Chemistry

CIT offers school-leavers a flexible and attractive career path in the area of science that is most relevant to the pillar industry of the Irish economy, the pharmaceutical and chemical sector. The Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CR007, 3 years) and the Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance (CR340, 4 years) are well-established degree qualifications of long standing that have provided many of the graduates required by the pharmachem sector. Major emphasis is placed on practical chemistry, with courses delivered in modern, well-designed laboratories using state of the art equipment.

In recent years, CIT has developed the BSc Physical Sciences Common Entry options (Level 7 CR300, Level 8 CR305). These are intended to facilitate students who wish to commence a chemistry or physics degree programme, but are initially undecided on the discipline that they wish to follow. Semester 1 (September–December of the first year) of both Common Entry options provides a general introduction to third-level science, with modules of chemistry, physics, mathematics, computing, and biology. At the end of semester 1, Level 7 BSc Physical Sciences Common Entry students then decide to follow one of the following Level 7 degree options:

►BSc in Applied Physics and Instrumentation
►BSc in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

while Level 8 BSc Physical Sciences Common Entry students select one of the following level 8 degree options:

►BSc (Hons) in Instrument Engineering
►BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology
►BSc (Hons) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance

Common Entry students then join their chosen class group for semester 2 and thereafter.

CIT offers postgraduate research programmes in analytical chemistry to master and doctoral levels, with awards of MSc and PhD in Chemistry; it has an excellent record of attracting external funding for its research projects, and its published work regularly appears in high-impact international peer-reviewed journals. The primary research area is development of advanced analytical methods for isolation, separation and quantitation of food contaminants and toxins, with particular emphasis on high resolution mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography techniques.

CIT also operates a number of generic evening courses in quality assurance and quality management. The CIT Certificate in Quality Assurance (Special Purpose Award) provides an introduction to the area of quality assurance, while the Diploma in Quality Management (Parts 1 and 2) are professional qualifications awarded by the Excellence Ireland Quality Association.

FULL-TIME CAO COURSES

CR007 Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Level 7)

The BSc in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry prepares students for laboratory-based careers; activities include preparation of chemicals and samples for use, analysis of raw materials and products of chemical processes, set-up/maintenance/use of chemical instrumentation. Computerised instruments and information technology are important in this work, and graduates may work in quality assurance, analysis, research, development, and production. Opportunities exist not only in the pharmachem sector, but also in such diverse areas as electronics, metallurgy, forensics, and food/beverage processing. Graduates have become senior technicians, analysts, laboratory managers, quality control supervisors. Some have progressed into company management positions over the years, and some have started and managed their own companies.

Potential Areas of Employment
• Chemical Laboratory Technician
• Laboratory Quality Assurance
• Product Development
 
CR 340 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance (Level 8)

The BSc (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance also prepares students for laboratory careers in the pharmachem industries. Graduates identify and solve analytical problems by the selection and use of a wide range of methods and techniques – from the mainstream areas of spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry, to more specialised areas such as particle size analysis or immunoassay techniques. The BSc ACQUA additionally focuses on quality assurance, which is of vital importance to the pharmaceutical, chemical and allied industries. Graduates are qualified in areas such as Quality Standards, Good Manufacturing Practice, Total Quality Management, and Regulatory Compliance. They may take up leadership roles in areas such as method design and implementation, process validation, and management of quality systems. The BSc ACQUA is recognised for professional membership of the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland, and graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry; it is also recognised by the Department of Education & Science as a second-level chemistry teaching qualification.

On both CR340 and CR007, a substantial period of industrial work experience at the end of the third year gives students a broader perspective of the industry and its role. This usually commences at the start of April, and frequently continues until the end of the summer period.

Potential Areas of Employment
• Laboratory Analyst
• Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance
• Research
• Teaching
 
Physical Sciences (Common Entry)

>>  CR 305 Level 8 Award 
 
>> CR 300 Level 7 Award

The Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences Common Entry) programme is designed for applicants who wish to enter Chemical or Physical Science in CIT but are undecided about or wish to postpone selecting a designated Chemistry or Physics qualification until after they have had an opportunity to experience both disciplines.  At the end of semester 1, students choose the Chemistry or Physics course that they wish to pursue in semester 2.

PART-TIME COURSES

Certificate in Quality Assurance (Special Purpose Award Level 6)

This is designed as a first course in quality assurance and control. Graduates will have the ability to apply and maintain quality assurance/quality control systems in an industrial environment to support delivery of a quality product or service. The course emphasises everyday practical aspects concerning the use of basic quality techniques in industry, and will be useful both to those who require some basic methodology of quality, and those who hope to progress within the world of quality management.
 
Diploma in Quality Management Part 1

Applicants should have the CIT Certificate in Quality Assurance Special Purpose Award or an equivalent qualification. Experience in quality management will be taken into account. Applications may be considered on an individual basis. As coursework on this programme involves a significant quantity of both oral and written reports, examinations, and presentations, applicants must be competent in spoken and written English. The course content includes the following topics: setting up a quality system, the elements of a quality system, basic management theory, auditing, problem solving and quality improvement, product and service quality, quality costs, implementing TQM and documentation control. The format of this course is that typical of a management course i.e. it involves discussion and background reading; essay type answers are required in the written examination and the course is partially examined by project work.
 
Diploma in Quality Management Part 2

Applicants are required to have the Diploma in Quality Management – Part 1. As coursework on this programme involves a significant quantity of both oral and written reports, examinations, and presentations, applicants must be competent in spoken and written English. The format of this course involves participation, discussion and background reading, together with a significant project element.