Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

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Code SE51L
Level 9
Duration 4 mths
Delivery Part-time
Credits 10

Location Waterford
Campus Cork Road

Next Intake January 2026
Application Status Closed
Fee information View details

Why was this course developed?

The Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques was developed based on an analysis of the importance of the pharmaceutical and related industries in Ireland and within the South-East region and also using information generated from the Wales Ireland Network for Scientific Skills (WINSS) Scientific Survey from a large number of pharmaceutical/biotechnology, medical device and food companies. One of the outputs from this survey indicated that 35% of the companies surveyed require training in spectroscopic techniques. Recognising this demand, the Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques was devised to provide advanced level training and address this skills deficit.

This course was developed to provide the student with an advanced understanding of the theory, practices and instrumentation associated with spectroscopic detection techniques. A broad range of molecular and atomic spectroscopic techniques are covered. The molecular spectroscopy techniques include UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (MS). The atomic spectroscopy techniques include Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The focus of the module is on state-of-the-art developments in the practices and instrumentation associated with these techniques.

The student will be exposed to the application of advanced spectroscopic techniques in a wide range of environments focusing mainly, but not exclusively, on applications in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. The student will also learn to resolve sample preparation issues relating to the use of advanced spectroscopic techniques, and to resolve method development issues concerned with mass spectrometry and related hyphenation techniques. The student will also learn to employ appropriate advanced data analysing, synthesising and summarising skills in spectroscopic techniques, in order to enable the spectroscopic identification of samples in complex matrices.

What are the learning outcomes?

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

Explain the principles, practices and instrumentation associated with advanced spectroscopic techniques.
Resolve sample preparation issues relating to the use of advanced spectroscopic techniques.
Resolve method development issues concerned with mass spectrometry and related hyphenated techniques.
Competently operate and calibrate associated laboratory instrumentation for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sample analyses.
Employ appropriate advanced data analysing, synthesising and summarising skills in spectroscopic techniques.
Critically appraise spectroscopic literature and identify future trends in this area.

How is this course delivered?

The Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques programme is taught using a block approach on a part-time basis to facilitate students in full-time employment.
Since this course is also offered as one module of the two year MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management programme, the Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques is only offered once every two years.
Over the duration of the programme, students will be required to attend SETU Waterford for approximately 7 – 8 days from January to June.
This programme will be delivered through a blend of lectures, tutorial sessions and laboratory practicals, as well as independent study. Students will be required to attend SETU Waterford for four days of lectures, in addition to three to four days of laboratory practicals. Some of the lecture material is delivered in an e-learning capacity to facilitate distance learning.
Continuous assessment will be carried out throughout the course of the programme.

The Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques programme is aimed at those already working in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and food industries. This programme is also suitable for students intending to/already undertaking postgraduate research study.

Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques Entry Requirements

Applicants for entry to this programme should hold a Level 8 Bachelor’s degree at honours level minimum 2.2 in an appropriate subject area or equivalent qualification

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see SETU Waterford’s English Language Requirements for details.

How to Apply

Applications for this programme are made online by going to www.pac.ie

This course places a strong emphasis on the professional development of the graduate and is aimed at students already working in an industrial environment. Such a qualification will enable and facilitate career progression for graduates in the region.