Analytical And Pharmaceutical Chemistry (bsc Degree) in Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland

Analytical And Pharmaceutical Chemistry (bsc Degree) in Cork Institute of Technology

Course summary

Courses in Chemistry at CIT have provided many of the highly skilled personnel at various levels required by the industry. Students are offered a flexible and attractive route through an extremely diverse science. The course 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. The course aims to give students the knowledge and skills to practice chemistry in the laboratory environment. Computerised instruments and information technology are important in this work, and graduates may work in quality assurance, analysis, research, development, and production. Module delivery is by means of formal lectures and practical sessions, with almost half of the working week spent in the laboratory.

Chemistry is the fundamental science that deals with the “three Cs” – the composition of matter, the changes that transform matter, and the conditions under which those changes occur. The study of fundamental Chemistry allows us to increase our total knowledge and understanding of our universe, our environment, and indeed life itself. Applied Chemistry uses our understanding of fundamental Chemistry to improve the way in which we live, work, and develop.

Analytical Chemistry deals with the great variety of methods used to identify and quantify the chemical components of materials, while pharmaceutical chemistry focuses on aspects of drug design, synthesis, and manufacture.

Career

The chemical industry has many facets: production, research, product development, problem-solving, analysis, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, marketing and sales. These courses prepare students for careers in a major growth area of strategic importance to industrial development both in Ireland and abroad. Prospective students should be aware that the chemical industry offers well-paid secure employment in a wide range of career options, and has a high and growing demand for chemistry graduates.

The Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry prepares students for careers as chemical laboratory technicians, who perform duties such as preparation of chemicals and samples for use, analysis of raw materials and/or products of chemical processes, setup/ maintenance/use of chemical instrumentation. Computerised instruments and information technology generally are of great importance to the work of technicians, who may work in quality assurance, analysis, research, development, and production.

Career opportunities exist not only in the BioPharmaChem industry, but also in such diverse areas as electronics, metallurgy, and food/beverage processing.

Graduates have become senior technicians, analysts, laboratory managers, and quality control supervisors. Some have progressed into company management positions over the years, and some have started and managed their own companies.

A period of work experience in industry at the end of the third year gives students a broader perspective of the industry and its role. Holders of the degree 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.