Masters Degrees in Inorganic Chemistry, United Kingdom

With an increase in the number of undergraduate degrees offering the MChem qualification, our Chemistry MRes allows BSc graduates to become equally competitive by studying for an enhanced qualification that will set them apart throughout their career.

Our MRes qualification is also a convenient entry point into the UK academic system for overseas students, and many of our MRes graduates go on to successfully complete a PhD.

Our academics are at the forefront of their field, having recently discovered a method for the rapid detection of drugs from a fingerprint; and a naturally sourced, environmentally safe chemical for the treatment of an important agricultural pathogen.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year. It consists of three taught modules and a research project, which contributes 75 per cent of the final credits to the degree and includes the laboratory based research, library work, COSHH, record keeping and writing the dissertation.

We would normally expect the laboratory based part of the project to be, on average, two to three full days per week during the teaching semesters and five days per week during non-teaching times (for example, over the Christmas, Easter and summer breaks).

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Management, Communication and IT Skills
• Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry
• Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanotechnology
• Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
• Advanced Methods in Forensics
• MRes Research Project

Educational aims of the programme

• The aim of the MRes is training in the more laboratory-based aspects of chemical research
• The objectives and learning outcomes/skills are that the student will be able to: assess, plan, carry out, analyse, interpret and disseminate (all with appropriate training and supervision) a significant piece of chemistry research to an extent that results in a satisfactory assessment of a dissertation and viva
• In addition, competence in related (non-laboratory based) aspects of research training will be assessed via examination (formal exam and/or coursework) of lecture/workshop-based modules
• A knowledge of discipline-related aspects of professional training including data analysis, literature searching and reporting and presentation techniques

Programme learning outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

• Knowledge and understanding of the scientific method
• Knowledge and understanding of research ethos and strategy
• Knowledge and understanding of advanced communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of reporting of technical concepts
• Knowledge and understanding of critical analysis
• Knowledge and understanding of advanced aspects of chemistry including subjects at the frontiers of the discipline
• Knowledge and understanding of advanced principles in a research led area of chemistry
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety legislation
• Knowledge and understanding of statistics for data analysis
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of experimental design

Intellectual / cognitive skills

• The ability to plan and carry out an advance research project
• The ability to analyse and solve problems of technical nature under consideration of various constraints
• The ability to make effective and efficient decisions in an environment of conflicting interests
• The ability to think strategically
• The ability to synthesise and critically evaluate the work of others
• The ability to apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
• The ability to self-reflect to improve behaviour

Professional practical skills

• Assessment of the research literature
• Risk assess experiments / procedures
• Design and set up experiments using the most appropriate methods
• Carry out laboratory work safely
• Deal safely with unexpected events / results
• Apply prior knowledge to new situations

Key / transferable skills

• Planning
• Organisation
• Independent working
• Apply prior knowledge to unfamiliar problem
• Using initiative
• Time-management
• Personal development planning
• Use of word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, graphical software packages
• Management of data
• Effective literature / patent searching

Research

The Chemistry programme is run within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the cross-faculty Surrey Materials Institute (SMI). Staff in the Department of Chemistry have expertise which includes all aspects of chemistry:

• Inorganic
• Medicinal
• Physical
• Physical organic
• Materials
• Polymers
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical

You will receive a thorough education in advanced aspects of chemistry, but also undertake independent research via a project, guided by a dedicated and experienced supervisor.

Projects are available across a range of topics in chemistry, and may extend into areas of biology, forensics or materials science. Past MRes students have continued to further (PhD) education and to posts in research in industry.

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Materials Chemistry has emerged as an important sub-discipline within Chemistry. It cross-cuts the traditional Organic/Inorganic/Physical boundaries of Chemistry and overlaps many disciplines from Engineering to the Biosciences.

Materials chemists now have a leading role in areas such as microelectronics, polymer science, catalysis and nanotechnology. They also make an important contribution to areas of more traditional chemistry such as the pharmaceutical sector where understanding the 'physical properties' of intermediates and products is now recognised as essential in optimising the synthesis and properties of pharmaceutically active ingredients in medicines.

The degree consists of advanced lecture courses such as:

• Properties & Reactions of Matter
• Chemistry of Functional Materials
• Physical Techniques in Action
• Techniques and Concepts in Inorganic Chemistry

These are studied concurrently with a predominantly practical based course offering an introduction to research methods.

Students then proceed to a period of full-time research project work leading to the submission of their Master's dissertation.

Programme structure

Lectures are given by leading researchers in the area of materials chemistry. The lecture courses are supported by tutorial sessions and assessed by examination in April/May.

