The EMQAL is an extremely flexible course. It is organized in three main disciplines that are crucial for a successful laboratory manager:
Quality Management (QM) - 10 ECTS
Analytical Methods (AM) - 10 ECTS
Data Analysis (DA) - 10 ECTS
And an optional discipline of 30 ECTS.
Each discipline is made up of “stand alone” modules .
Modules are typically worth 2 ECTS each, last one week, and are lectured by a specialist in the field.
Students must choose 5 optional modules within each main discipline, to fulfil a total of 10 ECTS, and 15 additional modules to fulfil the optional discipline.
Each module has 2 ECTS, so the student should take 30 modules during one year. Each student must take at least 5 modules from each one of the three disciplines – Quality Management, Analytical Methods and Data Analysis. Students are free to choose any modules within each discipline. The remaining 15 modules may be chosen freely, according to student’s background and professional development.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will have attained the following general competencies and learning outcomes:
1) design, implement and manage a Quality System in any given testing or calibration analytical laboratory;
2) develop and evaluate a quality control scheme for any given type of measurement;
3) fully understand, both at theoretical and practical level, a set of advanced analytical tecnhiques;
4) research, develop and validate new techniques and methods of analysis;
5) plan a validation program for a given method of analysis;
6) identify critical aspects in a given method of analysis
7) estimate the uncertainty for a given analytical result;
8) develop Reference Materials;
9) organize and evaluate Collaborative Studies;
10) fully understand the current state of worldwide standardization and comparability of analytical results.
These competencies can be attained in different environments, for example in the context of a clinical laboratory, or a laboratory for drinking water quality control. Students can obtain these competencies by taking 30 modules, chosen from a large set of modules that are offered in the master.
Modules may be chosen at will to suit the student’s personal and professional interest, provided that:
a) at least 5 modules are chosen from each discipline (Quality Management, Analytical Methods and Data Analysis)
b) all the general learning outcomes outlined above are attained.
Quality Management Modules:
In this discipline students will understand how a Quality System works and develop the skills necessary to implement Laboratory Quality Systems. Students will be familiarized with the existing standards for quality systems, particularly the ones for analytical laboratories, ISO/IEC 17025 and GLP.
Modules in this discipline contribute to acquired competencies 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Analytical Methods Modules:
Students will acquire a deep understanding of a set of analytical techniques, in the specific field that is more adequate to their personal profile and professional development. Each topic approaches a particular field (natural water analysis, food analysis, clinical analysis, environmental analysis,…). Students may also choose to study one or more techniques in detail, its scientific basis, instrumentation and applications, not associated with a field of application.
Modules in this discipline contribute to acquired competencies 3, 4, 5, 6.
List of possible modules.
Data Analysis Modules:
In this discipline students will understand the statistical tools that are necessary for Quality Control and uncertainty estimation, and develop the mathematical skills associated with it. Some modules are directed for students with no previous statistical background, others allow more advanced students to develop their knowledge and skills.
Modules in this discipline contribute to acquired competencies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 e 9.
List of possible modules.