CUHK Logo MSc in Accreditation Chemistry

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  • Requirements
  • Courses
  • Instructors
  • Application
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What's new?

Date Section News
15 June 2020 Scholarship LI, Wing Yi has been awarded MSc Scholarship for Outstanding Student 2019-20

Introduction

This programme is offered by the Department of Chemistry of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is formulated and taught by experts in the education, testing and accreditation sectors, including professors of the University, former professional staff of the Government Laboratory, exaccreditation officers and experienced assessors of the Hong Kong Accreditation Service, and managerial staff of testing laboratories.

Objectives/Expected Learning Outcomes

This programme aims at giving graduates with a relevant Bachelor of Science degree a thorough understanding of the concepts of quality assurance in laboratory operations and is intended to develop their technical expertise in various fields of chemical testing. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are expected:

  1. to acquire the knowledge and skills for the development and implementation of a quality management system required for a chemical testing laboratory;
  2. to understand the requirements for laboratory accreditation;
  3. to recognize local regulatory requirements and international trade protocols related to testing;
  4. to understand chemical testing of foods, environment pollutants, construction materials, toys or related consumer goods

Those who wish to pursue a career in chemical testing or related industries will find the programme useful and rewarding.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and best equipped departments in the Chinese University. The four-year undergraduate programme provides students with training in all disciplines of modern chemistry. Being one of the best research departments in the Univerisity, the articulated MPhil-PhD programme involves course work and a thesis embodying the results of original research. The present MSc taught programme in Accreditation Chemistry is intended to provide training to graduates, in an integrated approach, on chemical testing, laboratory management, quality assurance and concepts and requirements for laboratory accreditation.

Last Update : 25-July-2018

Admission

  • A BSc degree in Science or related disciplines
  • Fulfilment of the English Proficiency Requirement ?
  • Experience in Chemical Testing Industry is preferable but not compulsory

Study Period

  • Full-time : 1 Year
  • Part-time : 2 Years
  • 2 Terms + Summer Term per year

Tuition Fee

  • Full-time: $ 130,000
  • Part-time: $ 65,000 per annum

Credit Unit Requirements for Graduation

  • Required courses: 9 Units
  • Elective courses: 18 Units
  • Project: 3 units (Optional)

Graduation Requirement

All students are required to meet all the programme requirements, pass all the assessment and obtain a cumulative overall GPA of at least 2.0 in order to graduate.

Assessment Methods

  • assignments, essays and written reports
  • presentation and group discussion
  • examination

Last Update : 3-Oct-2016

Core Courses

Laboratory Accreditation Based on ISO/IEC 17025
  • provide a comprehensive coverage on the requirements of the international accreditation standard based on ISO/IEC 17025
  • focus on understanding the concepts of quality assurance and their implementation in laboratory testing and management
  • provide training on performance management, including planning of audit and the auditing skills to be used in laboratory audit, and relevant follow-up action
  • emphasize the importance of the laboratory management system in quality assurance and effectiveness of laboratory operation
Measurement Uncertainty
  • provide fundamental knowledge of various statistical tools for treamnet of analytical data
  • realize the estimation of the measurement uncertainty based on relevant international practices
  • apply various approaches in evaluation of uncertainty of measurement for different analytical methods and uncertainty of in-house calibration of general equipment
  • report test results and compliance taking into consideration of measurement uncertainty
Method Validation and Quality Control in Analytical Laboratory
  • provide training and guidance on method validation requirements to ensure traceability, reliability and adequacy in performance of the method developed
  • give a comprehensive coverage on various quality control practices to ensure the quality of test data
  • focus on equipment qualification of general equipment used in analytical laboratories