The Introduction to Research Methods course includes an exciting problem solving exercise where you learn important skills such as Communicating Science, Innovation, Dealing with Intellectual Property and Grant Application Writing, together with a literature survey and written report, defining the scope of the subsequent individual research project work.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, you should have developed a depth of comprehension and critique in the core elements of your subject area, including:

• Critical analysis and management of data.
• Judging the relationship between theory and methodology.
• Assessment of the appropriate methods of data collection/analysis to address the research question.
• Assessment of relevance of previous studies.
• Critical thinking.

Additionally you will have enhanced your professional/practical skills through:

• Experience of research design and management.
• Advanced instrumentation or techniques.
• Production of scientific reports.

You will also have had the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as:

• Written, visual and oral delivery and dissemination of research findings.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computing proficiency.
• Organisation skills.

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The MRes in Analytical Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of students. In particular, it is geared towards the analytical professionals seeking to refresh their knowledge of analytical chemistry and recent graduates in a wide range of sciences allied to chemistry including, biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensic science and physics.

This course enables you to develop and further your knowledge of chemical analysis, with a carefully put together range of core modules. You can expand your interests further by selecting module options and an analytical chemistry led research project within one of the diverse range of internationally recognised analytical chemistry research groups (alongside PhD students and post doctoral research fellows).

We have links with scientists from AstraZeneca and Vectura who deliver some of the module content relevant to their workplace. Other guest lecturers from a variety of other companies and universities also present their research.

Modules

• Drug detection, analysis, and screening
• Research methods and independent study
• Research project
• Organic synthesis and characterisation of biologically active compounds
• Physical properties of solid-state and nano-composite materials
• Inorganic chemistry beyond the molecule

COME VISIT US ON OUR NEXT OPEN DAY!

Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.

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Summary

Our MSc Chemistry by Research combines advanced lecture modules in your area of specialisation with safety and professional skills modules and a significant period dedicated to an individual research project. It offers specialisation in characterisation and analytics, chemical biology, computational systems chemistry, electrochemistry, flow chemistry, magnetic resonance, organic and inorganic synthesis and supramolecular chemistry.

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Summary

The MSc Chemistry is based on Southampton's highly successful MChem degree. The one-year taught course offers the opportunity to study Chemistry at an advanced level, covering both the traditional core areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as more specialist courses aligned to the research groupings of the Department. The course provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge, understanding, and practical/research skills.

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This MSc aims to provide students who have already studied chemistry to the level equivalent to a good UK BSc (Hons) with the necessary additional skills and depth of knowledge to become professional chemists.

Students take 90 credits of advanced chemistry modules in Semesters 1 and 2, chosen from a wide range of topics and studying alongside our Integrated Master's MChem students. Module topics range from core physical, inorganic and organic chemistry to specialist cutting-edge research areas and choices can be made to suit individual skills and interests. Most modules offered are at M-level although up to 30 credits at level 3 can be taken.

Alongside these taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2, students start to gain relevant research skills by taking a common 30 credit module, PGSC003 Introduction to Research, tailored to suit their particular background and research area.

During the Summer, students undertake a substantial 60 credit research project PGSC004, working in an active research group.

Why Department of Chemistry?

First in the UK for 4* and 3* research

The Department offers a wide range of opportunities for taught and research Postgraduate Degree Programmes in state-of-the art facilities.

Thriving research culture

The Chemistry Department has been highly rated for our overall research by the Higher Education Funding Council and our research income totals around £5million per year.

Excellent training in modern chemical research techniques in a stimulating environment

As well as around 100 postgraduate research students, there are about 40 postdoctoral research assistants and visiting scientists from abroad, creating a diverse environment in which to study.

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About the course:
-Excellent preparation for a career in research and development, or for a PhD
-Hands-on training using instrumentation in our state-of-the-art Chemical Analysis Facility
-Acquire specialist practical and theoretical knowledge in your chosen area of chemistry
-Comprises two taught modules and a one-year research project
-Aimed at graduates from chemistry or a related discipline

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

Sample modules:
-Advanced organic chemistry
-Advanced topics in physical chemistry
-Functional inorganic materials
-Chemistry in industry and professional skills
-Current topics in chemical research

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

WHAT CAREER CAN YOU HAVE?

You will acquire a number of valuable transferable skills relating to organisation and time management, communication, information handling, numeracy, problem solving and team working.

Many of our master’s graduates go on to pursue a career in research and development.

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This MRes Advanced Materials Engineering course will provide you with the advanced knowledge, skills and attributes required for a career in analytical chemistry and its sub-disciplines, or act as a base for entry to PhD studies.

This course enables you to develop and further your knowledge of materials with a carefully put together range of core modules. You can expand your interests further by selecting a materials research project within one of the diverse range of internationally recognised material engineering research groups (alongside PhD students and post doctoral research fellows).

