MRes Chemistry

Project topics recently undertaken include:

• Novel polymer electrolytes for fuel cells
• Advanced inorganic solids for lithium ion batteries
• Molecular materials with ion and electronic conduction properties
• Spin crossover conductors
• Analytical determination of human tissue samples from people suffering from neurological disorders

Please note that projects on medicinal, bio-organic and computer-aided chemistry may not be permitted as they will be prioritised for students on the new MSc Drug Discovery programme.

The MRes programme consists of at least three taught (lecture/workshop) modules run throughout the University’s semesters. Each module will be timetabled for between two to four contact hours per week on average. Some modules will have workshop/laboratory sessions that run ‘intensively’ within one week, in the spring.

Normally, the project is expected to occupy the time when students are not at lectures or studying the taught modules. It is carried out within the Department’s research laboratories. In certain cases, it may be possible to carry out the project work at other locations.

Project themes will be offered, or may be suggested by the student, either in advance or during the first few weeks of the programme. They will relate to the research interests of academic staff and cover a wide range of chemistry topics.

Non-EU students on the MRes programme must arrange their project well in advance of their arrival in the UK, so that an ATAS statement can be arranged in a timely manner to avoid delays in obtaining UK entry clearance.

Assessment of the taught modules is by a mixture of coursework and written examination. The balance varies from module to module. Assessment in some modules is based on workshops, practical classes and coursework.

The project is assessed by a supervisor’s report and examination of a dissertation produced by the student, based on the project. The examination of the dissertation will include a viva voce (oral examination). The pass mark is 50 per cent for the project and for the taught modules.

The Chemistry programme is run within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the cross-faculty Surrey Materials Institute (SMI).

Staff in the Department of Chemistry have expertise which includes all aspects of chemistry: inorganic, medicinal, physical, physical organic, materials, polymers, nanotechnology and analytical. The Department has attracted more than £4.5 million of research income in the last two years.

You will receive a thorough education in advanced aspects of chemistry, but also undertake independent research via a project, guided by a dedicated and experienced supervisor.

Projects are available across a range of topics in chemistry, and may extend into areas of biology, forensics or materials science. Past MRes students have continued to further (PhD) education and to posts in research in industry.

There is a particular emphasis on materials chemistry and biomolecular chemistry in the Department of Chemistry.

The pioneering alkaline anion-exchange membrane (AAEM) fuel cell technologies developed with funding from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Grant GR/S60709/01 yielded more than ten papers since 2004 in the high-impact literature, including four papers written using work from MSc research projects.

This research has also prompted international interest from US, European and Asian companies. This technology has given Surrey and the UK leadership in this new but important class of platinum-free fuel cell. Further EPSRC Grants – EP/F027524/1 (development of new AAEM technologies in line with other academic membrane and catalytic electrode experts) and EP/H025340/1 (hybrid electrolyte membranes for fuel cells) – will allow continued momentum in this field.

The Fuel Cell Group also has many scientific contacts in China and India, where it has been involved with organising/chairing joint workshops with two Chinese university partners in Guangzhou and Hefei; the Group is directly collaborating with some of these partners, which has resulted in a number of UK–China joint publications. A new collaboration with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is now underway.

This research group specialises in the design, development, characterisation and application of advanced inorganic and polymeric materials.

Themes being pursued include: the investigation of electrolyte and electrode materials (polymers and ceramics) for clean energy production and storage in novel electrochemical devices; catalysts for the removal of environmental pollutants; the rational tailoring for purpose (and in-depth investigation) of metal organic framework materials, polymers and polymer synthesis, surfaces and interfaces, and composite and hybrid materials computer simulation of materials and molecular dynamics.

Local facilities include thermal and rheological methods, X-ray crystallography, solid-state electrochemistry and gas flow apparatus for studies of sorption and catalysis. Local, national and international facilities (for example, for neutron scattering and for computational chemistry) are used as necessary. Projects are commonly collaborative with industry and with overseas universities and research centres.

Several members of the Group are also members of the recently formed Surrey Materials Institute (SMI), an interdisciplinary research institute fostering collaboration between materials chemists, physicists and engineers.

This qualification can be used to support applications for MRSC and CChem grade memberships of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Upon completion of the programme, you will be capable of planning and carrying out independent research and interpreting results appropriate to starting a PhD programme, and to middle-level research posts in industry.