Analytical chemistry is concerned with providing qualitative and quantitative information about the chemical and structural composition of a sample of matter. A huge variety of samples, from high concentrations of elements in alloy steels to part-per-billion levels of drugs in biological tissue, are handled by the analyst. The field is founded on the conversion of a measured physical property of the species being examined to a usable signal. It is generally divided into two categories, classical and instrumental, on the basis of its historical development. The overall strategy is to prepare a sample correctly, choose a particular method of analysis, and report the results in a meaningful format, which may include a statistical evaluation.
Analytical Chemistry is a vibrant and growing sub-discipline in the Department averaging about 15 to 20 graduate students per year. We have four full-time faculty (R. Jockusch, A. Ogata, M. Thompson, and A. Wheeler) who are formally appointed as professors of Analytical Chemistry and there are also several other faculty members who specialize in analytical instrumentation and techniques who are available to supervise students in Analytical Chemistry. The list of possible areas of research is very broad and includes areas of spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and atomic-level imaging, with applications to cutting edge problems, including genomics, proteomics, and biosensing. Incoming graduate students interview a number of faculty members who offer research that the student finds of interest, and then provide a ranked list of their preferences to the Graduate Chair. Appointment to a research group is made as quickly as possible, based on the preferences of the student and the availability of positions.
We offer competitive stipends as well as top-up awards for NSERC recipients. Students in the Analytical Chemistry programme are excited about their research and highly motivated in their studies. We offer an excellent programme as a result of the combined efforts of faculty and students. A list of recent Analytical Chemistry graduates follows. We hope that you will join us.
Please find more information on Program Requirements for the MSc and PhD programs.