What is Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry? Chemistry is the fundamental science that deals with the “three Cs” – the composition of matter, the changes that transform matter, and the conditions under which those changes occur. The study of fundamental Chemistry allows us to increase our total knowledge and understanding of our universe, our environment, and indeed life itself. Applied Chemistry uses our understanding of fundamental Chemistry to improve the way in which we live, work, and develop. Analytical chemistry deals with the great variety of methods used to identify and quantify the chemical components of materials, while pharmaceutical chemistry focuses on aspects of drug design, synthesis, and manufacture. Courses in Chemistry at CIT have provided many of the highly skilled personnel at various levels required by the industry. School leavers are offered a flexible and attractive route through an extremely diverse science. The BSc in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry prepares students for laboratory-based careers; activities include preparation of chemicals and samples for use, analysis of raw materials and products of chemical processes, set-up/maintenance/ use of chemical instrumentation. Computerised instruments and information technology are important in this work, and graduates may work in quality assurance, analysis, research, development, and production.

The chemical industry has many facets: production, research, product development, problem-solving, analysis, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, marketing and sales. These courses prepare students for careers in a major growth area of strategic importance to industrial development both in Ireland and abroad. Prospective students should be aware that the chemical industry offers well-paid secure employment in a wide range of career options, and has a high and growing demand for chemistry graduates. The Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry prepares students for careers as chemical laboratory technicians, who perform duties such as preparation of chemicals and samples for use, analysis of raw materials and/or products of chemical processes, setup/ maintenance/use of chemical instrumentation. Computerised instruments and information technology generally are of great importance to the work of technicians, who may work in quality assurance, analysis, research, development, and production. Opportunities exist not only in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry, but also in such diverse areas as electronics, metallurgy, and food/beverage processing. A period of work experience in industry at the end of the third year gives students a broader perspective of the industry and its role. Holders of the degree have become senior technicians, analysts, laboratory managers, quality control supervisors. Some have progressed into company management positions over the years, and some have started and managed their own companies. Potential Areas of Employment • Chemical Laboratory Technician • Laboratory Quality Assurance • Product Development.