Course Details

Required Courses
CHEM5501 Laboratory Accreditation Based on ISO/IEC 17025 3 Units
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the international accreditation standard based on ISO/IEC 17025. It focuses on planning and auditing skills of testing laboratory with an elaboration on relevant technical issues required for monitoring performance of work and the follow-up tools. Emphasis is also given to the practice and application of laboratory management system to improve the reliability and productivity of laboratories.
CHEM5502 Measurement Uncertainty 3 Units
This course aims to provide fundamental knowledge on various statistical tools available for treatment of analytical data. This includes an introduction to probability and counting, distributions, descriptive statistics, estimation, mean and variance, comparing two means and two variances, simple linear regression, correlation and analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Particular emphasis is also given to the estimation of measurement uncertainty based on the ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 under different testing conditions.
CHEM5503 Method Validation and Quality Control in Analytical Laboratory 3 Units
This course aims to provide training and guidance on the method validation and quality techniques used in the laboratory to obtain reliable results. It includes evaluation of detection and quantitation limits; assessment of the linearity of correlation and calibration range; traceability and the use of certified reference standards. Emphasis is given to the quality control of the analytical process and proficiency testing activities.
Elective Courses#
CHEM5506 Food Safety and Testing 3 Units
This course introduces the importance of food testing and provides a comprehensive coverage of analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of food nutrients and additives such as dyes and preservatives.
CHEM5508 Environmental Pollutants, Analysis and Monitoring 3 Units
This course aims to introduce the principles and applications of various environmental sampling and analytical techniques for use in environmental monitoring and pollution control.
CHEM5511 Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy 3 Units
The course will cover the fundamentals of spectroscopy and various analytical spectroscopic techniques for use in common testing laboratories. These spectroscopic techniques include infrared spectrometry, flame and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, plasma atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Selected applications of analytical spectrometry will be discussed in details.
CHEM5513 Principal and Practice of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in Analytical Sciences 3 Units
This course intends to provide an in-depth knowledge on the advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods for characterization of different materials, including synthetic (such as drugs and polymers) and naturally available molecules (such as proteins and DNAs). This course will also discuss the various modes of on-line separation and identification techniques involving both chromatography and mass spectrometry methods.
CHEM5515 Research Project 3 Units
This optional course aims to provide an opportunity for individuals to undertake a research project relevant to the accreditation chemistry, such as certification of reference materials or measuring devices; or experimental evaluation of measurement uncertainty. The research work will be conducted on Saturdays of the term time. Students with free time on Saturdays are encouraged to take this course and to acquire practical experience.
CHEM5516 Risk Management in Chemical Testing Laboratory 3 Units
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique environmental, health and safety issues that arise in chemical laboratory, including local legislations for environmental, health and safety in workplace, standard practices for chemical handling, hazardous identification and risk assessment to the exposure of chemicals, use and maintenance of safety and personal protection equipment, disposal of chemical waste. Particular emphasis is also given to the establishing and implementing environmental, and health and safety management system in laboratory according to International Standards such as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
CHEM5517 Metrology in Chemistry 3 Units
Comparability of chemical measurements and their traceability are the essential elements in establishing mutual recognition of analytical results and thereby providing a foundation for global agreements related to international trade, commerce and regulatory issues. This course aims to provide an in-depth coverage of the scientific basis for comparability of chemical measurements and their traceability. This includes the use of inter-laboratory comparison and certified reference materials.
CHEM5518 Chemical Testing of Consumer Products 3 Units
This course aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of national and international standards as well as regulatory requirements in major markets for chemical testing of consumer products such as toys and children products, textiles and garments, cosmetics, food containers, etc. Practical consideration when conducting method validation and setting quality control plan for the testing will also be discussed.
CHEM5519 Chemical Testing of Construction Materials 3 Units
This course provides a comprehensive coverage of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods of materials derived from different industries. Topics include basic science and analytic techniques for testing different construction and building materials such as cement, concrete, and reinforcement bar.
CHEM5521 Pharmaceutical Testing and Analysis 3 Units
This course will cover the testing methodologies and their applications in quality control and regulatory compliance of pharmaceutical products (raw materials and finished products). The quality assurance guidelines and accreditation requirements of relevant chemical test methods will also be discussed.
CHEM5522 Drinking Water Treatment Processes and Testing of Water Quality 3 Units
The course aims to provide an overview of water treatment processes and technologies together with associated chemistry, application of sampling and analytical methodologies for process and water quality control, scope and significance of different testing regimes and investigation of water quality issues. The course will also discuss quality assurance and the requirement for accreditation of relevant testing methods.
CHEM5523 Chemistry and Analytical Methods of Surface Finishing & Coatings 3 Units
This course provides a comprehensive coverage of analytical methods used for characterization of surface finishing and coatings on different substrate materials used in various types of industrial and commercial products. Topics include basic science and analytic techniques for various type of surface finishing technology, such as electroplating, vacuum deposition, anodizing and coatings, etc.

# Not all elective courses are available. Please contact the programme office for the elective courses offered in the coming academic year.

