MRes Chemistry

Entry standards

A first degree equivalent to Lower Second BSc or better in chemistry or a related discipline. Selection is based upon a candidate’s application, references and may include an informal interview.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MRes Chemistry - structure and modules

Module Titles

 Modules include:

• Advanced Transferable Skills and Professional Development (compulsory)
• Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Polymer Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
• Advanced Inorganic Materials and Nanochemistry
• Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanochemistry
• Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
• Advanced Computer Aided Drug Design
• Advanced Methods in Forensic Investigation (if the student has some background in Forensics)

Module Overview 

Some modules are compulsory, others are optional. Modules include:

Advanced Transferable Skills and Professional Development

This module introduces students to scientific report writing, giving oral presenations, using online databases of scientific publications and maintaining a reference database, advanced data analysis, scientific ethics, project management, and the importance of maintaining a professional development portfolio. This module is compulsory for all postgraduate students on taught Masters programmes in the Department of Chemistry.

Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry

This module includes topics such as applied kinetic; green chemistry; advanced catalysts; molecular interactions; advanced statistical mechanics; electrochemistry; atomic spectroscopy; and photochemistry. 

Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

This module includes topics such as advanced organometallics; metal complexes as heterogeneous catalysis; the chemistry of the f-block; inorganic rings, chains and cages; and bioinorganic chemistry.

Advanced Inorganic Materials and Nanochemistry

This module includes topics such as semiconductors; magnetic materials; molecular electronics; superconductivity; carbon nanotubes; quantum dots; and sensor applications.

Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanotechnology

This module includes topics such as advanced polymer synthesis (e.g. heterogeneous and emulsion polymerisation); advanced polymer properties (e.g. non-linear optics); and nanotechnology (e.g. self assembly block copolymers and photolithography).

Other optional modules include:

• Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry
• Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
• Advanced Computer Aided Drug Design
• Advanced Methods in Forensic Investigation (if the student has some background in Forensics)

MRes Chemistry - entry standards

Entry standards

A first degree equivalent to Lower Second BSc or better in chemistry or a related discipline. Selection is based upon a candidate’s application, references and may include an informal interview.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Planned intake

7

Start date

October

Programme director

• Dr David Watson

MRes Chemistry - fees and funding

Fees

Chemistry (full time):

UK/EU - £6,400 
Overseas - £16,748

Chemistry (part time):

UK/EU - £3,200 
Overseas - £8,375

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

Funding

No scholarships are available..

MRes Chemistry - professional context

Professional recognition

This qualification can be used to support an application for AMRSC grade membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Careers

Upon completion of the programme, you will be capable of planning and carrying out independent research and interpreting results appropriate to starting a PhD programme, and to middle-level research posts in industry.

MRes Chemistry - teaching

Teaching

The MRes programme consists of at least three taught (lecture/workshop) modules run throughout the University’s semesters. Each module will be timetabled for between two to four contact hours per week on average. Some modules will have workshop/laboratory sessions that run ‘intensively’ within one week, in the spring. 

Normally, the project is expected to occupy the time when students are not at lectures or studying the taught modules. It is carried out within the Department’s research laboratories. In certain cases, it may be possible to carry out the project work at other locations.

Project themes will be offered, or may be suggested by the student, either in advance or during the first few weeks of the programme. They will relate to the research interests of academic staff and cover a wide range of chemistry topics. 

Non-EU students on the MRes programme must arrange their project well in advance of their arrival in the UK, so that an ATAS statement can be arranged in a timely manner to avoid delays in obtaining UK entry clearance.

Staff perspective

I am a ‘home grown’ product of the university, having read for my BSc (Honours) Chemistry at Surrey along with a PhD. Following a period of postdoctoral experience at DERA, I was appointed to a lectureship at Surrey in 1991 and now hold the post of Senior Lecturer in Organic Polymer Chemistry.

I have always had a great interest in technology, and especially the link between chemistry and industry. Consequently, although I address a wide range of research topics, my core research interests lie in the field of applied polymer chemistry and particularly in the development of advanced polymer composites for the aerospace, satellite, and microelectronics industries.

I enjoy delivering lectures on the MSc programme (dealing with both advanced spectroscopy and polymer chemistry) and the close link between research and teaching is particularly rewarding.

I am a member of the Surrey Materials Institute and participate in the cross-cutting research theme: Materials and Nanobiology. At present, I am supervising the research of a group of excellent doctoral and masters students in several fascinating areas: high temperature cyanates ester nanocomposites, toughened polybenzoxazines, moisture absorption/diffusion in epoxy resins, development of low moisture coatings for satellite structures, and analysis of historical artefacts within Hampton Court Palace with funding from Cytec Engineered Materials, Dstl, EADS-Astrium, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

I have presented the results of my students’ research to a variety of different audiences, including invited papers at two prestigious conferences of the American Chemical Society and plenary lectures in Montpelier, Warsaw and Berlin.

