Introduction
Dynamic and research led with a unique interdisciplinary and international approach to research in the Chemical Sciences.
Chemistry in Aberdeen has been recognised as a subject in its own right since 1793, one of the oldest Chemistry Departments in the UK.
Most postgraduate degrees are by research, but include compulsory PG lecture courses, seminar programmes and research group meetings which involve students in Departmental life. In addition to the research postgraduate degrees, the department offers an MSc taught programme in Environmental Analytical Chemistry.
The school attracts research students and research visitors from all over the world.
The Graduate School offers an induction programme and skills training opportunities for all research students to support their studies and to help with career planning.
Our Research
We have strong links with industry, which is reflected by major industrial sponsorship to fund research in drug discovery, catalysis, biomaterials, construction materials, and environmental analysis related to the oil and gas industry.
Our facilities are extensive with well-equipped laboratories and workshops.
The Trace Element Speciation Laboratory (TESLA) contains a unique collection of instruments for the analysis and speciation of elements involved in environmental and biological processes.
The Biodiscovery Centre is equipped with state of the art NMR (600MHz) and high resolution mass spectrometric facilities for analysis of natural products.
We have international research links with many European countries, some sponsored by EU Framework grants, and Universities in the USA and Asia.
Research Interests
Biomolecular Chemistry
Supervisors: Professor Iain Gibson, Professor Jan Skakle, Professor John Storey, Dr Laurent Trembleau, Professor Marcel Jaspars, Dr Rainer Ebel, Professor Jörg Feldmann, Dr Eva Krupp, Dr Hai Deng, Dr Andrea Raab, Dr John Plater
Materials Chemistry
- Biomaterials
- Catalysis, Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis
- Functional Materials
- Construction Materials and Remediation
- Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage
Supervisors: Professor Russell Howe, Professor Donald Macphee, Professor Iain Gibson, Professor Jan Skakle, Professor John Storey, Dr Laurent Trembleau, Dr Bill Harrison, Professor Corrie Imrie, Professor Abbie Mclaughlin, Dr John Plater, Professor Fred Glasser, Dr Alan McCue
MSc and PhD Chemistry
MSc by Research
Students undertake a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor and, unlike a postgraduate taught degree by coursework and dissertation, there are no formal lectures or seminars and work is not formally examined until after the final thesis is submitted. The thesis is required to display evidence of originality or present a satisfactory, orderly and critical exposition of existing knowledge within the field concerned.
PhD
A PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy, a prestigious qualification that demonstrates talent, academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. It usually culminates in a thesis based on research carried out over the course of 3-4 years. The research must “make a distinct contribution to knowledge and afford evidence of originality as shown by the exercise of independent critical powers”. There are no formal lectures or seminars but your work will be periodically qualitatively monitored by the Graduate School.
Entry Requirements
To apply for this programme must have at least a good Honours degree in a related subject or discipline.