Last Update : 25-July-2018

Instructors

Prof. LEE, Hung Kay

Prof. LEE, Hung Kay

Program Director

Details
Prof. CHAN, Tak Wah Dominic

Prof. CHAN, Tak Wah Dominic

Professor

Details
Prof. NGAI, To

Prof. NGAI, To

Professor

Details
Prof. TSE, Ying Lung Steve

Prof. TSE, Ying Lung Steve

Assistant Professor

Details
Prof. KAM, Tat Ting

Prof. KAM, Tat Ting

Adjunct Professor

Details
Prof. MOK, Chuen Shing

Prof. MOK, Chuen Shing

Adjunct Professor

Details
Dr. LO, Wai Yin William

Prof. LO, Wai Yin William

Adjunct Associate Professor

 

Details
Prof. SZE, Tung Po Eric

Prof. SZE, Tung Po Eric

Adjunct Associate Professor

Details
Dr. CHAN, Wing Fat

Dr. CHAN, Wing Fat

Senior Lecturer

Details
Dr. CHAN, Ka Long Donald

Dr. CHAN, Ka Long Donald

Lecturer

Details
Mr. AU YEUNG, Chi Yuen

Mr. AU YEUNG, Chi Yuen

 

Details
Mr. HO, Kin Man John

Mr. CHAN, Kin Man

 

Details
Mr. HO, Kin Man John

Mr. HO, Kin Man John

 

Details
Ms. HO, Wai-ngan Sandra

Ms. HO, Wai Ngan Sandra

 

Details
Mr. WONG, Wang Wah

Mr. WONG, Wang Wah

 

Details

Last Update : 25-Aug-2020

Program Director: Prof. CHAN, Tak Wah Dominic

Professor of Department of Chemistry, CUHK BSc(First Hons), PhD (University of Warwick, U.K.)
Prof. T-W. Dominic Chan
Research Interests
  • Development of new mass spectrometry interfaces:
    • MALDI interface for FTMS
    • Nanospray & nano-LC interface for FTMS
  • Experimental and theoretical investigations of the novel mass spectrometry dissociation methods for structural analysis of proteins and DNA fragments
  • Detection and characterization of bioactive polysaccharides from herbal medicines
Go to home page of Prof. Chan for more details >>

Prof. NGAI, To

Professor of Department of Chemistry, CUHK BSc (CUHK), PhD (CUHK) Member of Royal Society of Chemistry Member of American Chemical Society Member of ACS Colloids and Surface Science Division
Prof. NGAI, To
Research Interests
  • Interaction of surfaces modified with macromolecules, surfactants and biomolecules
  • Functional materials from emulsions stabilized by colloidal particles
  • The packing and self-assemblies of colloidal particles in liquid-liquid interface
  • Design, synthesis and assembly of functional colloidal particles
Go to home page of Prof. Ngai for more details >>

Prof. MOK, Chuen Shing

Adjunct Professor of Department of Chemistry, CUHK BSc (Chemistry, CUHK), BSc (Mathematics, University of London), PhD (Chemistry, CUHK) Fellow of the RSC, UK
Prof. MOK, Chuen Shing

Prof. MOK has over 30 years work experience in analytical chemistry. He joined the Government Laboratory in 1982 and retired in early 2013. He was seconded from the Government Laboratory to the then Civil Engineering Services Department in the period 1990-1994. He was Senior Chemist of the Government Laboratory from 1994 to 2013 and had been appointed Acting Chief Chemist of the Laboratory on several occasions. He had been the Quality Manager of the Laboratory and had been the Section Head of various sections of the Laboratory. Prof. Mok has extensive experience in laboratory management, quality assurance, metrology in chemistry and food, pharmaceutical, environmental, commodity and construction material analysis. Prof. Mok has also been an HOKLAS assessor for over 20 years and is familiar with the requirements for laboratory accreditation.

Go to home page of Prof. MOK for more details >>

Program Director: Prof. LEE, Hung Kay

Associate Professor of Chemistry, CUHK BSc (CUHK), PhD (CUHK)
Prof. LEE, Hung Kay
Research Interests
  • Synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity studies of amidometal complexes.
  • Design of structural and functional mimics to the active sites of various metalloproteins.
Go to home page of Prof. LEE for more details >>

Dr. Donald Ka Long CHAN

Lecturer of Chemistry, CUHK BSc (CUHK), PhD (CUHK)
Prof. LEE, Hung Kay
Go to home page of Dr. CHAN for more details >>

Prof. SZE, Tung Po Eric

Adjunct Associate Professor of Department of Chemistry, CUHK B.Sc. (Environmental Science, CUHK), Ph.D. (Chemistry, CUHK) Member of Royal Society of Chemistry, UK Member of British Toxicology Society, UK
Prof. SZE, Tung Po Eric
Research Interests
  • Development of new testing methodologies for authenticity of Chinese Materia Medica
  • Detection and characterization of toxic substances by various instrumental analysis techniques

Prof. Sze has more than 10 years managerial experience in chemical testing laboratories for environmental samples, food and consumer products. He has also worked in the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) as senior accreditation officer and assisted in developing various new testing and certification services.

