MSc Advanced Organic Chemistry

Key details

MSC ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

You’re already a chemist, but you know that advanced level training is becoming increasingly important in your field. As well as strengthening your broader chemistry knowledge, you’re excited about specialising in this fascinating area – studying subjects such as stereochemistry, medicinal chemistry, organometallics and spectroscopy.

This is exactly the kind of high-level training that’s so sought after by employers in the chemical industry, as well as top academic institutions working on fundamental research. So this course will be the next step on your journey towards a fulfilling and fascinating scientific career.

About

Building on your undergraduate training in chemistry, this MSc allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the subject, whilst developing advanced knowledge in aspects of organic chemistry.

Whether you’re a chemistry graduate who wants to specialise, or you have a degree in combined science with a chemistry component, this course is designed to take your knowledge to the next level.

You can expect to reach the frontiers of knowledge in key aspects of your subject, including organic reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and synthetic strategy. You’ll learn through advanced lectures, seminars and laboratory classes – which are specifically tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, speciality and fine organic chemicals industries.

Importantly, you’ll also complete an in-depth laboratory research project, which allows you to work closely with our pioneering, award-winning academics. Through this you’ll showcase all your skills and learning – as well as bringing new original thought and research to bear on your topic.

You’ll graduate with high level specialised skills and knowledge in organic chemistry, ready to embark on a career in the industry or progression to PhD level study.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

A key part of the assessment for this course will be your original research project. You’ll get support throughout your research from an experienced supervisor, who will also guide you in preparing your final dissertation and presentation.

Alongside this you’ll hand in periodic coursework to help us assess your understanding of lecture material, and write short reports to help us assess your laboratory training.

You’ll get written feedback on your work as well as direct feedback sessions with your faculty leader to give you the chance to ask questions and agree areas to focus on.

Structure

During this course, you'll take general and advanced level lecture courses alongside problem solving seminars.

We specifically select subject areas to enhance your training on techniques and knowledge that are in high demand by the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, speciality and fine organic chemicals industries.

Subjects include: synthesis, asymmetric target oriented synthesis, spectroscopy, organometallic chemistry, stereochemistry and catalysis.

There’s also a large laboratory component of the course, which runs throughout the working year. You’ll start with an eight-week programme of advanced laboratory exercises and experiments designed to provide a realistic training in experimental chemistry by building on basic preparative skills.

Following this you’ll work on a research project, which will be assessed through a written dissertation and oral examination. Some examples of dissertation titles include:

Gold catalysed syntheses of complex heterocylic systems.
Enzymes in synthesis.
Extending the utility of palladium in cross-coupling reactions.
Discotic triphenylene liquid crystals.
New organic materials based on phthalocyanines and porphyrins.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll learn from experienced lecturers and research group leaders alongside students studying integrated Master’s courses and postgraduate researchers in organic chemistry.

During your laboratory training you’ll benefit from direct supervision from experienced researchers and faculty supervisors. Your supervisors will also lead your seminars and direct the research project (dissertation) element of your course and independent study.

Alongside your formal teaching you’ll join an organic chemistry research group led by supervisors. This will give you the chance to develop your research training and fully integrate into the graduate student community.

Your class sizes will vary – we usually have 30-40 students in combined lectures and around 8-15 in our workshops and graduate problem classes.

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Assessment for Year 1

Alongside this you’ll hand in periodic coursework to help us assess your understanding of lecture material, and write short reports to help us assess your laboratory training.

You’ll get written feedback on your work as well as direct feedback sessions with your faculty leader to give you the chance to ask questions and agree areas to focus on.

Compulsory Modules

LABORATORY UNIT (ORG CHEM)

Code CHE-7010Y

Credits 30

A series of advanced laboratory experiments will be performed. Reserved for students on F160T1 'Advanced Organic Chemistry (MSc)'

LECTURE UNIT (ORG CHEM)

Code CHE-7011Y

Credits 50

Reserved for students on 'Advanced Organic Chemistry (MSc)' This module comprises lectures and seminars on advanced topics in organic chemistry. Topics include synthesis and synthesis planning, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds, organometallics and catalysis.

RESEARCH TRAINING UNIT (ORG CHEM)

Code CHE-7012Y

Credits 10

Reserved for students on 'Advanced Organic Chemistry (MSc)' Skills related to presenting research results to a specialist audience.

DISSERTATION (ORG CHEM)

Code CHE-7014X

Credits 90

Reserved for students on F160T1 'Advanced Organic Chemistry (MSc)' Extensive research project. Students join one of the active research groups to perform an original research project in a topical area of organic chemistry. The work is summarised in a dissertation.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Chemistry

MSc ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Key details

Year of Entry:

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

Statutory and legal information

Get ready to be at the forefront of organic chemistry today. Underpinning research and development in many areas of the chemical industry, organic chemistry couldn’t be more important. In fact, it’s the central discipline that drives innovation across many diverse areas of the science and technology industry – from forensics to food, pharmaceuticals to energy. You’re already a chemist, but you know that advanced level training is becoming increasingly important in your field. As well as strengthening your broader chemistry knowledge, you’re excited about specialising in this fascinating area – studying subjects such as stereochemistry, medicinal chemistry, organometallics and spectroscopy. This is exactly the kind of high-level training that’s so sought after by employers in the chemical industry, as well as top academic institutions working on fundamental research. So this course will be the next step on your journey towards a fulfilling and fascinating scientific career.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Course Modules

WHATEVER YOU LOVE, GO FURTHER

Whether you want to diversify or specialise – explore your options.

LEARN MORE >

MSc ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY