MSc Programme in Process Analytical Technology
The Master of Science in Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 338 of May 6 2004 on bachelor and master’s degree programmes in universities. The programme is under the Food Science Study Board.
Graduation confers the title Master of Science (MSc) in Process Analytical Technology.
Chapter 1. The Programme’s objective and competence profile
The MSc programme in Process Analytical Technology consists of compulsory courses and optional or elective courses that provide the basis for specialising in areas such as food, fermentation or pharmaceuticals.
1.1 The programme’s objective
The main objective of the programme is:
- To qualify the students to perform independent functions in natural and technical science-based industries
- To provide the students with insight into scientific, theoretical and experimental methods
- To qualify the students to participate in scientifically based research and development
1.2. The programme’s general profile
The Master of Science is given in collaboration between Faculty of Life Science (LIFE) University of Copenhagen and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FARMA). The programme is given in English in an international environment including international students as well as teachers/educators. The programme will provide the students with the basic tools needed in process analytical technology (sensors, chemometrics, process understanding etc.) as well as with experience on how to combine and use these tools in practical research and development.
1.3 The programme’s employment prospects
The programme provides graduates with competences that will enable them to perform integrated process development, monitoring and control in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, biotech and general production-oriented industries. The graduates will obtain practical and theoretical competence in experimental design, multivariate data analysis, on-line measurement systems and statistical process analysis to provide an integrated process understanding in collaboration with chemists, process engineers, quality management and regulatory bodies. The student will also obtain background knowledge in the above-related disciplines in order to be able to efficiently communicate with all parties involved in a modern production environment.
1.4 The programme’s competence profile
During the Master’s programme students must obtain the knowledge, skills and competence described below. Furthermore, students obtain a number of individual qualifications through the participation in elective courses and the preparation of a master’s thesis.
After completing the MSc programme in Process Analytical Technology the graduate should be able to:
1.4.1 Knowledge
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Describe sampling and instrumental issues in relation to common spectroscopic sensors
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Describe the necessary prerequisites for evaluating and choosing different sensor systems for measuring specific quality and process characteristics.
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Describe the possible approaches for mathematical and statistical modelling and validation of mathematical process or product monitoring model including their relevance for given problems
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Discuss and expand on process insight and chemical knowledge in relation to solving process deficiencies
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Critically evaluate and assess scientific literature in relation to production and process optimization and monitoring.
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Describe the consequences of different production designs in relation to process monitoring
1.4.2 Skills
The student is able to
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Plan and conduct experiments in food, feed, bio- and pharmaceutical production using advanced sensor systems, experimental design and chemometric modelling.
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Monitor, optimize and diagnose production, scale-up and quality control based on the above
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Automate and transfer laboratory analyses to near-process measurements
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Assess possibilities and limitations in the application of theories and methods
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Use relevant IT-based tools to search for and retrieve scientific literature and other sources of knowledge
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Communicate effectively to chemists, process engineers, process operators and QA/QC people and non-specialist audience at a variety of levels, using modern and appropriate information and communication tools
1.4.3 Competences
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Work in a highly cross-disciplinary team and constructively interact with and affect the work of chemists, engineers, process operators and decision makers
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Formulate an independent theory on the basis of own results and/or scientific literature
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Perform academic work at a high scientific level in process analytical technology and related areas
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Demonstrate capacity for independent thought, creativity and rigour in the application of knowledge and skills in work situations or in research
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Teach and do research and perform management of diverse project groups
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Use lifelong learning as a principle to independently evaluate and structure learning processes and assume responsibility for continuous professional development
Chapter 2. Degree programme content
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År 2 |
Blok 1 |
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Speciale (30 eller 45 point) |
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Compulsory courses |
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MSc Thesis |
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Elective courses |
2.1 Content
The programme consists of 120 credits and must contain the following elements
Compulsory courses - 45 credits
Thematic course - 15 credits
Elective courses - 15 or 30 credits
Thesis - 30 or 45 credits
The compulsory elements (90-105 credits) consist of a thematic course, a thesis and courses corresponding to 45 credits. The courses are the following:
DFUA344 Introductory Course - 2,5 credits (KU FARMA)
DFUA345 Process Analytical Technology (PAT) I - 5 credits (KU FARMA)
270078 Advanced Chemometrics - 7,5 credits (LIFE)
270059 Process Design of Experiments and Optimation - 7,5 credits (LIFE)
270028 Quantitative Food Spectroscopy - 7,5 credits (LIFE)
270060 Dairy Processes and Equipment – 15 credits (LIFE)
270058 Thematic Course: Process Analytical Technology - 15 credits (LIFE)
Chapter 3. Admission requirements and enrolment
3.1 Admission requirements
Enrolment in the master’s programme may be on a basis other than the following if the applicants have qualifications equivalent to the following BSc programmes in the areas of: mathematics, statistics, physics, chemical engineering or biological engineering.
KU/LIFE: The bachelor’s degree programme in Food Science and Technology
DTU: The bachelor’s degree programme in Biotechnology or Chemical Sciences
KU/FARMA: The bachelor’s degree programme in Pharmaceutical Science
Applicants who have successfully completed a relevant degree programme at university level other than the above may apply to the Study Board for approval of their degree as qualifying for admission.
3.2 Enrolment
Admission is possible once a year in September with commencement of studies on September 1.
Danish students may be admitted on 1 February. Students must apply to the study board for admission, and the cases will be considered by the director of studies. The curriculum is based on the students being admitted on 1 September.
Enrolment is handled by Faculty of Life Sciences. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available (currently set to 40), the applicants will be evaluated individually by the Study Board. The selection criteria among qualified applicants will include previous studies, including the composition of subjects studied, studies outside Denmark, relevant work experience, etc. Specifically, the following criteria will be used:
- The motivation of the applicant, including the applicant’s intentions after graduation
- The suitability of the prior education compared to the applicant’s motivation
- Marks on the relevant parts of the bachelor’s degree
Kamilla Busse, - siden er sidst opdateret d.31. oktober 2011