Online course
MSc Analytical Science
- Duration: 24 months
- Delivery: All taught units are delivered online
- Assessment: Coursework
- Next enrolment: 1 March 2021
- Fees: £18,000
Introduction
Become a multifaceted analytical scientist
World demand for analytical chemistry skills has grown at an unprecedented rate. Qualified personnel with analytical chemistry and science skills are in short supply and highly sought after.
This online master’s course will equip you with the technical skills and knowledge to develop into a broad-spectrum, multifaceted analytical scientist. With 100% of the taught units delivered online, you can continue to work and study simultaneously.
Key features
Practical focus
Develop the understanding and awareness of processing real-world data, through video practicals, and a research-related project, based at your work location.
World-class network
Learn from leading academics who have extensive practical experience in this field and establish a professional network with fellow students.
Flexible learning
Study our multidisciplinary course online and tailor your learning around your work and other commitments.
Key information
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Delivery
All taught units are delivered online so you can fit your studies around your work and other commitments.
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Duration
Master’s - 24 months, part-time.
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Enrolment dates
Two intakes per year in February and September.
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Workload
Approx 20 hours per week.
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Course director
Dr Phil Riby, Course Director, Reader in Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester
Fees and funding
February 2021 fees (UK/EU/International): £18,000
Early Application discount (10%): We've extended our 10% early application discount deadline to 8th Jan 2021, giving you more time to gather all the necessary documents to complete your application. You can save £1,800 on your tuition fees when you apply early. To be eligible, you will need to submit a complete application on or before 8th Jan 2021 and if offered a place, you will need to accept your offer within two weeks from the date of the offer.
Alumni Loyalty Bursary (15%): If you have successfully graduated from a credit-bearing qualification at the University of Manchester or UMIST you can receive an alumni loyalty bursary, which is a 15% discount ( on the tuition fees that you are personally funding.
We operate a one discount policy. Early Application and Alumni Loyalty Bursary are not accumulative. If you qualify for more than one discount, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.
Entry requirements
Contact us today
Course overview
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for professionals in the following industries: environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, chemical, food production, petrochemicals and materials.
If you’re looking to advance your knowledge and understanding within chemical sciences or are seeking to move into a more senior lab-based role, this course will provide the skills and knowledge to take that step up.
What you will learn
This course is suitable for professionals in the following industries: environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, chemical, food production, petrochemicals and materials.
If you’re looking to advance your knowledge and understanding within chemical sciences or are seeking to move into a more senior lab-based role, this course will provide the skills and knowledge to take that step up.
Where and when you will study
This online, part-time master’s means you can study from anywhere in the world and fit it around your day-to-day life. You will be expected to learn while you continue to work, and to use examples from your work throughout your study.
You will complete four taught units in year one, followed by four taught units and a research based project (based at your work location) in year two. You’ll learn through a mix of interactive teaching and have plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers.
"Studying online has really worked for me, it has enabled me to do the course. I have a full-time job and a family, and it has allowed me to fit studying around my life. The course is flexible you can log on at times that are convenient to you, and there is always someone to ask if you need help. Even though the course is online it still manages to be interesting and dynamic, it’s not just reading - its videos, practical’s, tutorials and quizzes."
Jennifer Davies, Technical Lead, current student of the MSc Analytical Science
How it will benefit your career
Chemical analysis is a significant part of all manufacturing industry, as well as teaching and research. There is high demand in both industry and academia for graduates with analytical science skills.
The nature of this master’s and the skills you’ll develop mean you will be an inviting option for employers in areas including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, environmental, clinical, materials and numerous others.
Course units
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Fundamentals of Analytical Science (Mandatory, 20 credits)
- Basics of analytical science
- Titrimetric analysis
- Gravimetric analysis
This unit considers the basis of analytical science using titrimetric and gravimetric analysis as the starting techniques for discussion.
