External summary

Materials Chemistry is an important sub-discipline within Chemistry. It cross-cuts the traditional Organic/Inorganic/Physical boundaries of Chemistry and overlaps with disciplines such as Materials Science and Engineering, Mineralogy, Condensed Matter Physics and some Biosciences. Materials Chemists now have a leading role in the development and application of the new materials that are pervasive in modern life. The ‘with Materials Chemistry’ degree described here is built on an initial grounding in the basic fundamentals of Chemistry, sharing many courses in the early years with the Chemistry degree programmes. The specialist Materials Chemistry courses, in year 2 and particularly the later years of the degrees, explain how phenomena such as the bulk mechanical, optical and conducting properties of materials can be related to the electronic, molecular and crystal structures of the chemical substance or why, for instance, the action of a pharmaceutical material may be just as dependant on the crystal structure and particle size of the material as its chemical identity. Methods of materials synthesis and characterisation are covered extensively, addressing applications in areas such as microelectronics, polymer science, catalysis and nanotechnology.

Educational aims of programme

The MSc  degree programme covers topics in all branches of the discipline from their fundamentals to the most advanced understanding and application. This degree programmes exposes the student to a wide range of advanced knowledge, with a greater emphasis on teaching the methods of research and the associated IT skills. Greater leadership and organisational skills are fostered by extensive group-based learning and open-ended projects. Direct experience of research is engendered by an in-depth individual research assignment.

The aims of the degree programme are:

• To kindle in students a sense of enthusiasm for chemistry in general and materials chemistry in particular.
• To provide students with effective preparation for professional employment or doctoral studies in the chemical sciences. To produce well-rounded graduates with a thorough overall theoretical and practical understanding of chemistry, and materials chemistry, and with a sense of moral and social responsibility in relation to its potential impact on society and the environment.
• To instil an understanding and knowledge of chemistry, leading from the fundamentals, in the first two years, to the limits of existing knowledge in selected topics in materials chemistry by the final year.
• To provide students with an in-depth understanding of specialised areas of materials chemistry and a critical awareness of advances at the forefront of the materials chemistry discipline.
• To provide experience of the practical skills appropriate at each level of the curriculum together with a thorough knowledge of “safe laboratory practice” and the ability to plan and carry out experiments safely and independently, and to assess the significance of outcomes.
• To develop transferable skills that maximise students’ prospects for future employment, including writing, oral presentation, team-working, numerical and logical problem-solving, information technology skills, financial planning and time-management.
• To provide students with the ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar types of problems.
• To develop mature and determined attitudes, including the capacity for self-organisation and time management, via independent project work.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

• The characteristics of the different states of matter and the theories used to describe them.
• The principles of quantum mechanics and their application to the description of the structure and properties of atoms and molecules.
• The principles of thermodynamics and their applications to chemistry.
• The characteristic properties of elements and their compounds, including group relationships and trends within the Periodic Table.
• The structural features of chemical elements and their compounds, including stereochemistry.
• The synthesis and properties of inorganic compounds, inorganic complexes and organometallic compounds.
• Major synthetic pathways in organic chemistry, involving functional group interconversions and carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation.
• The nature and behaviour of functional groups in organic molecules and the properties of natural and synthetic aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds.
• The mechanistic interpretation of chemical reactions; catalysis (both biological and synthetic); the kinetics of chemical change. The chemistry of materials and the relation between bulk properties and the properties of individual atoms and molecules, including macromolecules.
• The principles and techniques used in chemical analysis and the characterisation of chemical compounds, including structural characterisation by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.
• Major aspects of chemical terminology, nomenclature and conventions, as well as error analysis and the correct use of units.
• An awareness of major issues currently at the frontiers of research and development in chemistry and materials chemistry.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

By engaging with and completing the MSc degree in Chemistry with Materials Chemistry the graduate is exposed to an internationally-renowned research school and undertakes an extended period of independent research. In so doing, they develop:

• The capability to apply the knowledge and understanding gained throughout the curriculum to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature, both in science and in a wider context.
• The ability to take ownership of their learning and research experience by exercising rational enquiry, phrasing pertinent research aims and challenging scientific convention.
• The capacity to plan, design and execute practical investigations, from the problem-recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings (including the ability to select appropriate techniques and procedures).
• Skills in the synthesis, interpretation and evaluation of chemical information and data in terms of their significance and in their theoretical context.
• The ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews (using online journals, archives, etc), showing not only a critical assessment of the existing research literature but also an appreciation for contextualising their own research findings.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

The knowledge and understanding gained during the MSc degree, along with the emphasis that is placed on practical laboratory-based learning, results in a graduate that can demonstrate the ability to:

• Adopt a flexible and creative approach to reflect on different aspects of this broad science and the knowledge and skills that underpin all of them.
• Understand and analyse critically different sets of data to reach independent, well-considered and evidence-based conclusions, drawing on their own knowledge and experience.
• Harness sophisticated numerical, computational and experimental skills, which can be applied to problem-solving exercises relating to qualitative and quantitative information.
• Display the confidence to work independently, taking responsibility for their own learning and committing to continual professional and personal development.
• Transfer the knowledge and skills gained during their studies of chemistry and materials chemistry to other fields of science and beyond.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

