We come across chemical products everywhere in our day-to-day lives and we can no longer imagine life without them. Currently, there are more than 100,000 chemicals on the market worldwide and their number is constantly increasing. The central question in this context is: Are the products and corresponding processes also safe for humans and the environment? This is exactly where the master's program "Environmental and Hazardous Substance Analysis" comes in. The consecutive master's study program builds on a bachelor's study program with a focus on chemistry or natural science analysis, such as the bachelor's study program "Environmental Monitoring and Forensic Chemistry" at the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. In terms of content, it is a scientific-analytical course of study at the interface between environment, health and safety. The aim of the study program is to extend and deepen the knowledge of modern (bio-)analytical methods and to impart competencies in the fields of data analysis, health and technical compliance.

Environmental and process analysis

In the master's study program "Environmental and Hazardous Substance Analysis" you will acquire advanced methodological skills in environmental and process analysis. Examples of this are mobile measuring systems, analytical online methods, miniaturized and effect-related test systems and rapid screening methods. In addition, courses in process technology, analytical coupling techniques, design theory, technical sales and marketing as well as technical system safety are on the agenda.

Bioanalysis and health

In the first two semesters, the professors will also provide you with advanced knowledge of modern molecular biological analysis methods. Emphasis is placed on innovative omics technologies, in particular in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics, and personalized medicine. In recent years, genome research has made significant contributions to all areas of life sciences. Furthermore, epigenetic methods will be presented which are currently enjoying great interest in industry and science with regard to the influence of environmental and dietary factors on health. In addition to bioanalytical-methodological skills, students acquire knowledge about material health hazards and knowledge of environmental toxicology.

Technical compliance and data analytics

Moreover, the "Environmental and Hazardous Substance Analysis" program provides you with in-depth knowledge in the areas of occupational health and safety, handling of hazardous substances, environmental management as well as the implementation of and compliance with regulatory requirements in chemicals legislation (REACH, CLP, GHS). In this context, you will learn methods and regulations in the field of exposure assessment and evaluation of environmental risks. Besides that, the regulatory and legal implications of the future professional fields are communicated. The trend towards digitized laboratories with high-throughput and high-content analysis methods goes hand in hand with the production of large amounts of data. Therefore, the safe handling of Big Data, the evaluation of and extraction of information from large amounts of data is an integral part of the study program.

The main fields of study in this degree course enable students to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. The acquired competencies in the fields of environmental, process, hazardous substance as well as biological and data analysis combined with knowledge in the field of technical compliance and health are a core qualification in a multitude of chemical and chemical-related occupational fields. Especially in the chemical industry you are in demand as an expert after obtaining your master's degree.

Other employment areas for graduates are service companies in the fields of environment, health care, biotechnology and safety, or can be found in technical customer support as a service engineer for the installation, maintenance and certification of analytical instruments. Other potential employers include companies from health care, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries - both in production and in research and development. Last but not least, public institutions and authorities are also looking for specialists with the focal areas of this study program.