Knowledge and understanding
- Select an appropriate analytical technique based on analytical figures of merit.
- Indicate the differences between classical and instrumental techniques in terms of accuracy and precision.
- Identify the important steps in chemical analysis.
- Analyse the level of an analyte using classical and spectroscopic techniques.
- Identify the important factors in obtaining valid data.
Intellectual skills
- Calculate the level of an analyte from practical analytical data.
- Identify unknowns from spectroscopic data.
- Justify the selection of analytical techniques based on analytical figures of merit.
- Calculate the limit of detection and quantification.
- Construct and critically evaluate quality control data.
Practical skills
- Critically evaluate practical analytical data for classical techniques, spectroscopy, and chromatography.
- Prepare formal reports based on the effectiveness of data obtained.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Produce accurate, efficient and coherent reports on analytical measurements and their analysis.
- Perform group work with practical data through discussion forums.
- Participate in online discussions and tutorial sessions using enhanced communication skills.
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Separation Science (Mandatory, 20 credits)
- Methods of achieving chemical analysis goals
- Column chromatography
In Unit 2, you'll explore methods of achieving chemical analysis goals based on column chromatography - an enormously important group of techniques in industry and academic research.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the fundamental principles and mechanisms of chromatography separations.
- Describe the instrumentation commonly used in separation science.
- Explain the methodology of instrument optimisation based on the requirements of the analysis.
- Compare and contrast examples of major commercially available chromatography systems.
Intellectual skills
- Calculate the efficiency of separation given experimental parameters and predict performance changes under given conditions.
- Perform calculations involving chromatographic parameters under given experimental conditions and interpret the results in terms of analytical performance.
- Select and justify appropriate chromatographic conditions and detector technology to address given research problems.
- Critically assess the choice of separation science methodology in selected examples from the research literature.
Practical skills
- Perform modelling of the chromatographic process and method optimisation.
- Operate computer simulation packages to explain experimental data.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Produce accurate, efficient and coherent reports on chromatographic separations and their analysis.
- Participate in online discussions and tutorial sessions using enhanced communication skills.
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Mass Spectrometry (Mandatory, 20 credits)
- Use of mass spectrometry in the modern analytical laboratory
- Topical applications of mass spectrometry
In the Mass Spectrometry unit, you will learn about the use of mass spectrometry in the modern analytical laboratory. With a focus on how you might be applying mass spectrometry in your workplace, this unit will cover the fundamentals as well as topical applications of mass spectrometry.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe and explain the principles of operation of common mass analysers.
- Explain the major methods of ionisation and their applications.
- Describe the principles underlying ion detection and data acquisition.
- Explain the principles and applications of tandem mass spectrometry.
- Explain the principles of hyphenated chromatography-mass spectrometry and the experimental requirements for coupling chromatography to mass spectrometers.
- Compare and contrast examples of major commercially available mass spectrometers.
Intellectual skills
- Apply the principles of mass analysis and the program SIMION to explain mass spectrometric processes.
- Perform systematic interpretation of mass spectrometry data and perform structural analysis using that data.
- Select the optimum ionisation method for analysis for a range of chemical compounds and biological mixtures.
- Deconstruct and critique descriptions of mass spectrometry analysis in published work and technical reports.
- Solve a range of unseen analytical problems in mass spectrometer and hyphenated variants.
Practical skills
- Resolve and troubleshoot practical issues with a mass spectrometer.
- Propose and optimise experimental conditions in hyphenated chromatographic-mass spectrometer analysis.
- Transferable skills and personal qualities.
- Produce accurate, efficient and coherent reports on mass spectrometric and hyphenated measurements and their analysis.
- Participate in online discussions and tutorial sessions using enhanced communication skills.
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Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy (Mandatory, 20 credits)
- Analytical applications of atomic and molecular spectroscopy
- Theory and instrumentation
- Topical and practical applications
In Unit 4, you'll encounter analytical applications of atomic and molecular spectroscopy. Unit 4 covers theory, instrumentation, and topical, practical applications, and you will provide you with the tools you need to develop and expand your expertise.
