Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

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.

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.

4 Months Part Time

Start Date: September 2025

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.