This subject provides a review of the key theoretical concepts behind analytical techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography.  Strong emphasis will be placed on hands-on practice and discussion of common troubleshooting issues using case studies. An introduction to hyphenated techniques will also be covered.

This subject provides a review of the theoretical concepts underpinning inductively coupled plasma technology, with a strong emphasis on hands-on practice and discussion of common troubleshooting issues using case studies. An introduction to hyphenated techniques will also be covered.

This subject provides a review of the theoretical concepts of mass spectroscopy. Building on the basics taught in the first two modules, this module will provide a more in-depth coverage of tandem and hyphenated techniques (e.g. GC-MS, ICP-MS) for enhancing detection and sensitivity limits. Contemporary applications such as the use of TOF (Time-of-Flight) and the quadrupole mass analyzer will be briefly discussed.

This subject provides an introduction to laboratory accreditation and the management and technical requirements of an accredited laboratory.  Special emphasis will be placed on the clauses of ISO/IEC 17025 and the guidance and technical documents published by SAC. Case studies on common non-conformities will be discussed to help students address pitfalls in laboratory quality management systems.

This subject will emphasize the importance of method validation and the key aspects of method selection, usage of laboratory-developed methods and non-standard methods. The subject also covers the parameters used for the determination of the performance of a method.

This subject will emphasize the importance of measurement uncertainty in the reporting of data.  The requirements of the ISO 5725 and the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement will also be introduced and discussed.