Knowledge and understanding
- Outline the principles of the main techniques in atomic and molecular spectroscopy (atomic absorption and emission, UV-visible, IR, Raman and fluorescence).
- Describe and explain the instrumental basis of each of the main techniques, including sample preparation and presentation.
- Identify potential sources of interference and common sources of quantitative errors in each technique.
- Compare and contrast examples of commercially available spectroscopy systems.
Intellectual skills
- Propose and apply methods for minimisation of interferences and artefacts in spectroscopic data.
- Calculate the concentration of an unknown sample from analytical atomic spectroscopic data
- identify unknown molecules using molecular spectroscopy based on systematic spectral interpretation.
- Select and apply specific spectroscopic techniques to unseen scenarios and problems in analytical science, and analyse the resulting data qualitatively and quantitatively
- deconstruct and critique descriptions of atomic and molecular spectroscopic analysis in published work and technical reports.
Practical skills
- Perform systematic spectral analysis on unseen sample data.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Produce accurate, efficient and coherent reports on analytical spectroscopic measurements and their analysis.
- Participate in online discussions and tutorial sessions using enhanced communication skills.
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Magnetic Resonance (Optional, 20 credits)
- Theory of NMR and EPR
- Practical application of NMR and EPR
Magnetic resonance (MR) is arguably the most important spectroscopic methods for structural information available to the chemist. Unit 5 covers theory, and practical application of both NMR and EPR, the two most important MR techniques for the chemist.
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X-Ray Techniques (Optional, 20 credits)
- Harnessing the power of X-rays
- Fundamentals of how x-rays interact with matter
- Interactions and insights for analytical science
In Unit 6, you will consider harnessing the power of x-rays to provide unprecedented opportunities for analytical science. You will understand the fundamentals of how x-rays interact with matter and how these interactions can provide important insights for analytical science.
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Radiochemical and Environmental Methods (Optional, 20 credits)
- Environmental analysis in the context of radiochemical based methodologies
- Consideration of other common environmental contaminants
In Unit 7, you will look at environmental analysis in the context of radiochemical based methodologies and consideration of other common environmental contaminants.
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Chemometrics (Optional, 20 credits)
- Application of chemometrics or statistical analysis to analytical data
- Basic statistics
- Experimental design and optimisation of analytical techniques for performance
This unit considers the application of chemometrics or statistical analysis, to analytical data for various techniques. The unit will start with some basic statistics before moving onto experimental design and how to optimise analytical techniques for best performance.
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Project (Mandatory, 60 credits)
- Research-based project in an area of current analytical research interest
- Can base this in an industrial environment
- Joint supervision by an industrial supervisor and academic supervisor
The research-based project will look at an area of current analytical research interest to the student and supervisor. Those based in an industrial environment may carry out the project with a joint supervision team of an industrial supervisor and an academic supervisor. Those not based in a current analytical environment can opt to attend The University of Manchester to carry out the project.
You will need to undertake a practical project in any analytical area provided you have access to the relevant equipment at work. The project will be jointly supervised by an academic supervisor from the Department of Chemistry and an industrial supervisor from your employer. A minimum of 100hrs practical work will be required. This may include 'hands-on' method development or novel application of a specific technique and you will require laboratory space and equipment to fulfil the project. If you are using your employer's laboratory space and equipment, you will need to gain official permission and commitment from your industrial supervisor.
