The Education of Analytical Chemists in Polish Universities

Abstract

Analytical Chemistry plays a very important role in the modern world. The main reasons are; the need of environmental monitoring, quality of food and water control, human health, quality of industrial production control, nanotechnologies and material science. Together with Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry is a fundamental chemical course. The education of Analytical Chemists is carried out in 52 Polish universities introduced already in the Bolonia Process, ECTS points and three steps of education: Bachelor's degree (at universities of technology – Engineer's degree), Master's degree and Doctoral Studies. The first level, Bachelor's degree, contains the basic knowledge: gravimetric analysis, electrogravimetry, acid-base titration, oxidation-reduction titration, precipitation titration, complexometric titration and quality assurance and quality control of results. The second level (Master's degree) contains more developed analytical techniques: gas and liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric methods, electrochemical methods, elemental analysis etc. A bachelor's projects as well as a diploma and doctoral thesis very often are prepared in the field of Analytical Chemistry. It is very popular with students, each year we have in Poland about 100 doctorate in this field. The laboratory on Polish universities are well equipped in specialist apparatuses, but it's strongly depended on university profile and how big it is. Some students are doing studies and thesis abroad, in the frame of LLP ERASMUS Program or other international programs. It promotes the international dimension and improves the quality of education by encouraging innovation in education.