulsory modules

Laboratory and Professional Skills (30 credits)

The aims of this module are for the student to develop professional and transferable skills appropriate to the working environment of a chemical scientist in a research and development role.

Optional modules

Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide advanced training in contemporary inorganic chemistry.

Molecular Simulation and Bioinformatics (15 credits)

The aims of the module are to teach the students the foundation of the computational techniques used in the modern chemical and biological sciences and to apply these techniques to a variety of problems in current chemistry, biochemistry or related fields.

Drugs: Mode of Action, Properties and Synthesis (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to enable students to understand medicinal chemistry, how drugs act at a molecular level and they are designed and synthesised, and how these activities may be assessed in a drug development programme.

Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis (15 credits)

The aims of this module are to make the student aware of the range of techniques available for analysis, characterisation and structure determination of a range of inorganic and organic materials.

Innovations in Analytical Science (15 credits)

The aims of this module are to develop an understanding of the processes leading to innovation in analytical science; to introduce students to the methods of critical evaluation of the scientific literature in developing fields; to develop advanced independent scholarship.

Compulsory modules

Research Project (60 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide experience of undertaking a research or development project managed according to modern industrial practice.