Advanced Analytical Chemistry - Method Development and Validation
PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE at University of Copenhagen
This is a toolbox course where 80% of the seats are reserved to PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of SCIENCE at UCPH and 20% og the seats are reserved to PhD students from other Danish Universities/faculties (except CBS).
Anyone can apply for the course, but if you are not a PhD student at a Danish university (except CBS), you will be placed on the waiting list until enrollment deadline. After the enrollment deadline, available seats will be allocated to applicants on the waiting list.
The course is free of charge for PhD students at Danish universities (except CBS).
All other participants must pay the course fee (except if you are a master’s student from a Danish University).
Aim and content:
This toolbox PhD course focuses on advanced analytical method development and validation, which is important for rigorous and reliable chemical analyses.
The course covers method selection, optimization strategies, robustness testing, uncertainty estimation, validation parameters (linearity, accuracy, precision, detection limits), and quality assurance practices.
An optional extension is available (5 ECTS), allowing students to conduct a small analytical project within a larger funded research project, enhancing hands-on experience in real-world analytical challenges.
Learning outcomes
Intended learning outcome for the students who complete the course:
Knowledge
• Understanding of analytical method development processes.
• Knowledge of validation criteria and quality assurance practices.
• Techniques for method optimization and robustness evaluation.
Skills
• Select, develop, and optimize analytical methods effectively.
• Perform validation, including accuracy, precision, and limit of detection evaluations.
• Document validation procedures and outcomes clearly and systematically.
Competences
• Independently plan and execute analytical method validation.
• Critically evaluate and discuss validation procedures and their relevance to scientific and regulatory standards.
• Integrate validated analytical methods into broader research contexts effectively.
Target Group
PhD students across disciplines requiring expertise in analytical method development and validation for their research.
Recommended Academic Qualifications
Basic understanding of analytical chemistry and practical laboratory experience required.
Research Area
Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Plant and Soil Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Requirements for signing up
PhD students must contact the course coordinator before registration to ensure prerequisites are met (Jan H Christensen, Professor, jch@plen.ku.dk).
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, theoretical exercises with a project work option.
Type of Assessment
Completion of theoretical exercises (25%) and oral examination based on curriculum (75%).
Optional extended project evaluated separately.
Literature
Selected scientific articles, validation guidelines, laboratory manuals, and electronic resources via Absalon
Course coordinator
Jan H Christensen, Professor, jch@plen.ku.dk
Guest Lecturers
Industry specialists in analytical method validation.
Dates
Theoretical part:
Start Date: 17. November 2025
End Date: 3. December 2025
Practical part:
Start Date: 4. December 2025
End Date: 21. January 2026
Expected frequency
The course takes place every year.
Course location
Frederiksberg Campus
Seats to PhD students from other Danish universities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules.
Applications from other participants will be considered after the deadline for registration.
Cancellation policy
• Cancellations made up to two weeks before the course starts are free of charge.
• Cancellations made less than two weeks before the course starts will be charged a fee of DKK 3.000
• Participants with less than 80% attendance cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000
• No-show will result in a fee of DKK 5.000
• Participants who fail to hand in any mandatory exams or assignments cannot pass the course and will be charged a fee of DKK 5.000
Course fee and participant fee
PhD courses offered at the Faculty of SCIENCE have course fees corresponding to different participant types.
In addition to the course fee, there might also be a participant fee.
If the course has a participant fee, this will apply to all participants regardless of participant
type - and in addition to the course fee.