Course information

The MSc in Catalysis is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry.

Highlights

• The course provides you with understanding of the science of catalysis in the context of its impacts on industry and academia. You will gain knowledge in all major branches of catalysis, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, organocatalysis, biocatalysis, asymmetric catalysis and ligand design.
• Skills acquired in the taught element will be applied in a short, intensive research project. This research-led teaching component is aligned with the interests of the School's world leading research groups.
• St Andrews has extensive expertise in catalysis research; this has been recognised by the award of the EPSRC Centre of Doctoral Training in Critical Resource Catalysis. Some of the specialised teaching is delivered in collaboration with this centre. 
• 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 course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.

Teaching methods include:

• seminars
• lectures
• tutorials
• practical laboratory work
• consultation sessions with supervisors.

Modules are assessed through coursework, written examinations, or a combination of both. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures. 

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

Students will take six compulsory modules during the course and choose three optional modules during Semester 1 and 2.

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; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Metal Catalysis, Organocatalysis and Biocatalysis: an overview of current challenges and major achievements in current catalysis.
• 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.
• Homogeneous Catalysis: demonstrates the links between catalyst structure, performance, commercial utilization and sustainability.
• Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis: introduces the important general concepts of the chemistry of heterogeneous catalysis.
• 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 one optional module for the first semester.

• Asymmetric Synthesis
• Advanced Spectroscopic Methods
• Nanostructured Materials
• Processing of Materials
• Advanced Metal Chemistry
• Heterocyclic and Pericyclic Chemistry

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

• Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
• Blockbuster Solids
• Natural Products, Biosynthesis and Enzyme Cofactors
• Reactive Intermediates
• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Recognition
• Chemical Applications of Electronic Structure Calculations
• Energy Conversion and Storage

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 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 culminating 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. 

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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. 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).