50業子

Since the dawn of mankind, materials have defined us, and played a central role in human development. The ages of stone, bronze and iron formed vital parts of our history and now we are entering the nano age.

Using all the tools of chemistry, this master's programme will deepen your understanding of materials, developing and designing them to be lighter, stronger, cheaper, and more durable and environmentally friendly. These are the materials which may come to form the essential building blocks in the next era of humanity.

Centred around organic and inorganic chemistry, polymers and nanotechnology, this programme will train you how to use these tools to tweak molecules and create specific, desired properties. This could include everything from high-temperature, corrosion-resistant materials, to catalysts for chemical processes and vehicle exhausts, or nanomaterials with unique traits for precision-targeted pharmaceuticals.

Materials chemistry could yield untold benefits for all kinds of fields. Biodegradable detergents, solvent-free paints, renewable polymers, polymer-based solar panels and diodes, thermoelectric materials that transform heat to electricity, materials for handling complex emissions from biofuel engines — these are just some of the possibilities that you will investigate.

This master's programme has an emphasis on synthesis, chemical characterisation, physical and chemical properties and applications, and top-down chemical nanomanufacturing. There is also a close connection to industrially relevant materials, including both those in use today, and those likely to become crucial for future developments.

As a student, you will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes which are essential to handle these complex materials, with courses covering topics such as advanced catalysis, surface chemistry and nuclear chemistry.

You will look at the design, development of new and existing materials and the synthesis and characterisation of material properties. The programme has a strong project-based emphasis, with teamwork and innovation processes at the forefront.