Chemistry

Core modules:

Research, Presentation and Professional Skills

This module  aims to prepare students to become professional scientific researchers ready to conduct a research project.  Students will be taught how to retrieve and critically assess the existing literature on a particular research topic and to communicate this as a scientific review. They will learn about the attributes of an ethical researcher, scientific method and how to undertake research safely and responsibly and how to manage data. In addition, students will acquire professional skills relevant to their future employability and learn how to present scientific information. Students will undertake a training needs analysis supported by an experienced researcher so that they can take charge of their own development. This will allow them to tailor their subsequent training to the project they are about to undertake and to their wider individual professional and researcher development. On completion of the module students will have produced a portfolio of work that will form the  foundations of their training as a professional researcher.

30 credits

Chemistry Projects

This module is composed of open ended project work. The two projects build on experimental skills gained at undergraduate level, and is part of the final development of laboratory work in preparation for the research project. The teaching takes the form of longer project style practical sessions where students work as part of a group, and will design, execute, analyse and present work on a topic guided by an experimental manager.

25 credits

Chemistry Research Project

This module is the major research project associated with the Masters programmes in Chemistry. Students are trained in research methodology, and undertake a project in the research laboratory of a member of academic staff. Projects use state-of-the-art research facilities. Students undertake a throrough literature search, give a research talk, receive a viva, and present a thesis.

60 credits

Optional modules – four from:

Current Topics in Advanced Materials Chemistry

Materials chemistry is at the heart of technological solutions to problems that society faces in energy, health care, transport and the environment. This module will focus on functional materials based on supramolecular assembly from molecular components. Students will learn about design strategies, molecular properties, characterisation and material function, and use concepts from coordination chemistry, organic chemistry and solid-state chemistry. The role of materials properties in applications such as sensing, molecular separations, gas adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, propulsion and gas generation will be discussed in the context of providing technological solutions.

15 credits

Current Topics in Biophysical Chemistry and Biophysics

The physical properties of biological molecules can be studied by applying  and combining the basic theories and techniques of physical and biological chemistry.  The structures, functions and interactions of biomolecules in solution can be explained and determined by thermodynamics concepts and advanced spectroscopic measurements. As well as learning about methods for analysing  the properties of ensembles of many biomolecules, students will learn how to perform and interpret measurements on single biomolecules. The lecture  course will include examples of  biophysical approaches to studying protein and nucleic acid structures and mechanisms of DNA damage recognition. In addition, the development of molecules for diagnostics, therapeutics and theranostics will be examined. 

15 credits

Current Topics in Catalysis and Asymmetric Synthesis

Chemists' ability to synthesise organic molecules with defined stereochemistry is the backbone of many useful applications, from medicines to new materials. Modern methods of organic synthesis rely on sophisticated and efficient chemical reactions that create exquisite levels of functional group selectivity and stereochemical control. This module will explain the cutting edge processes that achieve these objectives, in the context of catalysis and stereoselective synthesis. There is a focus on transformations that are promoted by a sub-stoichiometric amount of catalyst. Concepts behind controlling stereochemistry in important synthetic chemical reactions will also be explained. From the generation of new medicines to the creation of new materials, chemists' ability to synthesise molecules with defined stereochemistry is of critical importance. Stereochemical control, exquisite functional group selectivity,  high yield and efficiency are the touchstones of modern organic chemistry. This module will review the cutting edge methods that are used to achieve stereochemical control and catalysis in organic reactions. Students will study transformations that are promoted by a sub-stoichiometric amount of catalyst. Emphasis will be placed on explaining the concepts behind controlling stereochemistry in important chemical reactions for modern organic chemistry.

15 credits

Current Topics in Chemistry of Light

Understanding processes caused by light is key in chemistry, physics, biology and engineering, and has recently led to many major scientific breakthroughs. This course explains how light and matter interact in molecules, nanostructures and materials. It will explain photoinduced electron and energy transfer - essential processes in nature and everyday life - using examples of natural and artificial photosynthesis. Modern techniques for studying light-induced processes, on time-scales from seconds to femtoseconds, are also covered. More specifically, each spectroscopic technique covered will be described in terms of the physical concepts on which it is based, the information it helps acquire, and the practical concerns associated with it such as resolution, availability, costs, etc. The goal is to bring the students to appreciate the main advantages and constraints of each technique so that they can start developing their own research plan to answer any given research questions.

The theory grounding light-matter interactions is taught in the context that will be relevant to modern applications in photocatalysis, photonics and optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, phototherapy, imaging, and other light-induced processes in medicine.

15 credits

Current Topics in Industrial Catalysis

Catalysis either in its homogeneous or heterogeneous forms is a pillar for the chemical industry, where catalysis is used to produce bulk chemicals at large scales and fine chemicals at smaller ones. This module explains the principles as well as the applications of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis by analysing some of the most economically important catalytic reactions. It covers the chemical basis of these processes, and the advantages and disadvantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous systems including sustainability considerations.  Reaction mechanisms and the role of the metal centre, and fundamental physical processes such as adsorption and reaction kinetics, will be discussed in detail, together with the applications of these concepts for scale up purposes. Concepts are illustrated by analysing, in detail, catalytic reactions including hydrogenation, oxidation, carbonylation and polymerisation.

15 credits

Methods and Models in Theoretical Chemistry

The principles of theoretical chemistry can explain and predict chemical phenomena across all the main branches of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, analytical), and can shed light on molecular aspects of physics and biology. A wide range of methods and models are covered, including density functional theory, coupled cluster, time-dependent quantum mechanics, and more. Students are taught to assess these methods and models' suitability for different tasks, and put the theory into practice by using them to interpret chemical phenomena in hands-on projects.

15 credits

Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

The discovery and development of new drugs requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and toxicology. In this module, students learn about these areas as they build on their organic and medicinal chemistry knowledge from earlier in their degrees. It covers concepts including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and basic toxicology, and looks in detail at strategies for optimising the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. There is also a focus on computing technologies, including computer-aided drug design tools and quantitative structure:activity relationship models. Students learn about the fundamental chemistry behind the synthesis of specific drugs throughout the module.

15 credits

Technologies for Sustainability

Our current manufacturing technologies for chemicals, plastics and construction materials, are carbon intensive technologies and in order to maintain our living standards we need to decarbonise those technologies. In order to achieve this overarching aim, we need to make better use of fossil-based and renewable resources, and move towards a circular economy. Topics include the current status of the industry, life-cycle analysis, non-fossil fuel and feedstocks, and reuse reforming and recycling. This will be focused to the following main areas: Fine chemicals and commodities. This module will discuss the current state-of-the-art of fine chemicals and commodities manufacturing and how to minimize their impact to the environment. Plastic and polymers. Plastic waste is a growing problem and this course will discuss the challenges associated with current plastics, what the alternatives are and whether they will be feasible.

15 credits