Catalysis lies at the heart of many chemical processes, from living systems to large-scale industrial reactors. By understanding and applying catalysts, we can make processes faster, cleaner and more sustainable. Specialists in catalysis are particularly sought after in industry, as more efficient processes can lead to less waste and cost savings.
Our MSc in Catalysis will provide you with a sound foundation in catalysis theory and its applications. We will explore three branches of catalysis – heterogeneous, homogeneous and biological – and you will be given the opportunity to specialise in the area you are most interested in. You will be trained to use a range of laboratory equipment and techniques for testing and characterising catalysts.
Distinctive features:
• Based on the research undertaken in the School of Chemistry and the Cardiff Catalysis Institute.
• Available on a one-year full-time or three-year part-time basis.
• Specialise in heterogeneous, homogeneous or biological catalysis for your research project.
• Tailor the degree to your interests with our range of optional modules.
• Opportunity to carry out research at an overseas partner university.
Structure
This course may be taken on a one-year full-time or three-year part-time basis.
There are two parts to the degree. Part one is comprised of core and optional taught modules which you will take during the autumn and spring semesters. In these modules we will provide you with a foundation in the theory of heterogeneous, homogeneous and biological catalysis. Optional modules will allow you to specialise in your area of interest.
On progression to part two, you will carry out a summer research project in our research laboratories or one of our partner universities. We will make a range of project options available to you from the three areas of catalysis, molecular modelling, or computational chemistry.
If you are on the one-year full-time degree option, you will undertake all modules and your research project in one year.
If you are studying this course on a three-year part-time basis, you will take half the taught modules in year one.
Core modules:
Catalysis and Electrocatalysis
Biocatalysis I - Modern Approaches to Biocatalysts
Colloquium
Catalyst Design Study
Preparation and Evaluation of Heterogeneous Catalysts
Mechanism and Ligand Design in Homogeneous Catalysis
Practical Catalytic Chemistry
Key Skills for Postgraduate Chemists
Research Project
Optional modules:
Modelling of Biological Macromolecules
Applications To Materials Science
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Modern Catalytic Processes
Advanced Techniques in Organic and Biological Chemistry
Molecular Modelling
Catalytic Materials for Green Chemistry
Teaching
The methods of teaching we employ will vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on the subject matter and the method of assessment. We teach using a mixture of lectures, workshops, tutorials, practicals and self-directed learning.
Your research project will be carried out in research laboratories under the supervision of an academic member of staff with interests in a similar field.
Modules relating to computing frequently take place in our computer rooms, while practical work and your research project will be undertaken in our laboratories.
Students will also benefit of the weekly seminars organised by the School of Chemistry, where leading experts in various scientific fields are invited to present their work.
Support
All of our students are allocated a personal tutor when they enrol on the course. A personal tutor is there to support you during your studies, and can advise you on academic and personal matters that may be affecting you. You should have regular meetings with your personal tutor to ensure that you are fully supported. Many of our staff operate an open door policy and meetings can be arranged at mutually convenient times to discuss your work.
You will have access to the Science Library, which holds our collection of chemistry resources, as well as to the other Cardiff University Libraries. In addition to the library facilities the University has extensive electronic resources of text books and research journals that can be accessed online.
Feedback:
We offer written and oral feedback, depending on the coursework or assessment you have undertaken. You will usually receive your feedback from the module leader. If you have questions regarding your feedback, module leaders are usually happy to give advice and guidance on your progress.
Assessment
Taught modules are assessed in a variety of different ways depending on the module content and learning outcomes (found in the module descriptions). We use course work, assessed workshops, presentations and examinations or a combination of these to assess your progress on the course.
Your research project at the end of the course will be assessed through a dissertation, a presentation, and an oral exam.
Career prospects
Upon completion of this course, there are usually two career streams open to graduates: research or industry. Within these two fields there are a variety of career options. For example, many of our graduates choose to follow up their MSc and decide to complete a PhD research degree with us. Other past graduates have found employment in industry with companies such as Johnson Matthey, Thales, Hexion, BAE Systems in the UK, as well as international companies such as Haldor Topsøe, Denmark and the National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand.
Placements
There is the opportunity to undertake the research project overseas in one of our partner institutions allowing you to expand your range of chemistry knowledge, laboratory skills and professional network.
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