Masters Degrees in Structural Chemistry, United Kingdom

Research profile

Pursuing a research degree at the School of Chemistry could be one of the best experiences of your life.

In addition to gaining research skills, making friends, meeting eminent researchers and being part of the research community, a research degree will help you to develop invaluable transferable skills which you can apply to academic life or a variety of professions outside of academia.

The Chemistry/Biology Interface

This is a broad area, with particular strengths in the areas of protein structure and function, mechanistic enzymology, proteomics, peptide and protein synthesis, protein folding, recombinant and synthetic DNA methodology, biologically targeted synthesis and the application of high throughput and combinatorial approaches. We also focus on biophysical chemistry, the development and application of physicochemical techniques to biological systems. This includes mass spectrometry, advanced spectroscopy and microscopy, as applied to proteins, enzymes, DNA, membranes and biosensors.

Experimental & Theoretical Chemical Physics

This is the fundamental study of molecular properties and processes. Areas of expertise include probing molecular structure in the gas phase, clusters and nanoparticles, the development and application of physicochemical techniques such as mass spectoscropy to molecular systems and the EaStCHEM surface science group, who study complex molecules on surfaces, probing the structure property-relationships employed in heterogeneous catalysis. A major feature is in Silico Scotland, a world-class research computing facility.

Synthesis

This research area encompasses the synthesis and characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds, including those with application in homogeneous catalysis, nanotechnology, coordination chemistry, ligand design and supramolecular chemistry, asymmetric catalysis, heterocyclic chemistry and the development of synthetic methods and strategies leading to the synthesis of biologically important molecules (including drug discovery). The development of innovative synthetic and characterisation methodologies (particularly in structural chemistry) is a key feature, and we specialise in structural chemistry at extremely high pressures.

Materials Chemistry

The EaStCHEM Materials group is one of the largest in the UK. Areas of strength include the design, synthesis and characterisation of functional (for example magnetic, superconducting and electronic) materials; strongly correlated electronic materials, battery and fuel cell materials and devices, porous solids, fundamental and applied electrochemistry polymer microarray technologies and technique development for materials and nanomaterials analysis.

Training and support

Students attend regular research talks, visiting speaker symposia, an annual residential meeting in the Scottish Highlands, and lecture courses on specialised techniques and safety. Students are encouraged to participate in transferable skills and computing courses, public awareness of science activities, undergraduate teaching and to represent the School at national and international conferences.

Facilities

Our facilities are among the best in the world, offering an outstanding range of capabilities. You’ll be working in recently refurbished laboratories that meet the highest possible standards, packed with state-of-the-art equipment for both analysis and synthesis.

For NMR in the solution and solid state, we have 10 spectrometers at field strengths from 200-800 MHz; mass spectrometry utilises EI, ESI, APCI, MALDI and FAB instrumentation, including LC and GC interfaces. New combinatorial chemistry laboratories, equipped with a modern fermentation unit, are available. We have excellent facilities for the synthesis and characterisation of bio-molecules, including advanced mass spectrometry and NMR stopped-flow spectrometers, EPR, HPLC, FPLC, AA.

World-class facilities are available for small molecule and macromolecular X-ray diffraction, utilising both single crystal and powder methods. Application of diffraction methods at high pressures is a particular strength, and we enjoy strong links to central facilities for neutron, muon and synchrotron science in the UK and further afield. We are one of the world's leading centres for gas-phase electron diffraction.

Also available are instruments for magnetic and electronic characterisation of materials (SQUID), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), force-probe microscopy, high-resolution FTRaman and FT-IR, XPS and thermal analysis. We have also recently installed a new 1,000- tonne pressure chamber, to be used for the synthesis of materials at high pressures and temperatures. Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy instruments are available within the COSMIC Centre. Dedicated computational infrastructure is available, and we benefit from close links with the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre.

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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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This MSc programme is designed for those students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject.

The course is broadly based with flexibility for you to choose from a wide range of modules. Educational aims of the programme include introducing modern chemical science concepts and techniques, exploring further advanced research led topics through a range of optional modules and to equip you with a range of analytical, critical, and communication skills. A key aspect of the programme is undertaking a significant research project for your dissertation. Through this research project you are able to develop skills in one of
many areas aligned with the research interests of the School of Chemistry; for example catalysis, surface science, energy materials, chemical biology, synthetic chemistry or structural chemistry.

Facilities

The Purdie Building, the adjoining Biomolecular Sciences building and the brand-new Biomedical Sciences Research complex offer excellent accommodation and facilities for teaching and research in some of the most modern and well equipped laboratories in the UK.

