Experts in the field of chemical analysis are calling for new graduates with the right mix of theoretical and practical knowledge to fill staff shortages – Trent University is answering the call with the creation of two new Instrumental Chemical Analysis graduate programs, the first of their kind in North America.

The innovative new programs, which will welcome their first class of students in September 2018, will see students graduate with both the theoretical understanding of how sophisticated, modern chemistry instruments work, and the skills to operate them. Through the program, they will gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and problem-solving skills that employers are looking for.

"Trent University’s Chemistry department is delighted to be offering these new graduate programs in partnership with the Trent School of the Environment,” says Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil, chair of Chemistry at Trent. “They will provide students with intensive skill development, as they work with world-class experts in the field of instrumental analysis.” 

Trent is home to the world-renowned Water Quality Centre, with its remarkable array of extremely sensitive analytical equipment and associated sample preparation and sample introduction devices. The facilities at the Centre will offer the students in these new programs the perfect setting in which to learn.

“With its expertise in analytical chemistry and its high-end instrumentation, Trent has a unique opportunity to offer prospective students. These programs will prepare students for careers in government labs, industry or academic research,” says Professor Vreugdenhil.

In the new Master of Instrumental Chemical Analysis (M.ICA) program, students will gain significant knowledge as well as hands-on experience in instrumental chemical analysis starting in year one, and will become highly employable for science jobs around the world. A practicum placement in the third term offers the opportunity to collaborate with government, industry or another academic institutions.

Expert in Chemical Analysis in just eight months

The eight-month course-based graduate diploma in Instrumental Chemical Analysis is designed for students who have practical experience with the operation of analytical equipment in a laboratory setting. Diploma students will build a uniform understanding of good laboratory practice, introductory service and maintenance procedures, along with a sound understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of modern mass spectrometric and chromatographic instruments.

Applications for both programs are currently being accepted. More information.