MRes Chemistry - learning

Project Topic Options 

Project topics recently undertaken include: 

• Novel polymer electrolytes for fuel cells
• Advanced inorganic solids for lithium ion batteries
• Molecular materials with ion and electronic conduction properties
• Spin crossover conductors
• Analytical determination of human tissue samples from people suffering from neurological disorders

Please note that projects on medicinal, bio-organic and computer-aided chemistry may not be permitted as they will be prioritised for students on the new MSc Drug Discovery programme.

Assessment

Assessment of the taught modules is by a mixture of coursework and written examination. The balance varies from module to module. Assessment in some modules is based on workshops, practical classes and coursework. 

The project is assessed by a supervisor’s report and examination of a dissertation produced by the student, based on the project. The examination of the dissertation will include a viva voce (oral examination). The pass mark is 50 per cent for the project and for the taught modules.

MRes Chemistry - graduate profile

Graduate Profile: Miss Winnie Tang

MRes Chemistry

After undertaking a BSc programme at Surrey I decided to stay on for a Masters degree. Furthering my knowledge, skills and experience within chemistry was something I was keen to pursue, specifically in familiarising myself with a range of analytical techniques.

I have been able to continue with a project from my undergraduate programme involving analysis of a delaminating 17th-century painting on a ceiling of the Queen’s staircase at Hampton Court Palace. Not only do I get the opportunity to gain more experience on different analytical techniques, I also have the privilege of working within and for Historic Royal Palaces in an attempt to solve this ongoing problem with the ceiling.

After graduating I hope to continue with a PhD at Surrey. The knowledge I have acquired in analytical and polymer chemistry throughout my time here should give me a solid foundation for further study in these areas.

On top of the various laboratory skills I have developed during my time at Surrey, the Management, Communication and IT Skills module has also improved my time management and confidence in producing and delivering presentations. This emphasis from Surrey on improving students in a holistic manner is an approach that I feel has better equipped me with a transferable skill set.

My project and learning have been excellently facilitated by the enthusiastic and learned staff here at Surrey, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Surrey to prospective students.

MRes Chemistry - more

Top-rated Research 

The Chemistry programme is run within the Faculty of Health and Medical 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 and analytical. The Department has attracted more than £4.5 million of research income in the last 2 years. 

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 the range of topics in chemistry, and may extend into areas of biology or materials science. Past MRes students have continued to further (PhD) education and to posts in research in industry. 

Cutting Edge of World-leading Research 

There is a particular emphasis on materials chemistry and biomolecular chemistry in the Department of Chemistry. 

The pioneering alkaline anion-exchange membrane (AAEM) fuel cell technologies developed with funding from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Grant GR/ S60709/01 yielded more than ten papers since 2004 in the high-impact literature, including four papers written using work from MSc research projects. 

This research has also prompted international interest from US, European and Asian companies. This technology has given Surrey and the UK leadership in this new but important class of platinum-free fuel cell. Further EPSRC Grants - EP/F027524/1 (development on new AAEM technologies in line with other academic membrane and catalytic electrode experts) and EP/H025340/1 (hybrid electrolyte membranes for fuel cells) - will allow continued momentum in this field. 

The Fuel Cell Group also has many scientific contacts in China and India, where it has been involved with organising/chairing joint workshops with two Chinese university partners in Guangzhou and Hefei; the Group is directly collaborating with some of these partners, which has resulted in a number of UK–China joint publications. A new collaboration with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is now underway.

Spotlight on the Materials Chemistry Group 

This research group specialises in the design, development, characterisation and application of advanced inorganic and polymeric materials.

Themes being pursued include: the investigation of electrolyte and electrode materials (polymers and ceramics) for clean energy production and storage in novel electrochemical devices; catalysts for the removal of environmental pollutants; the rational tailoring for purpose (and in-depth investigation of) metal organic framework materials, polymers and polymer synthesis, surfaces and interfaces, and composite and hybrid materials; computer simulation of materials and molecular dynamics.

Local facilities include thermal and rheological methods, X-ray crystallography, solid-state electrochemistry, and gas flow apparatus for studies of sorption and catalysis. Local, national and international facilities (for example, for neutron scattering and for computational chemistry) are used as necessary. Projects are commonly collaborative with industry and with overseas universities and research centres.

Several members of the Group are also members of the recently formed Surrey Materials Institute (SMI), an interdisciplinary research institute fostering collaboration between materials chemists, physicists and engineers.

MRes Chemistry - apply

• MRes Chemistry - Full-time - starting Sep 2012
• MRes Chemistry - Part-time - starting Sep 2012