Typical areas may include:
- Chromatography e.g. gas chromatograph (GC)
- High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Mass spectrometry (MS)
- Atomic spectroscopy (absorption (AAS)
- Emission or mass spectrometry (ICP-OES, ICP-MS)
- Molecular spectroscopy (visible/ultraviolet, Raman, infrared)
- Classical analysis, magnetic resonance (NMR, EPR)
- X-ray techniques
Many other techniques are available. If you are unsure if your project meets the criteria then please email the Course Director Phil Riby at philip.riby@manchester.ac.uk
Course structure
The course is delivered online and is designed to enable you to work and study simultaneously. You will receive a high level of support from the programme team and will have the opportunity to benefit from peer support by establishing a professional network with fellow students. The master's course concludes with a practical project which will improve your practical, problem-solving capabilities as well as benefitting your employer.
Course learning aims
Analytical Science is the science of obtaining, processing and communicating information about the composition and structure of matter. It is the lynchpin of the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and processing industries, where continual rigorous routine measurements are essential.
Analytical scientists use their knowledge of chemistry, instrumentation, computers and statistics to solve problems in almost all areas of chemistry and for all kinds of industries.
The MSc in Analytical Science aims to provide high-quality training and development of analytical skills, particularly for those in industries such as environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, chemical, food production, petrochemicals, materials.
The aim of the MSc in Analytical Science is to create a broad-spectrum and multifaceted analytical scientist, who is capable of using advanced analytical techniques across a wide range of industries.
You will study classical and state-of-the-art, instrumentally based techniques such as atomic and molecular spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry. We aim to ensure you are capable of data processing, a critical feature in obtaining reliable results.
Teaching and learning
This course is delivered online, including all assessments. Each unit runs over 10 weeks, with a nominal 20 hours a week of student work. Each week would typically consist of:
- an overview of material, presenting the learning objectives for the week
- approximately 3 hours of student activity in the form of video lectures and practicals
- approximately 4 hours of exercises
- approximately 2 hours of discussion - we encourage you to discuss the exercises and material in the forums, where tutors will facilitate peer learning, providing feedback where necessary
- approximately 2 hours of online tutorials - you will video conference with your tutor in groups of 6-8
- approximately 5 hours of private study, consisting of revision, coursework, independent study etc.
Coursework and assessment
Assessments are undertaken as coursework, including contribution to discussion boards, short presentations and problem-solving based reports. Assessments will be tailored to the practical activity associated with each unit.
For the MSc qualification, you will carry out a research-related project in one of the analytical areas which will be based at your work location or through The University of Manchester. For projects running at The University of Manchester, we recommend further discussions with Dr Phil Riby ( philip.riby@manchester.ac.uk )
Admissions information
From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you’ll receive all the support you need. We can support you with enrolment and subject assistance, administrative logistics and fee options, online learning skills, workload management and special circumstances including a possible professional entry route.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
English language
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each sub-test.
TOEFL: IBT 90 overall with no less than 22 in each component.
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Early Application discount (10%) : We've extended our 10% early application discount deadline to 8th Jan 2021, giving you more time to gather all the necessary documents to complete your application. You can save £1,800 on your tuition fees when you apply early. To be eligible for an early application discount, you will need to submit a complete application on or before the early application deadline date and if offered a place, you will need to accept your offer within two weeks from the date of the offer.
Alumni Loyalty Bursary (15%) : If you have successfully graduated from a credit-bearing qualification at the University of Manchester or UMIST you can receive an alumni loyalty bursary, which is a 15% discount on the tuition fees that you are personally funding.
One-discount policy : We operate a one discount policy - Early Application and Alumni Loyalty Bursary are not accumulative. If you qualify for more than one discount or scholarship, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.
Advice to applicants
To speed up the application process, please submit the following documents with your online application form:
1. Copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations.
2. English language score report (if applicable) or alternative evidence to demonstrate your English language competency.
3. At least one reference - an official reference form will be sent to your referees when we receive your application.
4. A copy of your CV detailing your full work experience.
5. Personal statement addressing the questions below (max 500 words)
- What attracts you to apply to this course?
- What do you hope to gain from this course and how will it help you achieve your aims?
If you need any support with your application, please contact us at studyonline@manchester.ac.uk .
Additional cost information
Additional expenses
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.