The School has major facilities across the full spectrum of Chemistry, including NMR (both solution and solidstate), X-ray crystallography (single-crystal, powder and macromolecular), electron microscopy, catalyst evaluation, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, computational chemistry and surface science, together with all the standard chemical evaluation techniques.

The School of Chemistry also houses its own reading room containing all of the major books required for postgraduate research work. Comprehensive online access to journals and national and international databases is available. Taught postgraduate students are allocated working and write-up space within their respective research groups.

Careers

Chemistry graduates have gone on to successful careers in the chemical industry with companies such as BP, Shell, Johnson Matthey, Siemens and the pharmaceutical industry e.g. GSK, Pfizer, AstraZeneca. Many also continue in academic life, pursuing a research-based PhD in universities or research institutions in the UK, Europe, North America, Japan and others worldwide. Other career routes outwith a research environment include scientific publishing, patent law, forensic science, and IT and energy consultancy.

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Our modular distance learning programme provides you with a grounding in the structure of proteins, and the main techniques that are used to study protein structure.

Structural biology allows you to understand how macromolecules work at the atomic level of detail. This is important, particularly in designing drugs which act at the molecular level to affect macromolecules. Increasingly, research uses a range of complementary biophysical and structural techniques to study protein-protein interactions. This requires that researchers have some understanding of what all these techniques can achieve. This programme is designed to give the theoretical background required to use this range of methods.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Study by distance learning, wherever you are in the world, with our internet-based teaching.
Graduates are well placed to study for PhDs, start professional research careers, or change disciplines to encompass this important area of modern molecular biology.
Part of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint initiative with University College London.
Birkbeck houses state-of-the-art equipment for X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and tomography and associated image processing. We have excellent facilities for UV and CD spectroscopy, calorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultracentrifugation, and protein expression and purification in the biochemical and molecular biology laboratories. We have a 158 processor cluster for intensive data processing. All areas have specialised computer equipment for data analysis, molecular graphics and molecular modelling and programming.

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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.

Visit our website for further information...

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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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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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This postgraduate course is an excellent introduction to protein crystallography. It is designed for those who are interested in pursuing a career in this exciting and rapidly expanding field, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, or for those who would like to expand and update their existing scientific knowledge.

Up-to-date descriptions of the background, methods and techniques of protein crystallography are explained, and the programme gives the biologically orientated scientist a mainly non-mathematical insight into how protein crystal structures are determined and how results should be judged.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Study by distance learning, wherever you are in the world, with our internet-based teaching.
You will interact with your tutors and fellow students through email lists, submit written assignments by email, and attend online tutorials in real time using a chatroom-based interface.
May be taken as a stand-alone award or as part of our innovative distance learning MSc Structural Molecular Biology.
Taught within the Department of Biological Sciences which, with University College London, is part of the leading research-based Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology. Several of the department’s world-class researchers contribute to the course.

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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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The School of Chemistry is undergoing a period of renaissance and growth. We have received significant investment in surface chemistry and analysis laboratories (£500,000), and won £2.5 million-worth of investment from Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund to purchase state-of-the-art equipment and refurbish laboratory space for carrying out research under the heading of Advanced Materials Research.

Please consult the School of Chemistry website and decide the area of Chemistry in which you want to work, and with which member(s) of staff (also see Research Unit links below). You can then approach staff members directly, or contact the School Postgraduate Admissions Secretary, who will be happy to provide advice about the admissions process and help put you in touch with members of staff who have similar research interests to your own.

Please note that you may upload a research proposal when submitting your application form, however, this is not mandatory.

About the School of Chemistry

The School of Chemistry is committed to tackling current and future scientific challenges, and our current research priorities, facilities and infrastructure put us in a strong position to achieve this. We currently have over 100 postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows carrying out research across a broad range of chemical disciplines.
We are one of the leading centres of research and teaching in chemistry in the UK. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities, with enthusiastic and dedicated staff and students, the school is looking forward to continuing our proud tradition of excellence long into the future.
The standing of the research conducted in the School of Chemistry has been recognised in the 2008 HEFCE Research Assessment Exercise where 60% of our research activity was rated "internationally excellent" or "world leading". The School is one of the best-equipped in the United Kingdom and the University and Research Councils have made very significant investments in the research infrastructure. In fact over the last five years, the school has seen an investment of more than £2 million in Research and Teaching infrastructure and the creation of 15 new staff posts. Following these investments, the School is in position to play a leading role in research well into the future.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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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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Summary

Electrochemistry and its application in electrochemical engineering is an increasingly important area of science and technology, with relevance to energy (batteries, fuel cells and solar cells), corrosion, sensors, waste treatment, metal finishing and the electronics industry. This new programme will provide students with a background in both the fundamental and applied aspects of electrochemistry, enabling them to pursue a variety of rewarding careers.

