Chemical Research (MRes) - 2013/2014 entry

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to carry out novel research in your chosen area of chemistry. You will join an existing research group under the guidance of a research supervisor, spending the majority of time on a research project. This can be in any of the department’s current research areas which include some reference to chemical and biological sciences. The remaining part of the degree is spent following advanced lecture courses that will provide the necessary theoretical and technical background to your chosen research area.

This programme is intended for students who want to gain the qualifications necessary for pursuing a research career, or who want to update their existing training. We welcome applications from international students.

• Opportunity to be involved in topical, leading-edge research, with teachers who have achieved international recognition.
• Offers the possibility of collaborating with industry.
• Ideal if you want to gain qualifications necessary for pursuing a research career, or want to update your existing training.

You will take:

• a Research Project/Dissertation module (120 credits)
• a Viva and Oral Presentation module (30 credits)
• taught modules from a selection, to a value of 30 credits (these will be taken from modules taught on the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma Analytical Chemistry).

High-quality instrumental and computing facilities. We also provide a seminar programme and skills training across disciplines.

If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Biological Sciences. Former students have found that their prospects of entry to a PhD degree or to industrial research are significantly enhanced by completing this degree. It is also ideal for graduates who need a further year of full-time study to gain professional recognition.

Graduates go on to careers in the health sector, toxicology, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

On successful completion of this programme, you should be able to:

• show understanding of the theoretical background required to undertake research in a given topic
• explain relevant research methods and tools
• detail recent advances in your field of study
• formulate a research or method development plan and carry out the appropriate literature and data searches
• apply a critical and professional approach to data quality
• carry out chemical manipulations and operate advanced equipment
• work safely and efficiently in a laboratory, carrying out risk assessments where appropriate.

Modes of study

This is a laboratory-based subject, which means individual contact between staff and students is frequent. Numerous opportunities exist and are created for you to comment on, and to take responsibility for, the direction of your studies.

By accommodating you in an established research group and requiring you to partake in group activities, including research colloquia and presentations, the programme aims to provide training in the transferable skills required for successful research. It is individually tailored for each student and arranged by the research supervisor.