MSc Analytical Science – Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety

Program Overview

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The MSc Analytical Science program at Robert Gordon University focuses on food analysis, authenticity, and safety. It provides students with advanced analytical skills and industry insights through hands-on laboratory work, group projects, and a research project. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. The program emphasizes independent learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The MSc Analytical Science course at Robert Gordon University is designed for scientists and engineers who wish to develop their skills in food analysis, authenticity and safety. 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.

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Outline:

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Term 1:

• This course has a common first term with the Analytical Science courses with other specialisms (Drug Analysis and Toxicology, and Environmental Analysis).
• However, the extensive laboratory module is tailored to emphasize analytical techniques most relevant to your chosen specialism of Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety.

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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 emphasizes 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 two.
• 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 judgment and the application of appropriate and relevant principles in order to produce your thesis.

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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 hour per week
• Webinar - 20 students per group
• 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 - 20 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning - 20 students per group

• The Analytical Science – Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety 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 assessment
• 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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Teaching:

• Our team features in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organized 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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Careers:

• 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.
• Is studying Analytical Science - Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety a good career choice?

• Some of our graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of projects including lab analysis at Brewdog, production management at Baxters, counterfeit whiskey profiling at the Scottish Whiskey institute, lab analysis at Muller Dairies, and lab analysis at Chivas Distillery.

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Other:

• The course has given me the privilege to learn and apply state-of-the-art instruments required for research in a diverse range of analytical issues.
The course lecturers are experts in this field of study and also very friendly to every student irrespective of the racial background. Samson Anuchi, MSc Instrumental Analytical Sciences (Oilfield Chemicals)
• Our facilities for this course
• Analytical Science LabOur Analytical Science Laboratory is a purpose-built learning environment that fully supports and develops your learning experience at RGU.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Scottish Students

Full Time On Campus Over 1 year Year 1 £9570 Part Time On Campus Over 2 years Year 1 £4785 Year 2 £4785

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Rest of UK Students

Full Time On Campus Over 1 year Year 1 £9570 Part Time On Campus Over 2 years Year 1 £4785 Year 2 £4785

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EU Students

Full Time On Campus Over 1 year Year 1 £9570 Part Time On Campus Over 2 years Year 1 £4785 Year 2 £4785

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International Students

Full Time On Campus Over 1 year Year 1 £17600 Part Time On Campus Over 2 years Year 1 £8800 Year 2 £8800