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Term 1

This course has a common first termÌýwith the Analytical Science courses with other specialisms (Drug Analysis and Toxicology, and Environmental Analysis).

However, the extensive laboratory moduleÌýisÌýtailored to emphasise analytical techniques most relevant to your chosen specialism of Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety.

Term 2

You willÌýtake part in a group problem-solving mini-project within your discipline. This buildsÌýon termÌýoneÌýstudy andÌýemphasises the groups' ability to correctly apply appropriate instrumental techniques and methodology to solve the analytical problem posed.Ìý

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Ethics and Project Planning are introduced to the group andÌýwill provide you with valuable experience for your individual MSc Research Project Preparation which is carried out in the final 2-3 weeks of termÌý2.Ìý

The project titles are released at the beginning of termÌýtwo but not allocated until week 3 or 4. AllocationÌýis often based on a competitive basis.

An example project title in this elective is the 'Determination and characterisation of Antioxidants in Food'

Term 3

You will begin the MSc Research ProjectÌýpractical work where you will develop your skills in using initiative, innovation, interpersonal skills, and a high level of autonomy, critical judgementÌýand the application of appropriate and relevant principles in order to produce your thesis.

Student Stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studyingÌýthis course:

Learning Methods

A built-for-purpose learning environment fully supports your learning experience in analytical science. You are given extensive use of state-of-the-art analytical equipment, e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS,ÌýICP-AES, SEM-EDXA,ÌýCE, DSC, TGA, PCR, NMR andÌýtuition from research active, expert staff. Much focus is placed upon developing you to work autonomously andÌýproblem-solve in analytical environments.

Our partners commonly provide industrial visitsÌýandÌýguest lectures as well as external MSc projects. These relationships will allow you to gain a unique insight into the opportunities available within the analytical chemistry sector, as well as the challenges and opportunities you will face once in the workforce.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 10 hours per week
• Seminars - 20 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Webinar - 20 students per group
• Tutorial - 20 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 20 students per group, 5 hours per week
• Demonstration - 20 students per group
• Practical class or workshop -Ìý20 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 20 students per group
• Field Work - 20 students per group
• External Visits - 20 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning - 20 students per group

How long is an Analytical Science – Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety course?

The Analytical Science – Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety MSc at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ can be successfully completed between 1 - 2 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.

Independent Study

You will develop substantial initiative and autonomy through lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises which will demand a significant amount of independent learning to complete coursework and assessments. The MSc project is a significant piece of self-directed work which tests your higher cognitive skills in problem-solving and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and selectivity and improves your ability to learn.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed eachÌýyear:

• 1Ìýwritten exam, typically for 2.5 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 report
• 1 dissertation
• 14 set exercises
• 4 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our team features in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½:Union.Ìý

Most of our staff members are research-active or have connections to industry. ProfessionalÌýinvolvement in the design of this course ensures its alignment with the requirements of the industry and increases your employability. Our school has aÌýunique relationships with,Ìýfor example,ÌýAberdeen's environmental industries,ÌýScottish Food and Drink producers and the Medicines andÌýHealthcare Regulatory AgencyÌý(MHRA). We also collaborate with the Scottish Police Authority on the profile analysis of seized and surrendered abused drugs.Ìý

Placements

Depending upon availability and academic performance, you may have the opportunity to undertake your MSc Research Project in an industrial setting. This may be in the Aberdeen area or further afield, e.g. other parts of Scotland, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, France etc. We have aÌýdedicated Placement OfficeÌýto support you to securing a placement, however most students achieve placement from their own independent networking. Please note that industry projects are limited and subject to availability.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is not technically an option for this course. However, the MSc project can be undertaken abroad in an EU country,Ìýwhich will enhance your learning experience and maximise your employment prospects.

Job Prospects

Graduates gain employment in a wide range of areas such as research, project management and analytical services associated with a range of industries including distillation, pharmaceutical, oilfield chemistry, food/drink analysis and environmental science.

Graduates may also go on to further their academic career by seeking doctoral studies either within Robert Gordon University, when funding and suitable vacancies are available, or the rest of the UK, EU or internationally.

Is studying Analytical Science - Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety a good career choice?

Some of our graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of projects including lab analysis at Brewdog, production management at Baxters, counterfeit whiskey profiling at the Scottish Whiskey institute, lab analysis at Muller Dairies, and lab analysis at Chivas Distillery.

What is needed to study MSc Analytical Science - Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant science subject area and to include ChemistryÌýincluding (but not restricted to) Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Life Sciences.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.Ìý

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.ukÌýfor further information.