Postgraduate education in Analytical Chemistry: an Australian perspective

 Post-graduate education in analytical chemistry in Australian universities does not have a high profile at the national level, yet there is a significant demand from employers for graduates with qualifications in analytical chemistry. To meet this demand, some specialist courses such as Graduate Diplomas and course work Master’s degrees have been established. These courses however have a research component which is less than 50% of the total program. On the other hand, the traditional Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are research only degrees and follow on from a fourth year (Honours year) of university study which may or may not have a course work component in analytical chemistry. The absence of course work past Year 4 produces graduates with a high degree of specialisation but with a limited view of the relationship between analytical chemistry and the social and R&D needs which drive research in analytical chemistry. It is argued that there should be a course work component in Years 5, 6 and 7 and that this course work component should address both discipline and general skills issues. Received: 15 January 1996/Accepted: 28 January 1996