Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Graphic for Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance course
Graphic for Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance course
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
20
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 874
Entry Requirements
396 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Mary Lehane

T: +353 (0)21 433 5866

Email: (email)

Overview

Chemists analyse and understand everyday materials to determine efficient and safe ways of transforming them into useful products, develop new products and materials, and monitor production processes to ensure the quality of finished products.

Analytical Chemistry is the speciality dealing with devising, selecting, and using methods for determining the identity and quantity of chemical composition of samples such as drugs, medicines, food and beverage, water, air etc. These have key components that are present at very low levels or concentrations, and many sophisticated techniques have been developed for their detection and analysis.

The BSc (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance (ACQUA) prepares students for careers in the biopharmachemical industries and other areas such as environmental monitoring, food/beverage, oil and gas analysis, forensics, etc. 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.

This honours degree also focuses on quality assurance, which is of vital importance to the biopharmaceutical, chemical and allied industries. The course is examined using a combination of continuous assessment of both theory and practical work, and end of year examinations.

This honours degree is recognised by the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland for membership (MICI); graduates are also eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Chemical Principles: study of general chemical Interactions
  • Physics: study of fundamental basis of energy, light and heat
  • Laboratory Skills: understanding the basis for good laboratory practice in a chemistry laboratory
  • Biology: study of fundamental building blocks of life
  • Mathematics: students use maths to problem solve
  • Creativity, Innovation and Teamwork: Team building, independent working and communication skills development

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for laboratory careers in the BioPharmaChem industries and other industries. They 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. Graduates of this programme continue to find employment in a range of high demand rewarding roles, primarily in the regional advanced manufacturing sectors, in particular biopharma and chemical industries. Roles include:

  • BioPharma laboratory analyst
  • Quality management and regulatory compliance
  • Pharmaceutical and chemical research
  • Chemistry teaching
  • Environmental testing and analysis

Progression

Further Studies

Graduates may apply for a 2 year, full time, Professional Master of Education (120 ECTS credits). On completion, graduates are eligible for registration with the Teaching Council. Suitably qualified graduates can continue to postgraduate research study with a number of MTU research groups associated in areas such as Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Chemical Analysis (www.cappa.ie), or progress to research centres elsewhere.

Question Time

No – the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and physics are delivered during the first semester, with chemistry being further developed as the course progresses.

Students commencing on the MT 774 route will have completed the ordinary BSc Degree in 3 years, while those starting on MT 874 will take 4 years to complete the Honours BSc Degree, with significant additional material being delivered in the fourth year to achieve the higher level award.

Numeracy, accuracy, precision; good practical and manipulative skills; an analytical approach to problem solving, i.e. the ability to relate a numerical answer to the physical reality that it represents. Good communication skills are also important. Graduates of this programme typically are employed as part of a team in global BioPharmaChem companies and must work effectively with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.

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