Teaching of Analytical Chemistry in Polish Universities

Abstract

The importance of Analytical Chemistry in the modern world is continually increasing. There are a lot of reasons: the need for environmental monitoring, food quality control, human health, industrial production quality control, nanotechnologies, material science; these are only some of the areas where analysts are indispensable. Analytical Chemistry, or rather Chemical Analytics, should be treated on a par with the three fundamental chemical courses: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Analytical Chemistry, as an individual course or courses, is lectured in 52 Polish universities, including the Academy of Medicine and Academy of Life Sciences (agriculture and related). All these universities were already introduced in the Bolonia Process, The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points, and three steps of education: Bachelor's degree (at universities of technology–Engineer's degree), Master's degree, and Doctoral Studies. Analytical Chemistry exists on all levels of teaching. On the first level, Bachelor's degree, the program of Analytical Chemistry contains the basic knowledge, so called classical Analytical Chemistry: gravimetric analysis, electrogravimetry, acid-base titration, oxidation-reduction titration, precipitation titration, complexometric titration, quality assurance, and quality control of results (2–3 h of lecture, 5 h of laboratory, and 1 h of seminar). During the second level (Master's degree) the program contains more developed analytical techniques: gas and liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric methods, electrochemical methods, elemental analysis, etc. The lecture courses at universities depend on the specific specialization, and there are a variety of different courses according to the need of specialization programs. The Bachelor's (engineer's) projects (diploma theses) are very often prepared in the field of Analytical Chemistry. The same occurs with Doctoral Studies; very often, students choose subject matters connected with Analytical Chemistry. This is why each year we have about 100 doctoral candidates in the field of Analytical Chemistry. The laboratories of Polish universities are well equipped with specialized apparatuses, but are strongly dependent on the university's profile and the size of the university. Students can participate in the scientific research carried on by the didactic staff, especially when completing diploma theses or doctorates. Some of them are performing studies and theses abroad, in the frame of the LLP ERASMUS Program. From our department, each year, about 10–12 students complete their Analytical Chemistry theses abroad. It promotes the European dimension and improves the quality of education by encouraging innovation in education.