Instrumental Chemical Analysis Co-op M.ICA
Combine an in-depth understanding of how modern analytical instruments work with the practical skills to operate them in this first-of-its-kind program. Instrumental Chemical Analysis graduate students learn from Trent’s leading faculty and expert staff how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot modern analytical instruments, facilitating a smooth transition for our graduates into careers with renowned labs and research facilities across the country and around the world.
At Trent, you will study at one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities, with access to the renowned Water Quality Centre. This state-of-the-art research centre hosts an outstanding array of instrumentation relevant to diverse application areas, such as biochemistry and biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical production, and materials production and characterization.
In this 12 month Master's in Instrumental Chemical Analysis with co-op, students have the opportunity to get hands-on, industry experience through paid placements, and build their professional network, preparing you for advancement in commercial, academic and government laboratories.
Experiential Learning
Co-op is an opportunity for students to gain work-integrated experiential learning that will help them get a head start on their career. The Instrumental Chemical Analysis Co-op assists graduating students in achieving a competitive edge while generating experience within a wide range of sectors. Specifically, co-op gives students a chance to obtain 4 months of practical on-the-job experience, explore career options, enhance their transferable and technical skills, and network with industry professionals and future employers.
The only one of its kind in North America, the Instrumental Chemical Analysis graduate program provides you with advanced theoretical knowledge of and extensive practical hands-on experience with sophisticated pieces of analytical instrumentation, which our graduates encounter in their careers in various types of government, industry, commercial and academic laboratories.
Trent has been home to 2 Nobel Prize winners
10 Canada Research Chairs conduct innovative research at Trent
We are proud to be one of the top 3 greenest campuses in Canada
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in a relevant science such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics or Health Science
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in a relevant science such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics or Health Science
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our How to Apply: International page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement: 1-2 pages outlining your objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests, relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included
- Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate)
For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply: Domestic or International pages and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Learn more about tuition & fees
Professional programs do not offer funding as part of the letter of offer. It is expected that graduate students in these programs, will have funds to support themselves for the duration of their studies.
Financial Aid can provide information about provincial loan programs for domestic students, as well as bursary opportunities for both domestic and international students.
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
After completing the practicum portion of the M.ICA program at the National Research Council Canada, I worked as a product developer in the cannabis and medical device industries. Although I enjoyed my time as a scientist in both industries, for the past two years I've been rehired at the National Research Council Canada with the same team I completed my practicum with. I'm utilizing my skills learned in the M.ICA program to perform chemical analysis on metals and semiconductors using glow discharge-mass spectrometry and it's been great reconnecting with the team I met while I was a student 5 years ago.
Research Interests include environmental organic mass spectrometry, analysis of emerging contaminants, environmental metabolomics. I co-teach, along with Dr. Karla Newman, ICAN5001/ENL 5088 - Mass Spectrometry, ICAN 5005 - Instrument Maintenance and Repair and ICAN 5121 - ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS.
My research focuses on the development of novel analytical methods and improved methodologies in ICP-MS. Recent projects include the development of single particle-(sp)ICP-MS methods for the characterization and quantification of nanoparticles and microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations, Sr isotope analysis of teeth to investigate the identification of crew members of the 1845 Franklin expedition and the measurement of Hg isotope ratios in environmental samples. I am the co-instructor for ICAN 5001 Principles of Mass Spectrometry, ICAN 5005 Instrument Repair and Maintenance and ICAN 5121 ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS.
*Domestic applications remain open