By engaging and participating in the wide-ranging programme of study that includes small-group research investigations, presentation skills and report writing, a graduate of the MSc degree:

• Is able to communicate effectively, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of essential concepts and theories, in writing and orally, to fellow students, researchers and academic staff..
• Develops IT skills such as word-processing and structure drawing, data-logging and storage, in order to illustrate their arguments most effectively.
• Creates experimental reports, scientific posters and dissertations in accordance with current conventions.
• Collaborates effectively, with an appreciation for both leadership and teamwork, to test and enhance their own knowledge and understanding.
• Seeks and values constructive feedback to further personal and professional development.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

In addition to the knowledge and understanding of the immediate degree discipline, the range of transferable skills developed during an MSc degree allows a graduate to:

• Take responsibility for their own learning and prioritise effectively to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Have the confidence to draw conclusions based on in-depth understanding and sound analysis.
• Engage effectively with the vibrant and multi-national research environment to enhance their academic experience and to appreciate their own contribution in this setting.
• Develop an appreciation of not only the wider social, ethical and environmental responsibilities of a working chemist, but also the commercial and cultural benefits of scientific ventures.
• Show creativity and flexibility in responding to their environments, by either initiating or managing change.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

A core learning outcome of the MSc degree is to train a skilled and confident practical chemist. As such, a graduate is able to demonstrate:

• A deep appreciation for the safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use.
• The conduct of standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work.
• Skills in the monitoring, by observation and measurement, of chemical properties, events or changes, and the systematic and reliable recording and documentation thereof.
• The operation of standard and advanced chemical instrumentation such as that used for structural investigations and separation.
• The ability to conduct risk assessments concerning the use of chemical substances and laboratory procedures.

Programme structure and features

For formal definitions, including details of compulsory and optional course choices, consult the University Degree Programme Table (www.drps.ed.ac.uk)

The year consists of two components: (1) about 7 months of taught courses in 2 semesters and (2) about 3 months of project work leading to a dissertation. During the taught part of the course, September to April, students attend lectures, tutorials, practicals and research methods course and acquire the theoretical foundation to enable them to engage in independent research. Between June and August, students get the opportunity to make a practical application of their knowledge by undertaking a major individual research project on which they write a dissertation. The project is normally supervised by a member of academic staff as one of his/her research interests, with assistance from his/her research team.

Teaching and learning methods include traditional lecture-style teaching, interactive sessions (tutorials and seminars), practical work (labs, supervised practical sessions, coursework) and supervised, self-directed study (private study, preparation of literature reviews, research proposals, dissertation preparation). Coursework is submitted periodically throughout the semesters. Exams on the coursework normally occur at the end of Semesters 1 and 2. Students need to achieve an average from the combined exam and coursework results of at least 50% to proceed to the dissertation phase. Those with an average of at least 40% exit with a Diploma and those below 40% Fail.

Degree Classification

There are three possible degree classifications:

1. MSc with Distinction: requires an average of at least 70% across all taught courses and a dissertation mark of at least 70%;
2. MSc: average of at least 50% across all taught courses and a dissertation mark of at least 50%
3. Diploma: average of at least 40% across all taught courses.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning strategies employed at the University of Edinburgh consist of a variety of different methods appropriate to the programme aims. The graduate attributes listed above are met through a teaching and learning framework (detailed below) which is appropriate to the level and content of the course.

Teaching and Learning Activities

• Lectures
• Laboratories
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Problem based learning activities
• Peer group learning
• Examples Classes
• Feedback sessions
• Careers talks
• Skills sessions
• One to one meetings with personal tutors/supervisors

Facilities

The School of Chemistry is equipped with a wide range of state of the art facilities and instrumentation.

The Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews have formed EaStCHEM, the leading Chemistry research school in Scotland, and the largest in the UK. EaStCHEM researchers produced 75% of all world-leading outputs (4* maximum ranking) in Scotland. This level of excellence continues as indicated by recent awards for our researchers. EaStCHEM is also part of ScotCHEM, which strengthens links between the major Schools of Chemistry in Scottish Universities.

Assessment methods and strategies

Courses can be assessed by a diverse range of methods and often takes the form of formative work which provides the student with on-going feedback as well as summative assessment which is submitted for credit. 

• Research Methods Exercise
• Written exercises
• Oral presentations
• Literature survey
• Personal attributes
• Practical work
• Reflective log
• Project reports
• Written examinations
• Research Project and Grant Proposal
• Personal Attributes
• Experimental Work
• Project Report
• Oral presentations

Career opportunities

Chemistry graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly regarded by local and international employers. M any graduates move into careers in the oil, chemical or pharmaceutical industries, in sales and marketing or research and development roles. Some graduates choose further study, leading to a PhD or teaching qualification. The course also prepares you for a variety of other careers, including areas such as management, finance or IT.

Other items

Teaching in the School of Chemistry is carried out in a highly active research environment which has strong connections with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The high quality of research activity in the EaStCHEM research school (rated in the top 4 in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise) enables us to offer project work at the cutting edge of the subject across virtually all major areas of chemistry. Excellent IT facilities for undergraduates are provided throughout the university.