Course information

Course highlights

• The course offers a wide range of modules which allow students to develop skills in specialised areas. 
• The programme introduces modern chemical science concepts and techniques, exploring further advanced research-led topics through a range of optional modules to equip you with a range of analytical, critical and communication skills.
• Students have access to major facilities across the full spectrum within the School of Chemistry including X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy and NMR (both solution and solid state). 

Teaching format

The MSc in Chemical Science is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry. The course consists of two semesters of taught courses, followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.

Teaching methods include seminars, lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory work as well as consultation sessions with supervisors. Modules are assessed through coursework and/or written examinations. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials to 40 students for lectures. 

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

Students will take three compulsory modules during the course and choose four optional modules per semester.

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue.

Compulsory modules

• Research Skills in Chemistry: covers specialised research techniques for the prospective research project.
• Literature Review for MSc: an in-depth survey of the published literature within a specified research area which is related to the prospective research project.
• Contemporary Research Awareness: research colloquia and seminars delivered by external speakers and covering areas within current chemical science research.

Optional modules

Semester 1 – students choose four optional modules for the first semester.

• Advanced Metal Chemistry
• Homogeneous Catalysis
• Asymmetric Synthesis
• Advanced Spectroscopic Methods
• Nanostructured Materials
• Processing of Materials
• Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• Physical Chemistry Laboratory
• Integrating Chemistry
• Advanced Metal Chemistry
• Heterocyclic and Pericyclic Chemistry

Semester 2 – students choose four optional modules for the second semester.

• Advanced Ligand Design
• Advanced Molecular Inorganic Chemistry
• Blockbuster Solids
• Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Cofactors
• Reactive Intermediates
• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Recognition
• Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
• Energy Conversion and Storage

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2015-2016 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2016 entry.

Take a look at the most up to date modules in the module catalogue.

Dissertation research project

During the final three months of the course, students undertake a research project accumulating in a 15,000-word dissertation. The project is supervised by a member of the academic staff, and the project topic and aims will be selected by both supervisor and student. 

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of a MSc.

Conferences and events

There is an active student-based Chemical Society which hosts guest speakers and organises social events throughout the year.

The School of Chemistry is accredited through the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, its activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public. The RSC often organises events and conferences in the Tayside area. 

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).