Prof. Sze is familiar with a wide range of management systems for laboratories and certification bodies. He has also interested in developing new testing methodologies for authenticity of Chinese Materia Medica, and detection and characterization of toxic substances by various instrumental analysis techniques.

Go to home page of Prof. SZE for more details >>

Dr. CHAN, Wing Fat

Senior Lecturer of Department of Chemistry, CUHK B.Sc. (CUHK), Ph.D. (University of British Columbia)
Dr. CHAN, Wing Fat
Go to home page of Dr. CHAN, Wing Fat for more details >>

Ms. HO, Wai Ngan Sandra

 BSc (Biology and Chemistry, HK Polytechnic), MPhil (CUHK)
Ms. HO, Wai-ngan Sandra

Sandra is a skilled chemist with over 35 years of experience in analytical chemistry, particularly with 10 years of experience in various areas of food testing. She joined the Government Laboratory in 1978 and retired in 2004. She has extensive experience in accreditation and laboratory management system including: 4 years of experience as HOKLAS accreditation officer and another 9 years of experience as HOKLAS lead assessor and assessor conducting over 200 assessments under different test categories. She is conversant with various accreditation criteria and uncertainty evaluation and has assisted in drafting of 4 HOKLAS Supplementary Criteria and acted as co-chairman of microbiological group of APLAC for formulation of policy for measurement uncertainty.

Go to home page of Ms. HO for more details >>

Mr. HO, Kin Man John

  BSc (CUHK), MPhil (CUHK), C. Chem, MRSC
Mr. HO, Kin Man John

Mr. Ho has been working as laboratory supervisor since graduating (1986) and is responsible for managing the laboratory operations, motivation of staff and provision of technical training for staff. He has participated in several projects including sewage master plan study projects, air quality survey projects, water quality survey project, ENPO (West Kowloon Reclamation) and landfill projects (NENT, NMNT, Urban Landfill, WENT, SENT). Mr. Ho has wide experience in Quality Assurance, liaison with clients, and general management of daily operation. He is familiar with various fields of testing, the operation of different environmental instruments. He has provided training on the principles, operation and calibration of various instruments which has included running training course for clients such as Airport Authority. He also has extensive experience of QA and is a HOKLAS approved signatory of various testing categories.

Go to home page of Mr. HO for more details >>

Prof. TSE, Ying Lung Steve

Assistant Professor of Department of Chemistry, CUHK BSc(Towson University), PhD(Stanford University)
Prof. T-W. Dominic Chan
Research Interests
My group is interested in using statistical mechanics and molecular simulation to understand the following
  • Charge transport and mechanical properties of polymer electrolyte membranes
  • Proton transfer (and transport) in aqueous solutions
  • Ion propensity for the air-water interface
  • Equilibration and enhanced sampling for complex materials
Go to home page of Prof. Tse for more details>>

Prof. KAM, Tat Ting

Adjunct Professor of Department of Chemistry, CUHK BSc (Hons) (Chemistry, CUHK), MPhil (Chemistry, CUHK), DrIng (Corrosion, Technical University of Clausthal, Germany), Post-doc study (Metallurgy, Pennsylvania State University, USA)
Prof. KAM, Tat Ting

Prof. Kam is currently an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry Department, CUHK, and a consultant of the Macau Health Bureau. He is also a guest lecturer of the Occupational Health & Safety Council (OSHC) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and a technical assessor of the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS). He retired recently from the Government Laboratory where he was appointed as Chemist in 1984 and was promoted to Senior Chemist in 1993. During his 28-year career with the civil service, he had worked closely with various government agencies to provide technical support on chemical analyses, contingency preparedness and emergence response pertaining to chemical and radiological safety. He was also seconded to the Labour Department for conducting investigation of workplace chemical incidents and the Housing Department on chemical testing of building materials. Before joining the Government, Prof. Kam had also worked for the manufacturing industry and taught courses for the evening programmes of the then Hong Kong Polytechnic and City Polytechnic. He is a Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK, and a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH), UK.

