MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (MACH)
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The progamme aims to produce students who show originality in the application of knowledge and understanding how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research and innovation in analytical chemistry and related fields which results in production of goods and services. The students are able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and show originality in tackling and solving problems. The programme also prepares students for further studies and research.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At least a good first degree in Chemistry or Chemical Technology or related fields from any university recognized by Midlands State University.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
After completing the programme graduates are open to the following opportunities;
- work as analytical chemists industries
- work in the industry as technical business analysts, production managers, product development chemists/managers, quality controllers or quality assurance managers
- work in research and development in industry
- work as research chemists in universities and research institutes
- venture into entrepreneurship in the field of analytical chemistry and related fields
PhD opportunities in analytical chemistry or related fields that lead to lectureship and research in universities.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
N.B. *Denotes core modules which are not Minimum Body of Knowledge and Skills
**Denotes core modules which are Minimum Body of Knowledge and Skills
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| **MACH 801 | Classical Analysis and Chemometrics | 18 |
| **MACH 802 | Analytical Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy | 18 |
| **MACH 803 | Pharmaceutical and Clinical analysis | 18 |
| *MACH 804 | Electrochemical Methods | 18 |
| *MACH 805 | Surface Analysis Methods | 18 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| **MACH 806 | Separation Methods | 18 |
| **MACH 807 | Thermal and Radiochemical Methods | 18 |
| *MACH 808 | Environmental and Green Chemistry | 18 |
| **MACH 809 | Laboratory Management and Research Methods | 18 |
| *MACH 810 | Nuclear Chemistry | 18 |
Level 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| **MACH 901 | Dissertation | 180 |
SYNOPSES
MACH 801 Classical Analysis and Chemometrics
This module covers theories, techniques and applications of gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis, non-aqueous titrations and kinetic methods of analysis. It also incorporates validation techniques, calibration, sampling and statistical analysis.
MACH 802 Analytical Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy encompasses principles, methods and applications of flame, spark, arc and furnace methods for atomic absorption, emission and fluorescence techniques. Analytical Molecular Spectroscopy encompasses theory, instrumentation and uses of ultraviolet-visible, luminescence and infrared spectrophotometry. Raman spectroscopy, refractometry, chiroptical and light scattering methods are also included.
MACH 803 Pharmaceutical and Clinical Analysis
The module looks at drug discovery and development: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug approval process; drug stability testing; design and analysis of clinical trials; formulation development and evaluation; advanced pharmaceutical compound analysis: Sample handling, storage and preparation; medical nanotechnology techniques; biological methods of drug analysis; advanced methods in analysis of biopharmaceuticals and quality assurance; GLP and GMP.
MACH 804 Electrochemical Methods
Electrochemical methods incorporate electrogravimetry, coulometry, polarography, voltammetry, potentiometry, conductrometry, amperometric titrations, biosensors and electrode kinetics.
MACH 805 Surface Analysis Methods
Photon Probe Techniques: X-Ray Photoelectron spectroscopy – Principle, Instrumentation, applications. Electron Probe Techniques: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) – Principle, Instrumentation, applications. Electron Probe X-ray analysis (EPXMA) – Principle, Instrumentation, applications. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) – Principle, Instrumentation, applications. Ion Probe Techniques: Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) – Principle, Instrumentation, applications. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) – Fundamental aspects of sputtering, Principle, Instrumentation (static & dynamic), applications Scanning probe microscopy Techniques: Scanning Tunneling Microscopy – Principle, Instrumentation, applications. Atomic Force Microscopy – Principle, Instrumentation, applications.
MACH 806 Separation Methods
This module is about analysis through separation techniques. It covers solvent extraction and instrumental methods that comprise gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, electrochromatography and hyphenated techniques.
MACH 807 Thermal and Radiochemical Methods
Thermal Methods include: Thermogravimetric analysis. Differential thermal analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry. Thermomechanical analysis. Thermometric titrations. Principles. Methods. Applications. Radiochemical Methods incorporate Isotope Dilution, Neutron Activation Analysis, X-ray Fluorescence, Absorption and Diffraction.
MACH 808 Environmental and Green Chemistry
Aspects of environmental monitoring, protection, theory and technologies are important to this module. The sustainability of chemical products defines green chemistry, where production processes that minimize pollutants and use of non-renewable resources are explored.
MACH 809 Laboratory Management and Research Methods
Laboratory management is important to the graduate, who gets an opportunity to join the chemical industry. They require skills to plan, design and manage laboratories, which they are expected to operate in. Laboratory and business management principles are also important in this module. Research Methods involve practical steps of a research proposal, experimental design, data collection, treatment and use of statistical packages. It also covers intellectual property and commercialization processes.
MACH 810 Nuclear Chemistry
The atomic nucleus-elementary particles, quarks, classification of nuclides based on Z and N values, nuclear stability, nuclear potential, binding energy. Nuclear structure: Shell model-salient features, forms of the nuclear potential, magic numbers, filling of orbitals, nuclear configuration, Liquid drop model, Fermi gas model, Collective model and Optical model. Nuclear reactors :- General aspects of reactor design, thermal, fast and intermediate reactors, reactor fuel materials, reactor moderators and reflects, coolants, control materials, shield, regeneration and breeding of fissile matter, types of research reactors. Nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, radio-analytical Radioactivity, radioactive decay kinetics, Parent-daughter decay-growth relationship-secular and transient equilibria, theories of α, β-, β+ and γ-decay, internal conversion, Auger effect. Radio isotopes its applications.
MACH 901 Dissertation
This is a research project, based on a dissertation on an approved topic. The module consists of project proposal, progress report and the final dissertation, together with oral presentations of each stage.