Our Analytical Sciences team has experience in various aspects of chemistry, including expertise in forensics and pharmaceutical science. Analytical techniques available in the department include gas chromatography, ICPOES, atomic absorption spectrometry, NMR spectrometry, FTIR, UV/ visible spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry, HPLC and flame photometry.  

Director Professor Tim Mason and Deputy Director Dr Larysa Paniwnyk lead the The Sonochemistry Centre, which has had a strong International reputation for many years. Sonochemistry uses sound to affect chemical and physical reactions and the centre works on a wide variety of research and consultancy applications of sonochemistry technology including food, therapeutic ultrasound, microbiology and chemical synthesis. 

Dr John Heptinstall and Dr Martin Cox have recently announced the development of a cheap, rapid detection system for Malaria in a single drop of blood, which could help to considerably reduce mortality in Africa. Funded by the E.U. this is just one of several linked projects, all focused on detection of disease by measurement of molecular alterations within the blood.

Another member of staff, Sadie Dean is focusing on using levels of nitrated proteins to establish levels of risk on patients with intermittent claudication (muscle pain).

Dr Ashok Patel is a molecular biologist and his work revolves around epidemiology of disease, including topics such as Genetic predisposition to kidney failure in type 1 diabetes.

Dr Pat Lund works on the human genetic condition, albinism, in southern Africa. This includes examining the attitudes to genetic conditions and also to the use of genetic technology in medicine and reproductive biology in medical and lay groups.