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The MPhil is offered by the Department of Chemistry as a full-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group, supervised by one of our academic staff, in one of the following areas of Chemistry:

Biological:

with a focus on enzymes, nucleic acids, protein folding and misfolding, and physical techniques; with relevance to health and disease, drug discovery, sensors, nanotechnology, ageing and energy research applications.

Materials Chemistry:

including surfaces, interfaces, polymers, nanoparticles and nanoporous materials, self assembly, and biomaterials, with applications relevant to: oil recovery and separation, catalysis, photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, crystallization and pharmaceutical formulation, gas sorption, energy, functional materials, biocompatible materials, computer memory, and sensors.

Physical Chemistry:

including atmospheric sciences, surfaces and interfaces, materials, and physical and chemical aspects of the behaviour of biopolymers and other soft systems.

Synthetic Chemistry:

including complex molecule synthesis, synthetic catalysis, synthetic assembly, synthetic biology and medicine, new technology for efficient synthesis, green synthesis, and preparation of new materials.

Theory, Modelling and Informatics:

including quantum dynamics, modelling soft materials, protein folding and binding, biomolecules in motion, pharmacological activity, molecular switches, redox chemistry, designing bioactive molecule and drugs, chemical biology, crystallography, and simulation of spectroscopic studies.

Potential supervisors and their area of research expertise may be found at Department of Chemistry (Research): http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/research

Visit the website: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcchmpmch

Course detail

Educational aims of the MPhil programme:

- to give students with relevant experience at first degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and

- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests and a broader set of transferable skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Format

The MPhil involves minimal formal teaching. Students may attend the Department's programme of research seminars and other graduate courses, including the Transferable Skills programme that forms part of the PhD programme. Informal opportunities to develop research skills also exist through mentoring and other opportunities by fellow students and members of staff. However, most research training is provided within the research group structure and all students are assigned a research supervisor.

All graduate students receive termly reports written by their supervisors.

Assessment

The scheme of examination for the MPhil in Chemistry shall consist of a thesis, of not more than 15,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, submitted for examination at the end of 11 months. The examination shall include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls. The thesis shall provide evidence to satisfy the Examiners that a candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspectives of the subject.

Continuing

The Department offers a PhD in Chemistry course and MPhil students can apply to continue as a graduate student on this course.

MPhil students currently studying a relevant course at the University of Cambridge will need to pass their MPhil course (if examined only by thesis) or obtain a minimum merit (if there is a marked element) in order to be eligible to continue onto the PhD in Chemistry.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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Your programme of study

Chemists have always been in demand worldwide with pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, fine chemicals, and within research laboratories across the globe. The programme at Aberdeen is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Aberdeen is noted for Nobel prizes within Chemistry which include the invention of modern chromatography (Synge 1952) and the discovery of a new element - protactinium (Soddy 1921).  Teaching at Aberdeen is informed by world class research within food security. Class sizes are kept small to enable you to have strong teaching interaction and support in your studies. You will be taught by many staff in the environment group (TESLA) https://www.abdn.ac.uk/ncs/departments/chemistry/trace-element-speciation-laboratory-111.php and (MBC) https://www.abdn.ac.uk/ncs/departments/chemistry/marine-biodiscovery-centre-112.php

The programme focuses on specialised modern analytical methodology. The range of industries or institutes where these skills are asked for includes the pharmaceutical industry, environmental institutions, research institutes and also the oil & gas industry. There are many new innovations which require chemists with advanced skills to analyse and test new methods of providing health via IOT devices, smart phones and small sensors deployed throughout the body to quickly provide analysis and customised recommendations.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1

Advanced Analytical Methodologies A and B

Practical Exercise and Professional Skills in Analytical Chemistry

Semester 2

Research Techniques and Professional Skills and Problem Solving Theory and Practice

Research Project in Analytical Chemistry

Semester 3

Research Project in Analytical Chemistry

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/3/analytical-chemistry/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• A Royal Society of Chemistry accredited degree programme
• Alumni feedback and mentor students on this programme
• Main areas are Bimolecular Chemistry (Natural products, medicinal chemistry, environmental chemistry, surface and catalysis

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time or Part Time
• September start

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

• Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:

https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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