Go to home page of Prof. KAM for more details >>

Mr. CHAN, Kin Man

  BSc(HKU),
MPhil(Environmental Management, HKU),
Chartered Chemistry of Royal Society of Chemistry, UK
Mr. HO, Kin Man John

Mr. Chan has 25 years work experience in waterworks in Hong Kong. He joined Water Supplies Department, Hong Kong SAR Government in 1981 and retired in 2016. He was the Senior Waterworks Chemist in the period 1981-2008 and the Chief Waterworks Chemist from 2008 to 2016. Mr. Chan has extensive experience in waterworks in Hong Kong, he is familiar with various water treatment processes, the operation of different analytical instruments and the requirements for laboratory accreditation. Mr. Chan has extensive experience of quality assurance and was a technical assessor for HOKLAS for 15 years.

Go to home page of Mr. Chan for more details >>

Mr. AU YEUNG, Chi Yuen

  BSc (Hons) (Chemistry, University of London (Queen Elizabeth College)),
MSc(Environmental Technology, University of London (Imperial College)),
Chartered Chemistry of Royal Society of Chemistry, UK
Mr. HO, Kin Man John

He joined the Government Laboratory in 1970 and retired in early 2010. He was Senior Chemist of the Government Laboratory from 1992 to 2010. Mr. Au Yueng has extensive experience in different areas of analysis, including environmental, pharmaceutical, food and dangerous goods. He is an assessor for Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) and is knowledgeable on accreditation and laboratory management system. His hand-on and teaching experiences in various fields of testing and accreditation form an invaluable asset for our programme. He is a Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK now.

Go to home page of Mr. AU YEUNG for more details >>

Dr. LO, Wai Yin William

Prof. LO, Wai Yin William

Prof. Lo has over 23 years of experience in industrial surface finishing research and consultancy, as well as coating materials testing. He is mainly responsible for the R&D and technology transfer in production process and waste minimization technology in surface technology, such as plasma treatment, ion plating & magnetron sputtering, electroplating, electroforming, and electrophoretic deposition, for a diverse range of industries including sensor materials, microfabrication, watch & clock, diecasting, jewellry, spectacles, and metal forming. He is highly experienced not only in carrying out turnkey projects, equipment design, technology upgrading and R&D in surface technology; but also managing testing laboratories serving the industry in surface/materials analysis, failure analysis of materials and surface finishing products. He also developed quality system for manufacturing and test laboratories, as well as the corresponding process audit & improvement.

Mr. WONG, Wang Wah

Mr. WONG, Wang Wah

Mr. Wong has been working as a chemist since 1982 at Hongkong Electric Co. Ltd. He later joined the Government Laboratory from 1989, and became a Senior Accreditation Officer of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) in 1998. Since 2011, he became the Executive Administrator under the Hong Kong Accreditation Service and Product Standards Information Bureau of ITC. During 2017 to 2020, he served as an Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of ITC. Mr. Wong also has the experience in Regional and International Evaluations for Mutual Recognition Arrangements for Accreditation (MRA) during 1999 to 2017.

During his career, he had been serving as members, chairmen and other posts in various organizations and committees. He was a member, treasurer and chairman of various bodies of Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation during 2003-2018. He was also a member of International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) during 2011-18.

Application Procedure

  • Submit online application via the Graduate School website.
  • Send supporting documents to MSc in Accreditation Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Room G59, Ma Lin Building, Science Center, South Block, CUHK, Shatin, N.T. Applicants should quote the “Application No” generated for their application on the documents. The required supporting documents include:
    1. Official Transcripts*
    2. Copies of Degree Certificates
    3. Official English Language Test Report(s) showing the applicant has fulfilled the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirement*
    4. Confidential Recommendations from two referees*
    5. Copies of Identity card or Passport

    * Official Transcripts/ English Language Test Report(s) and Confidential Recommendations must reach the Programme office (specified below) directly from the University and referees, or in sealed envelopes and sent by the applicant with other supporting documents.

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  • Application will be processed on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Therefore, early applications are recommended.

Contact us

    Address:    Room G55, Ma Lin Building, Science Centre, South Block, CUHK,Shatin, N.T., HKSAR
    Email:    acchem@cuhk.edu.hk
    Phone:    (852) 3943 1304
    Fax:    (852) 2603 5057
    Department:    http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/chem/acchem

Last Update : 12-September-2020

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Last Update : 25-July-2018

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