Analytical Science – Drug Analysis and Toxicology PgCert | PgDip | MSc |

Program Overview

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The MSc Analytical Science course at Robert Gordon University is designed for scientists and engineers who wish to develop their skills in drug analysis and toxicology. The course will enhance your career prospects and give you the confidence and competence to make a difference in this fascinating field.

You will benefit from the use of modern analytical equipment, and a real insight into the latest developments and challenges facing the industry. Your coursework will be underpinned by research, and industry-input, providing you with the best platform from which to deliver relevant and up-to-date analytical science services as a well-prepared graduate.

Program Outline

Term 1

This course has a common first term with the Analytical Science courses with other specialisms (Environmental Analysis, and Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety).

However, the extensive laboratory module is tailored to emphasise analytical techniques most relevant to your chosen specialism of Drug Analysis and Toxicology.

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Term 2

You will take part in a group problem-solving mini-project within your discipline. This builds on term one study and emphasises the groups' ability to correctly apply appropriate instrumental techniques and methodology to solve the analytical problem posed.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Ethics and Project Planning are introduced to the group and will provide you with valuable experience for your individual MSc Research Project Preparation which is carried out in the final 2-3 weeks of term 2.

The project titles are released at the beginning of term two but not allocated until week 3 or 4. Allocation is often based on a competitive basis.

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Term 3

You will begin the MSc Research Project practical work where you will develop your skills in using initiative, innovation, interpersonal skills, and a high level of autonomy, critical judgement and the application of appropriate and relevant principles in order to produce your thesis.

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Graduate Stories

Klaudia Sobczak - MSc Analytical Science with Drug Analysis and Toxicology

Janice Savizon - MSc Analytical Sciences - Drug Analysis and Toxicology

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Modules

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our

course and module disclaimer

for more information.

Detailed module information

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Learning Methods

A built-for-purpose learning environment fully supports your learning experience in analytical science. You are given extensive use of state-of-the-art analytical equipment, e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS, ICP-AES, SEM-EDXA, CE, DSC, TGA, PCR, NMR and tuition from research active, expert staff. Much focus is placed upon developing you to work autonomously and problem-solve in analytical environments.

Our partners commonly provide industrial visits and guest lectures as well as external MSc projects. These relationships will allow you to gain a unique insight into the opportunities available within the analytical chemistry sector, as well as the challenges and opportunities you will face once in the workforce.

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Activity Summary

Lectures

- 20 students per group, 10 hours per week

Seminars

- 20 students per group, 1 hours per week

Webinar

- 20 students per group, # hours per week

Tutorial

- 20 students per group, 2 hours per week

Project Supervision

- 20 students per group, 5 hours per week

Demonstration

- 20 students per group

Practical class or workshop

- 20 students per group, 1 hour per week

Supervised time in studio / workshop - 20 students per group

Field Work - 20 students per group

External Visits -  students per group, 1 hour per week

Placement / Work Based Learning - 20 students per group

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How long is an Analytical Science – Drug Analysis and Toxicology course?

The Analytical Science – Drug Analysis and Toxicology MSc at RGU can be successfully completed between 1 - 2 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.

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Independent Study

You will develop substantial initiative and autonomy through lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises which will demand a significant amount of independent learning to complete coursework and assessments. The MSc project is a significant piece of self-directed work which tests your higher cognitive skills in problem-solving and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and selectivity and improves your ability to learn.

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Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

1 written exam typically for 2.5 hours

3 written assignments, including essays

1 report

1 dissertation

14 set exercises

4 oral assessments

1 practical skills assessment

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Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

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Staff Delivering on This Course

Our team features in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Most of our staff members are research-active or have connections to industry. Professional involvement in the design of this course ensures its alignment with the requirements of the industry and increases your employability. Our school has a unique relationships with, for example, Aberdeen's environmental industries, Scottish Food and Drink producers and the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We also collaborate with the Scottish Police Authority on the profile analysis of seized and surrendered abused drugs.

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Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

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Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

CampusMoodle

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Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing

Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)

Maths and statistics

English language

Information technology support

Study Skills Support

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Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

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Placements

Depending upon availability and academic performance, you may have the opportunity to undertake your MSc Research Project in an industrial setting. This may be in the Aberdeen area or further afield, e.g. other parts of Scotland, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, France etc. We have a dedicated Placement Office to support you to securing a placement, however most students achieve placement from their own independent networking. Please note that industry projects are limited and subject to availability.

Find out more about our placements

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Study Abroad

Study Abroad is not technically an option for this course. However, the MSc project can be undertaken abroad in an EU country, which will enhance your learning experience and maximise your employment prospects.

STUDY ABROAD

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Job Prospects

Graduates gain employment in a wide range of areas such as research, project management and analytical services associated with a range of industries including distillation, pharmaceutical, oilfield chemistry, food/drink analysis and environmental science.

Graduates may also go on to further their academic career by seeking doctoral studies either within Robert Gordon University, when funding and suitable vacancies are available, or the rest of the UK, EU or internationally.

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Is studying Analytical Science – Drug Analysis and Toxicology a good career choice?

Some of our graduates with the Drug Analysis and Toxicology specialism have gone on to undertake a variety of projects including tablet quality analysis at GSK, substances of abuse analysis for Police Scotland, and toxicology analysis at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Hospital.

CAREERS