Course information

Course highlights

• A wide range of expertise in the field of geochemistry, underpinned by new state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
  
• A dynamic and research-intensive atmosphere is encouraged and is supportive of all students.
• A focus on hands-on laboratory and field training throughout the course. 

Teaching format

The MSc in Geochemistry is a comprehensive and rigorous course that combines compulsory and optional taught modules, field work, short courses, and a research dissertation. Hands-on experience developing a diverse set of laboratory skills is embedded into the course.

The MSc degree requires two semesters of full-time (or four semesters part-time) coursework, normally equivalent to a total of nine taught modules. The assessment for the taught modules is based on coursework and written examinations.

The final three months of your course will be focused on writing the final assessment piece, a 15,000-word laboratory-based, or field- and laboratory-based, dissertation.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

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 module catalogue. 

Compulsory modules

There are six compulsory modules.

• Geochemistry: covers origin and distribution of the elements, thermodynamics, kinetics and aqueous geochemistry.
• Physical Chemistry Laboratory: comprises four practical experiments chosen from reaction kinetics, physical absorption of gases, macromolecular structures, diffraction, surface properties of materials, and dye modifications to photovoltaic cells.
• Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications: explores the theory of isotopes and their fractionation, including kinetic, equilibrium and Rayleigh fractionation, and how isotope measurements are made. It concludes with case studies and applications.
• Advanced Geochemistry: trains students in the advanced techniques and methodologies used to address fundamental and applied questions related to the functioning of the Earth system and the cycling of natural materials between fluid and solid phases.
• Earth's Greatest Hits: reviews current 'hot topics' research about how our planet has evolved and some of the major changes in its chemistry, biosphere and climate.
• Geochemistry Field Excursion: covers best practice field skills in documenting the geological and environmental controls in a geochemical problem, how to collect samples, and post-trip sample analyses and report writing.

Optional modules

Students choose three optional modules out of the following choices:

• Water in the Environment: provides a combination of the underpinning hydrological theory and the analytical tools required to better understand and ameliorate problems of water in the environment.
• Advanced Petrogenesis: explores the nature of the acid and basic magmatism that creates the Earth's crust, the petrography and geochemistry of the minerals and rocks created, and the petrogenesis and evolution of the magmas.
• Biogeochemistry: examines the role of biogeochemical processes in controlling Earth surface chemistry, and their possible influence on deep Earth reservoirs. It highlights current geochemical and numerical techniques used to constrain these interactions in both modern and ancient (rock record) systems.
• Metallogeny: focuses on the geodynamic setting, age, geometry and mineralogy of the principal metallic mineral deposits using a holistic approach.
• Homogeneous Catalysis: discusses the use of metal-based systems in organic transformations and a detailed treatment of homogenous catalysis.
• Processing of Materials: focuses on the processing of materials and fundamental materials properties such as crystallinity, composition, crystal phase, phase mixing, domain structure, grains and grain boundaries, porosity and pore structure.
• Energy Conversion and Storage: discusses the technical details and environmental applications of electrochemical technologies for energy storage, such as batteries and fuel cells.
• Blockbuster Solids: focuses on how material structure influences its electrical, magnetic and thermal properties, with emphasis placed on metal organic frameworks and how they can be used for the storage and release of gases.
• Advanced Molecular Inorganic Chemistry: focuses on advanced discussion of the properties of selected main group compounds, spectroscopy and magnetism.

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

The third semester of the MSc course focusses on independent research conducted with an academic supervisor. The topic is defined by the student and can be chosen from research foci within the department. The research project will involve project formulation, a background literature review, proposal writing and analytical design, as well as data integration and interpretation.

Students present the results of their project as an oral presentation, at a poster conference, and in a dissertation. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date towards the end of August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow 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 an MSc.

Conferences and events

The Department of Earth and Environmental Science hold monthly DEES Seminars with expert guest speakers from the UK and abroad.

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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. Course revision protocol (PDF)

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. Fee setting protocol (PDF)