The programme blends chemical and biochemical analytical techniques with more general skills such as statistics, business appreciation and management methods. Technical training The programme covers virtually all the chemical and biochemical analytical techniques of relevance to Irish manufacturing and service industry. The major emphasis is on analytical practices, with particular attention being given to accuracy and precision. The main techniques are covered in lectures with more than twenty hours per week in the laboratory. The materials analysed are often consumer goods such as medicaments of foods, which emphasises the sample preparation aspect of analysis.
Specific attention is given to quality standards and safety.
Programme participants attend a range of subsidiary courses designed to impart a wide range of skills. Much emphasis is placed on communication and a comprehensive programme of seminars given by the participants is central to this. Six seminars on a wide range of topics are presented by each participant. Each programme participant undertakes an intensive full-time project over five or six weeks.