We have links with scientists from AstraZeneca and Vectura who deliver some of the module content relevant to their workplace. Other guest lecturers from a variety of other companies and universities also present their research.

Modules

• Physical Properties of Solid-state and Nano-composite Materials
• Inorganic Chemistry Beyond the Molecule
• Research Methods and Independent Study
• Research Project

COME VISIT US ON OUR NEXT OPEN DAY!

Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.

The course is a part of the School of Science and Technology which has first-class facilities.

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The MSc in Chemical Research at Queen Mary offers you the opportunity to make a contribution to the fascinating world of modern chemistry, by spending a year working on a major individual research project. This research work is supplemented by lecture modules and seminars, and successful completion of the programme leads to the award of an internationally recognised Masters qualification.

This programme provides a comprehensive preparation for students wishing to progress onto a research career (bridging the gap between the lecture-dominated programme of a typical undergraduate BSc degree and the research intensive PhD degree), but the qualification can also be a real asset for those wishing to pursue other careers in industry, or in education. Training is given in a wide range of techniques to enable candidates to build up a substantial portfolio of experimental skills and thereby tackle more extended research and development projects with increased confidence. The practical work is also reinforced by lecture modules explaining the underlying theoretical basis of various research methods and techniques, and other aspects of advanced chemistry.

Programme outline

The major part of the programme is a research project on a topic agreed in consultation with the MSc programme coordinator. This practical work will generally provide training in a variety of specialised techniques appropriate to your chosen area of research and is carried out in the main research laboratories, under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

The taught component of the degree programme consists of two lecture modules, usually selected from the range of advanced undergraduate chemistry modules offered by the School.

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The Graduate Diploma in Chemical Sciences gives you the chance to expand on your Undergraduate degree and broaden your knowledge of Chemistry.

It’s designed for students whose first degree does not fulfil the requirements for direct entry to further graduate study, such as an MSc or PhD programme in Chemistry, but who want to receive additional training in the subject.

Through a mixture of lectures, lab training and individual research you’ll undertake a bespoke programme that’s tailored to your particular Chemistry background to ensure you get the knowledge and skills you need to excel. The School of Chemistry was ranked 4th in the UK for the quality of its research output (REF 2014), so you’ll be taught by some of the best researchers in the country.

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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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This twelve month chemistry MSc is designed primarily for international students, either to act as a preparation for PhD studies or for students wishing to broaden their research experience and knowledge of chemistry within the context of the English language.

The programme consists of six taught modules, worth a total of 90 credits, delivered in the first six months of the course followed by a substantial research project, also worth 90 credits.

The modules will include both analytical and synthetic topics and a research project from a wide range of areas may be selected.

Aims

To provide students with essential skills in the characterisation of materials by spectroscopic, structural and analytical techniques. This will be achieved with reference to organic, organometallic and polymeric materials.

To give students an in-depth experience of chemical research through individual, extended Masters research projects.

To develop confidence in the use of English oral and written skills within a chemical context.

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Summary

The programme is structured around a solid core comprised of the three main analytical techniques – Mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Each of these techniques contains a number of key common themes (data collection, analysis and management). Supporting modules feature further analytical techniques and serve to embed themes of GLP, facility management and enterprise into the programme.

A group analytical project develops interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team and will be the first opportunity for students to independently fully exercise some of the components of the course taught in the first semester. The integral research project provides an opportunity to explore any of the main themes directly or as part of a collaborative synthetic/analytical investigation.

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Catalysis underpins a huge range of modern chemical transformations. From the megaton scale production of acetic acid to the polymers we use for plastics to automotive catalytic converters to key steps in pharmaceutical synthesis, the impact of catalysis upon our everyday life is enormous.

Companies such as BP, INEOS, Sasol, Johnson Matthey, Pfizer, AstraZeneca all have research and development facilities in the UK. Researchers from many of these companies will deliver taught elements of this course, and therefore the students will have the opportunity to learn from and network with future employers first hand.

Catalysis has traditionally been divided into homogenous (solution-based), heterogeneous (solid-liquid, solid-gas interface) and (reaction) engineering disciplines. However, this distinction is becoming increasingly blurred so this MRes course aims to provide students with a coherent overview of these areas.

At its conclusion students will be ideally placed to undertake PhD studies in collaborative research along the chemistry-engineering spectrum or to apply their knowledge in industry.

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Summary

MPhil Chemistry is usually a one year programme that focuses on the design and execution of an original research project.

The project will occupy about two thirds of the year, with the remainder of the time devoted to lectures and preparation of a chemistry MPhil thesis.

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