Chemical Science (Taught)

The MSc in Chemical Science provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in modern chemical sciences and encourages them to explore research-led topics through a wide range of modules.

Students will take three compulsory modules during the course and choose six optional modules, typically three optional modules in Semester 1 and three optional modules in Semester 2.

Compulsory modules:

1. Research skills in chemistry
2. Literature review for MSc:
3. Contemporary research awareness

Optional modules: Semester 1 – students choose four optional modules for the first semester:

• Advanced Metal Chemistry
• Advanced Spectroscopic Methods
• Asymmetric Synthesis
• Heterocyclic and Pericyclic Chemistry
• Homogeneous Catalysis
• Integrating Chemistry
• Nanostructured Materials
• Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• Physical Chemistry Laboratory
• Processing of Materials

Semester 2 – students choose three optional modules for the second semester:

• Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
• Blockbuster Solids
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
• Energy Conversion and Storage
• Molecular Recognition
• Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Co-factors
• Reactive Intermediates
• Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Research project:

During the final three months of the course, students undertake a research project culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation. The project is supervised by a member of the academic staff, and the project topic and aims will be selected by both supervisor and student.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Modules are assessed through coursework and written examinations.