Analytical Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on identifying and characterizing the components of chemical substances and measuring their concentrations. This specialty is essential in many fields such as medicine, environment, food industry, and scientific research, as it requires a precise understanding of the chemical composition of different substances and how they affect living and non-living systems.

Fields of study of analytical chemistry:

• Quantitative analysis: measuring the amounts of different substances in samples using techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrophoretic techniques.
• Qualitative analysis: identifying the components of substances and identifying their presence or absence in the sample.
• Spectroscopy: The use of light and electromagnetic waves to analyze materials, including ultraviolet, infrared, and laser analysis.
• Chromatography: Separating the components of a mixture and analyzing them using techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography.
• Electrochemical techniques: Using electrical properties to analyze materials, such as voltammetry and photoelectric analysis.
• Mass analysis: measuring the molecular mass of compounds and determining their composition using techniques such as mass spectrometry.

Objectives of studying analytical chemistry:

• Determine the chemical composition: Providing accurate information about the components of materials and their compositions.
• Improving product quality: ensuring the quality and safety of products in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
• Environmental monitoring: analyzing environmental pollutants and developing techniques to monitor air, water and soil quality.
• Developing new analytical techniques: Innovating and developing analytical tools and techniques to analyze materials more efficiently and accurately.
• Scientific research: Supporting scientific research by providing accurate analytical data about the studied samples.

Job opportunities for analytical chemistry graduates:

• Pharmaceutical industries: developing medicines and verifying their quality and safety through chemical analysis.
• Food industries: Analyze food products to ensure they comply with quality and safety standards.
• Environmental laboratories: monitor and analyze environmental pollutants and provide solutions to reduce pollution.
• Academic research: Working as a researcher or professor in universities and research centers to develop and apply new analytical techniques.
• Chemical industries: development and analysis of chemicals used in various industries.
• Forensic Analysis: Working in forensic laboratories to analyze forensic evidence.

Practical applications of analytical chemistry:

• Drug analysis: examining the composition of drugs and ensuring their quality and effectiveness.
• Food Analysis: Examination of food products to detect contaminants and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Water analysis: measuring water quality and detecting chemical contaminants.
• Environmental monitoring: Monitoring air, soil and water pollution and making recommendations to reduce pollution.
• Forensic Analysis: Analysis of forensic evidence such as blood, saliva, and fibers to assist in criminal investigations.

Basic analysis techniques in analytical chemistry:

• Spectroscopic analysis:

1. Ultraviolet and Visible (UV-Vis): To measure the spectral absorbance of samples.
2. Infrared (IR): To identify chemical bonds and functional groups in molecules.
3. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR): To analyze molecular structure and determine the relative positions of atoms.

• Chromatography:

1. Gas chromatography (GC): To separate and analyze evaporable compounds.
2. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): To separate and analyze non-evaporable compounds.
3. Mass spectrometry (MS): To determine the molecular mass and distribution of ions in samples.

• Electrical technologies:

1. Voltammetry: To measure voltages and electric current in electrochemical reactions.
2. Photoelectric: To analyze materials using photoelectric effects.

The specialty of Analytical Chemistry plays a vital role in many biological and industrial fields, making it a sought-after specialty and providing broad and diverse professional opportunities.