MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis

The MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis course provides specialized knowledge of the analytical techniques used to detect, identify, and quantitatively determine drugs and related substances. Students will gain practical experience in a wide range of modern instrumentation and techniques.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time

Course Description

The course consists of four theory and two practical modules running between October and April, followed by examinations. If students pass all exams and wish to proceed to the MSc, they will undertake a 10-week research project. This project can be conducted within the University or at an external company or organization, and students will submit their thesis at the end of August.

What You'll Study

• Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
• Chemical Analysis: Principles, Applications & Methods (20 credits)
• Spectroscopy: Principles, Application & Methods (20 credits)
• Principles, Application & Method Development in Chromatography (20 credits)
• Bioanalysis, Biotechnology & Quality and Management (20 credits)
• Bioanalytical & Chromatographic Methods (20 credits)
• Research Project (60 credits)

Learning & Teaching

The course is taught by experts based in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. Teaching of theory and applications is through lectures, tutorials, and web-based learning, further reinforced with practical sessions providing hands-on experience in a wide range of modern instrumental techniques.

Assessment

Assessment is through written and practical exams and submission of a thesis (MSc students only).

Facilities

Students will benefit from regular laboratory sessions in refurbished and well-equipped teaching laboratories within the institute. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy laboratory has been established in partnership with Shimadzu, providing extensive use of these facilities to further develop and refine analytical skills.

Teaching Staff

• Dr. David Breen, Course Leader
• Dr. Iain D H Oswald
• Dr. Christine Dufès
• Dr. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel

Guest Lectures

Students will have the opportunity to learn from external sources, including Professor Mel Eurby and Dr. Chris Burgess, among others.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: Minimum second-class (2:2) honors degree, or international equivalent, in an appropriate science.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5).

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £11,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900
• Republic of Ireland: Same as England, Wales & Northern Ireland
• International: £31,250
• Available scholarships: Check the University's scholarship search for funding opportunities.
• Additional costs: Lab coat, safety goggles, and potential returnable deposits for entry keycards and lockers.

Careers

Many graduates obtain positions in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and some have continued into PhD research. Previous graduates include world-renowned academics and leaders of international organizations.

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Outline:

• Semester 1:
• Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
• Chemical Analysis: Principles, Applications & Methods (20 credits)
• Spectroscopy: Principles, Application & Methods (20 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Principles, Application & Method Development in Chromatography (20 credits)
• Bioanalysis, Biotechnology & Quality and Management (20 credits)
• Research Project (60 credits):
• Students who pass the necessary number of modules passes are eligible to do a research project to gain the required number of credits for an MSc.
• The research project takes place over ten weeks from May until the end of August.
• Projects can be internal (within SIPBS) or external.

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Assessment:

• Assessment is through written and practical exams and submission of a thesis (MSc students only).

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Teaching:

• The course is taught by experts based in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.
• Teaching of theory and applications is through lectures, tutorials and web-based learning.
• The material is further reinforced with practical sessions which provide you with hands-on experience in a wide range of modern instrumental techniques.

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Careers:

• Many of our graduates obtain positions in the pharmaceutical & chemical industries and some have continued into PhD research.
• Previous graduates of the course include a number of world-renowned academics and leaders of international organisations such the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Pharmacopoeia Laboratory.
• Job titles include:
• Analyst of Pharmaceutical Products
• Analytical Assistant
• Lab Scientist
• Employers include:
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Ferring Pharmaceuticals
• Ministry of Health
• Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd

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Other:

• The course provides specialised knowledge of the analytical techniques used to detect, identify and quantitatively determine drugs and related substances.
• You'll be introduced to techniques for evaluating analytical data and validating analytical methods and examine strategies for analytical research and development.
• You’ll gain practical experience in a wide range of modern instrumentation and techniques.

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Scotland

£10,800

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England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£10,800

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International

£27,500 All recommended textbooks are available in the library (and some freely available as online resources).

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation