MSc Catalysis

The MSc in Catalysis is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry. It is designed to equip students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistryan allied subject with a range of analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

The course provides students with specialised advanced knowledge and skills in modern catalysis with the ability to undertake a significant research project for their dissertation. The course aims to introduce awareness of the role catalysis plays in improving sustainability and solving environmental issues in chemical manufacture.

Highlights

• Provides you with an 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 and the recently established EaSI-CAT Centre for doctoral training. 

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,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.