What is Analytical Chemistry?

Analytical chemistry is one of the imperative branches of chemistry and has multifarious applications across an array of domains from healthcare to forensic science and biotechnology. It is applied during the manufacturing of drugs, environmental surveying and monitoring, for medical diagnostics and used in the process of food production. It plays a significant role in various areas of research. Its emphasis has always been focused on chemical analysis. This blog aims to explore the meaning and applications pertaining to the question of what is analytical chemistry, courses offered in this field as well as the careers you can explore!

What is Analytical Chemistry?

Broadly speaking, Analytical Chemistry is a field that extensively studies, applies instruments and employs various methods that are used to separate, identify, and quantify matter. Separation and quantification, in practice, constitutes the whole analysis to be effectively combined with another method. Separation is used to isolate analytes. Qualitative analysis is worked on to identify analytes. And, lastly, quantitative analysis is employed to determine the numerical amount or what is called concentration. It also aims at improving already existing experimental designs and simultaneously the creation of new measurement tools. It has wide applications in the field of science, medicine, healthcare technology and engineering.

Branches of Analytical Chemistry

There are two main branches in analytical chemistry. They include: 

• Quantitative Analysis: It is a method of determining the absolute value or relative quantity regarding the concentration of one or more substances present in a sample or compound.
• Qualitative Analysis: It deals with the determination of the quality of a particular compound, irrespective of its quantity or concentration. 

Major Subjects Covered in Analytical Chemistry

To understand the quintessential components of what is analytical chemistry, it is important to know about the major topics and disciplines that this field encompasses. Here are the popular subjects which are commonly covered during the courses:

Inorganic Chemistry	Principles of Analytical Chemistry	Biology for Chemists
Organic Chemistry	Thermo-Analytical Techniques	Analytical Chemistry of Polymers
Physical Chemistry	Chromatographic Separation Techniques	Applied Analysis
Mathematics for Chemists	Environmental Analytical Chemistry	Radiochemical and Optical Methods of Analysis
Molecular Symmetry & Spectroscopy	Chemical Equilibria	Electroanalytical Techniques

Applications of Analytical Chemistry 

Here are some of the major applications of the field:

• The shelf life of medicines is determined by the help of analytical chemistry
• It is used to check presence of adulterants in drugs
• Used in the process of chromatography where blood samples of people are classified
• It has many applications in the field of medicine, with its use in testing of cholesterol and glucose levels in blood sample

Popular Courses

Let’s explore the wide range of courses offered in this field! The following sections enlist the top undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate-level courses offered in Analytical Chemistry.

Undergraduate Courses

Bachelor of Science – Forensic and Analytical Science (Honours)	Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Chemistry)	Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry	Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Chemistry – Alternative Energy	BSc Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical	Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Chemistry – Chemical Diagnostics	Bachelor of Science in Physics – Chemical Physics
BSc in Biotechnology	Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Chemistry – Process Synthesis	Bachelor of Advanced Science – Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology (Honours)	BSc (Chemical Sciences with Medicinal Chemistry) Level 8	Bachelor of Science – Computational Biochemistry (Hons.)

Postgraduate Courses

MSc in Analytical Chemistry	Master of Science – Chemistry (Chemical and Environmental Toxicology)	Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry with Management Studies
Master of Science in Food Science and Technology – Food Chemistry	Master of Science – Chemistry (Food Science and Nutrition)	Master of Arts in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Master of Science in Food Science and Technology – Enology	MSc Applied Chemistry	MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Master of Science in Food Science and Technology – Food Processing Waste Technology	Master of Science in Chemistry – Chemical Physics	Master of Science in Forensic and Investigative Science

Doctorate Courses

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) – Chemistry	PhD Chemistry- Bionanotechnology and Analytical Chemistry	Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering – Environmental Science and Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy – Chemistry (Collaborative Biochemistry)	Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science and Technology	Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric and Environmental
Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry	Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry and Biochemistry	Doctor of Philosophy in Organic Chemistry
PhD Developing effective measurement techniques for the assessment of Furan Fatty Acids levels	Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy	Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Surface, Environment and Energy – Low Temperature and Environmental Geochemistry

Top Universities

For the aforementioned courses, here are the top universities offering a wide range of academic programs in Analytical Chemistry to students across the globe:

University	Country
University of Bradford	UK
University of Manitoba	Canada
University of Strathclyde	UK
Kingston University London	UK
National University of Ireland, Galway	Ireland
Stevens Institute of Technology	USA
Rice University	USA
University of the Fraser Valley	Canada
New Mexico State University	USA
Purdue University	USA
Swinburne University of Technology	Australia
University of Notre Dame	USA

Career Prospects

The next thing is to discover the career prospects it entails. Most job opportunities arise from domains that require specialised knowledge of chemical compounds and their industrial uses, not to forget the higher academic endeavours this field offers. Here are some of the promising job prospects offered in Analytical Chemistry:

• Academician
• Pharmacologist
• Hazardous Waste Chemist
• Forensic Scientist
• Organic Chemist
• Quality Control Chemist
• Synthetic Chemist
• Analytical Chemist
• Oceanographer
• Materials Scientist
• Toxicologist
• Chemical Technician

What do Analytical Chemists do?

Analytical Chemists use their knowledge of chemistry, instruments, statistics, and computers to solve problems in areas of chemistry and all kinds of industries. 

Where is Analytical Chemistry Used?

The field is used in:

• Assuring safety and quality of food, water and pharmaceuticals
• Supporting legal process
• Helping physicians diagnose and treat diseases
• Provide documentation and measurements essential to trade and communication

Hence, we hope that this blog helped you explore the quintessential features of what is Analytical Chemistry as well as the educational and professional opportunities offered in this field! Aspiring to study a degree in the field? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you throughout the process of selecting the best course and university as well as sorting out the admission process! Sign up for a free counselling session with us today!