Advanced analytical devices, sensors, miniaturization, electrochemistry

Humankind is constantly making efforts to replace large analytical instruments based in labs with small, cost-effective, and fast sensors able to measure 24/7 without human intervention. Quite some progress has already been made and the use of sensors and automated analytical systems is ever increasing and is expected to shape the future of analytical chemistry.

In the EACH programme, the Åbo’s study track suits best to the students who have an interest in the development of novel chemical sensors for future applications including e.g.

• Wearable sensors for personal health monitoring,
• Sensor systems for environmental monitoring,
• Wireless sensor networks for industrial process analysis and remote sensing.

Students following this study track will spend the second study year at Åbo Akademi University. This study track includes courses in applied electrochemistry, chemical sensors and biosensors, project work in analytical chemistry, and the Swedish language. This study track will provide knowledge and skills needed for development of chemical sensors, which is a fascinating field of research aiming to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use analytical devices.

The Åbo’s study track suits best to the students who want to understand the working principles of chemical sensors and biosensors in order to design and develop novel sensors for future applications in modern analytical devices.

This study track will give the students the following specific knowledge and skills:

1. deep understanding of the fundamental principles of electrochemistry with special emphasis on electroanalytical applications;
2. theoretical background and working principles of electrochemical methods: potentiometry, voltammetry, conductometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy;
3. understanding of the main concepts of chemical sensors and biosensors based on electrochemical-, optical-, mass- and thermal transduction of the signal;
4. familiarity with advanced sensor materials including conducting polymers, carbon nanomaterials and ion receptor molecules;
5. practical skills in fabrication of solid-contact ion-selective electrodes and evaluation of their analytical performance;
6. ability to select, set up, test (validate) and apply an electroanalytical method to solve an analytical problem and write a technical report;
7. familiarity with current trends in analytical chemistry, including smart sensors for applications in health diagnostics, environmental monitoring and process analysis.

Possible employment:

• R&D related to manufacturing and maintenance of analytical instruments
• R&D and quality control in pharmaceutical, food and medical companies
• Process analysis in chemical, biochemical and cosmetics industries
• Environmental monitoring and food analysis
• Monitoring of work environment safety (industrial hygiene)
• Chemical, biochemical or clinical research and higher education
• Research management and analytical expert duties

To learn about Åbo’s learning and research environment, click here and here.

To find out what it is like to live in Åbo (Turku in Finnish), click here.