MPhil in Chemistry - Catalysis and Synthesis

University of St Andrews

The MPhil is a two-year course designed for those students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or an allied subject. During the first year, you will take taught modules, while Year 2 focuses on full-time research. In the two-year period, you will gain both excellent theoretical training in Chemistry and develop high-level research skills by carrying out two research projects:a summer research project undertaken during the summer of Year 1 which culminates in 15,000-word dissertation, a full-year research project in Year 2 culminating in a dissertation of no more than 60,000 words. Students typically choose to take this course to strengthen both their core understanding of chemistry and their practical research experience. In most cases, it is intended that students will go on to study for a PhD degree after completing the MPhil course.MPhil: normally of two years duration. Year 1 involves a taught component and a research project. Year 2 focuses on full-time research leading to a dissertation of no more than 60,000 words.The challenge to discover novel and efficient ways to construct chemical bonds has catalysis and synthesis at its centre. Catalysis provides efficient industrial processes that minimise energy, waste and harmful by-products, and has revolutionised the way the products we depend on as a society are made, impacting on healthcare (pharmaceuticals, imaging), food security (herbicides, pesticides), and energy conversion and harvesting (materials, catalysts). Catalysis and synthesis is a route to developing new molecules and materials and is central to many fields. The range of applications of the products and processes EaStCHEM develop is broad, so the catalysis and synthesis theme impacts directly upon other research themes in many ways, such as making molecules to understand disease (the chemistry biology interface) or using catalysis to generate valuable chemicals in more sustainable ways (energy, environmental, and sustainable chemistry).

Chemistry