Master's Programme in Analytical Chemistry
You will learn skills such as GMP, validation, instrumental technology and method development, while at the same time be given access to the latest research conducted at the uni. Read all about it below.
The program is designed to cover all topics an analytical chemist will need during their career. During your studies you will learn all about:
- Separation - by gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC) as well as capillary electrophoresis (EC)
- Sample prep in different matrix - for air, liquids, solid adn biological samples, you will learn to handle them all
- Quality control - good practice for quantitative analysis, quality control, and method validation.
- Detection - in our labs you will have access to mass spectrometers and and optical detection. And yes, you will learn how to operate the instruments yourself.
- Data science and statistics - to make best use of the data collected.
What happens to our graduate students? We find them in labs in all kinds of industry - pharmaceutical, materials, cosmetics, regulatory laboratories - doping control, environmental monitoring, food safety, at instrument manufacturers as sales and application specialists, at their own companies. Some continue in academia and do a PhD studies. Feedback we get from students tells us that the extensive lab training they get, makes them confident in working in a lab environment, and are ready for the real world when they finish their degree.
We are committed to supporting your career path by arranging seminars and workshops with analytical chemists working in all of these fields.
Analytical chemistry research at MMK comprises development of analytical methods and techniques for qualitative and quantitative determination of organic compounds and biomolecules relevant to human health and the environment, as well as characterization of materials.
The research topics embrace the entire analytical chain, including subjects such as sampling techniques, sample preparation, separation science, mass spectrometry, ionization techniques, as well as detection methods and data processing tools.
During your first courses you will study separation and quality control. The training is both theoretical and hands-on, and cover gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC) as well as capillary electrophoresis (CE). In order to analyze samples in different matrix the important topic of sample prep is also covered in depth. You will come in contact with samples from air, liquids, and solids.
We will also give you a good foundation in good analysis practices for quantitative analysis, quality control, and method validation - skills requested by employers. In the lab course the task will be to plan and execute two lab projects - where you will be given tasks to solve with your lab partner(s) under supervision. A first step to make you a proficient in the lab!
Later in the fall it is time for mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy as detection methods. In mss spectrometry the course covers the fundamentals of the instrumentation – mass analysers, ionization techniques – together with interpretation of the mass spectra. You will be able to gain advanced experiences in mass spectrometry through project work incorporating MALDI, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and nontarget analysis. You will spend time in our course lab and in our MS-facility
During the spring semester, we will work with data science and data analysis for analytical chemistry and see how to make best use of the data collected. The course will cover optimizing methods with design of experiment, cover machine learning models for predict health condition from the data on metabolite concentrations, and implement predicting analytical properties of the chemicals to match the peak detected in LC/HRMS with its structure.
In your final mandatory courses - before elective courses and before you settle on the topic for your 45 ECTS thesis - time to get your feet wet in the analysis of biological and environmental samples. These samples may be complicated to analyse, and you will have good use of your previous studies and also have the opportunity explore some of the cutting-edge research questions in the field.
During your years with us we will make sure to support your future career by arranging seminars and workshops with analytical chemists working in the field. We also offer career days, where you can meet future employers and get career counselling.
During your years with us we will make sure to support your future career by arranging seminars and workshops with analytical chemists working in the field. We also offer career days, where you can meet future employers and get career counselling. Many of our students also participate in the SU alumni mentoring program.
Are you interested in what kind of research we do? Have a look at our teachers research!
Ioannis Saktidis - Chemical characterization of the organic composition of particles from traffic pollution.
Nicole Pamme - Study of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices applied to environmental analysis, biomedical research and the synthesis of smart materials.
What are you waiting for? Apply now, you won't regret it!
Year 1
A full year of course covering a range of topics such, read more about each course at the course pages.
Fall semester
Advanced Separation Methods (KZ7101), 10 ECTS
Quality Control of the Analytical Process (KZ7102), 5 ECTS
Mass Spectrometry (KZ7103), 10 ECTS
Optical Spectroscopy in Analytical Chemistry (KZ7104), 5 ECTS
Spring semester
Advanced Mass Spectrometry (KZ7105), 5 ECTS
Advanced Data Analysis in Analytical Chemistry (KZ7106), 10 ETCS
Bioanalytical Chemistry (KZ7107), 10 ECTS
Chemical Methods for Environmental Analysis (KZ7108), 5 ECTS
Year 2
The second year consists of elective courses and a degree project (mandatory).
The elective courses can be in a different branch of chemistry. Some of the most important discoveries are happening where multiple disciplines meet, like where analytical chemistry meets biochemistry or materials chemistry.
Independent project
The master's program in analytical chemistry contains an independent project.
In order to start working on your independent project you will have to have passed three of the mandatory courses.
More information about selection of master's thesis project will be provided during the first year and can be found below.
You apply for the program through universityadmissions.se
Selection process
Relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme and motivation letter.
As part of the application for our Master's programme you will be asked to provide a motivation letter. The motivation letter is an important selection criteria and must be uploaded together with your application at the university admissions site.
Please answer the follwing questions, and add the document to your application on university admissions. We expect maximum one A4 page in total.
- Your full name
- E-mail address
- The name of the masters programme you are applying to
- Relevant experience, such as research, employment, volunteering that has contributed to experience
- A list of completed courses, including number of credits, which count toward meeting the specific eligibility requirements for the program (please include courses not completed as well).
- What inspired you to apply to this particular program?
- Lab experience
- Why are you a good candidate?
- What do you hope to achieve with your degree?
- What research questions interest you and how do they relate to the ongoing research at Stockholm University?
Upload this letter with your application on to universityadmissions.se
Study abroad
We offer exchange programs with partner universities in both Europe and beyond. Studying abroad is a great way to gain new perspectives and experience a different culture.
Read more here!
Erasmus Traineeship
Many students choose to go abroad to collect data for their project work. A traineeship abroad provides valuable international experience and can be a great boost for your career. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity during their studies.
Read more about Erasmus traineeship here!
The career prospects for someone with master’s in analytical chemistry are extremely good. The degree is very flexible and can be used in many fields including healthcare, environmental monitoring, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and more.
For the last ten years graduates of this programme have found full employment upon graduation.
Program coordinator
Anneli Kruve, email: anneli.kruve@su.se
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se
