Love science and want a career that’ll make a difference to people’s lives and the planet? Here’s why you’ll have a positive reaction to studying analytical chemistry!
An analytical chemist investigates the chemical composition of substances to work out what they’re made of and how they form, as well as how they interact with other materials and react in different conditions. They do this to make sure products are safe for humans and the environment.
“Analytical chemistry can take you into many industries including pharmaceuticals, food quality control, environmental analysis, mining and consulting,” says Professor Perran Cook of Monash University’s School of Chemistry.“
In addition to the direct analytical skills you learn, the more generalised problem solving, reporting and understanding of analytical chemistry will also help underpin careers in diverse fields including the public service, environmental management and NGOs.”
When it comes to the expertise an analytical chemist will need, Perran says, “A good analytical chemist requires a fundamental understanding of how chemicals behave, good attention to detail, an ability to follow standard procedures as well as problem solving skills.”
If analytical chemistry sounds like your dream STEM study path and future gig, dive into this Job Kit. You’ll learn more about the purpose of analytical chemistry, and be able to explore study and career paths in this diverse scientific field.
What to study
Step 1
Enrol in any Bachelor of Science Degree or Honours program and undertake at least eight chemistry units including the Analytical Chemistry Units listed below.
Step 2
In your first year, choose these prerequisites:
- CHM1011 (Chemistry I) or CHM1051 (Chemistry I Advanced) and
- CHM1022 (Chemistry II) or CHM1052 (Chemistry II Advanced)
Step 3
In your second year, take:
- CHM2922 (Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry)
- And one or two more second year chemistry units
Step 4
In your third year, take:
- CHM3952 (Advanced Analytical Chemistry)
- And two or three more third year chemistry units
Step 5
If you’ve completed four units of third-year chemistry and have an average distinction grade, you can then undertake an honours year which includes an advanced research project.
Career options in analytical chemistry
Professor Philip Marriott from the School of Chemistry at Monash University says there are lots of career
options in analytical chemistry.
“Many industries in the chemistry and allied sphere have a need for the skills developed in the analytical chemist; many have their own analytical chemistry lab which provides services to assess incoming raw materials, or products the company produces,” he explains.
“Food industries, materials and minerals production, petrochemicals, essential oil and perfume manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, forensics, clinical labs, environmental, analytical services labs, and instrument suppliers/manufacturers all benefit from analytical chemistry.”
All the skills
- A strong foundation in chemistry fundamentals
- Proficiency in various analytical techniques (spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry)
- Data analysis and interpretation skills
- Understanding of instrument operation and maintenance
- Knowledge of quality control and assurance practices
- Familiarity with relevant software and data management tools
- Problem-solving, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills for reporting results
Techniques
Professor Bayden Wood, Head of Monash Biospectroscopy Group, says a career in analytical chemistry requires a diverse set of skills and knowledge, like in the list to the left. Bayden adds that expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has also become valuable.
“At Monash University, we cultivate these skills through a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical coursework with practical experience,” he says.
“Our program features hands-on laboratory sessions using state-of-the-art instrumentation, research projects that expose students to real-world analytical challenges, industry partnerships providing internship opportunities, workshops on data analysis and scientific writing, and an emphasis on method development and validation in advanced courses. We have integrated AI and ML into our curriculum, offering specialised courses and projects that teach students to apply these powerful tools to analytical chemistry problems.”
This article was first published in the Analytical Chemist Job Kit, created in partnership with Monash University.
