Postgraduate Programs 2020/21
Master of Science Program in Analytical Chemistry
Award Title

Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry

Program Short Name

MSc(ANCHEM)

Mode of Study

Both full- and part-time

Normative Program Duration

Full-time : 1 year
Part-time : 2 years

Program Fee

HK$132,000

Program Advisor

Program Director:

Prof Xiao-Yuan LI, Chair Professor of Chemistry

Enquiry

The Master of Science (MSc) Program in Analytical Chemistry aims to prepare bachelor’s degree holders from the Chemical and Physical Sciences discipline for employment and career in analytical laboratories. The areas of study range from materials and forensic testing to environmental sampling and food quality control. By focusing on both the background principles of modern analysis techniques and emphasis on the real-world analytical problems, the program provides students with significant advantage in the job market.
 

The program covers key aspects of modern analysis methods with clear explanation on the physical principles behind the techniques and numerous examples showing how the techniques apply to a wide range of analytical problems. It also contains modules for extensive experimental hands-on experience, including both a laboratory-based course and an individual or group project. Safety training, risk assessment and laboratory management skills are also included in the study.

On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Explain the working principles and application of a wide range of modern analytical techniques to diverse fields from forensics and pharmaceuticals to the environmental and materials sciences;
  2. Solve practical analytical problems by selection of the most appropriate available technique and either adapt or extend existing methodologies to new systems, obtaining reliable results, through appropriate calibration and data processing;
  3. Critically analyze scientific data, correctly handling experimental errors and distinguishing the precision (reproducibility) and accuracy (correctness) of analytical data, and identifying possible sources of systematic error, such as interferences; and
  4. Execute modern laboratory best practices, with a view to emphasizing safety, minimizing hazardous waste, and incorporating risk assessment exercises for projects and individual experiments, and, where appropriate, identify legal issues and comply with any relevant regulations.
  1. Minimum Credit Requirement

    30 credits 
     

  2. Core Courses  

    15 credits
     

CHMS 5010
CHMS 5020
CHMS 5030
CHMS 5040
CHMS 5050

 

  1. Elective Courses

    6 - 12 credits
     

CHMS 5110
CHMS 5111
CHMS 5112
CHMS 5120
CHMS 5130
CHMS 5140

 

Not all elective courses are offered every year. A list of electives offered in a particular year will be announced at the beginning of each intake.

 

Substitution of other courses for electives may be allowed upon the approval of the Program Director and the course instructor.

 

  1. Experimental / Practical Courses

    3 - 9 credits 

    All students must take the compulsory laboratoy course CHMS 5201.
     

CHMS 5201
CHMS 5202
CHMS 6980

 

  1. Remarks

    Part-time students may take a maximum of 9 credits in each term.

 

Last update: 10 August 2020

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
 

1. General Admission Requirements of the University
  • Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.

2. English Language Admission Requirements

Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:

  • TOEFL-iBT: 80*

  • TOEFL-pBT: 550

  • TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)

  • IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5

* refers to the total score in one single attempt


Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if

  • their first language is English, or

  • they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.

3. Program-Specific Admission Requirements
  •     A bachelor's degree with second class honors in Chemistry or a related area