ScotCHEM
ScotCHEM is a strategic partnership between Scotland’s research-intensive university chemistry departments. ScotCHEM seeks to advance the study of Chemistry in Scotland. We do this by helping our members to collaborate. Together we investigate and teach a world-class depth and breadth of Chemistry. ScotCHEM optimizes access to opportunities and facilities for the benefit of all.
Aim
We aim to offer our researchers an excellent training environment. To this end, our members share taught modules for Ph.D. students. This allows us to offer a greater range of topics, at an advanced level, to more students.
Program 2018-19
The modules are available to all Ph.D. students at a ScotCHEM school or department. The capacity of some modules may be limited so please register early. These ScotCHEM modules are a supplement to those already available to you. If a module is already available via your home university, then please register via that route. For example, a Strathclyde student interested in a module provided by Glasgow should register via the WestCHEM program.
Modules Shared Online
Each ScotCHEM member offers a portfolio of training opportunities to its graduate students. These usually include advanced undergraduate and specialist postgraduate taught modules. ScotCHEM offer video recordings of a selected portfolio of these modules online. We provide a list of modules below. Descriptions can be found in our module catalogue.
| ID | Title (Level) | Lecturer |
| ABN1 | Interfacial Electrochemistry (5) | Dr Cuesta |
| ABN2 | Magnets, Metals and Superconductors (5) | Dr McLaughlin |
| ABN3 | Research and Research Ethics (5) | Dr Cuesta |
| ABN4 | Biomaterials (5) | Prof Gibson |
| GLA1 | Chemistry of the f-block (5) | Dr Price |
| GLA2 | Electrochemistry for a Sustainable Future (5) | Dr Symes |
| GLA3 | Retrosynthesis (5) | Dr Prunet |
| HWT1 | Advanced Physical Instrumentation Techniques (5) | Dr Greaves; Dr Nahler |
| HWT2 | Advanced Particle Technology (5) | Prof Ocone |
| EDNSTA1 | Computational Chemistry and Modelling – Electronic Structure Theory and Classical Simulation Methods (6) | Prof Bühl et al |
| EDNSTA2 | Computational Chemistry and Modelling – Computational Modelling of Materials (6) | Prof Bühl et al |
| EDNSTA3 | Computational Chemistry and Modelling – Computer-Aided Drug Design (6) | Prof Bühl et al |
| STA1 | Practical computational chemistry (6) | Dr Fruchtl |
| STA2 | Advanced NMR problems (6) | Dr Lebl |
| STA3 | An introduction to Fortran (6) | Dr van Mourik |
| STA4 | Crystallography (6) | Prof Lightfoot |
| STA5 | Electron microscopy (6) | Prof Zhou |
| STA6 | Solid-State NMR (4) | Prof Ashbrook |
| STA7 | An Introduction to Asymmetric Synthesis and Chirality (5) | Prof Smith |
| STR1 | The ‘Antibiotic Apocalypse’ – what can chemists do about it? (6) | Prof Suckling |
| STR2 | High-resolution NMR spectroscopy for small molecules (6) | Dr Parkinson |
| STR3 | The Practice and Pitfalls of studying Organic Reaction Mechanisms (6) | Dr Reid |
| STR4 | Reactor Engineering (5) | Prof Roy |
Table 1 List of modules available online through ScotCHEM. Level 4 and 5 modules are advanced undergraduate classes and level 6 modules are delivered primarily for postgraduates. Module descriptions and details are available in the module catalogue. The modules highlighted in yellow are provided by Schools of Chemical Engineering.
Credits and Assessment
Assessment and the award of credit are not automatic for these modules. Indeed, some of our members do not operate a credit system for postgraduates. If you wish to receive credit you should register your interest with your local Graduate Studies Coordinator at least 1 week before the module starts. We may be able to make arrangements which will fulfill your local credit requirements.
We provide these modules to aid and encourage, your development as researchers. The point is not simply to amass credits. Rather we aim to broaden your view of science and equip you with the tools needed to do excellent research. If the award of credit is not important, you can “audit” the module. “Audit”, meaning to take part without undergoing an assessment or receiving credit. If you do not need credit, you can register for the modules at any time. You can do this by registering here. Module content will become available on our Moodle shortly after the physical classes begin.
Managing your workload
Starting a Ph.D. can be overwhelming, for the first time you are responsible for managing your own time. There will be many new things to learn. Each student’s experience is unique, so comparison with your peers may not be helpful. For these reasons, it is important to consider carefully your training requirements. You should decide what to do based on the guidance provided by your local School or Department. It is important to discuss your plans with your supervisor.
Accessing Modules
You can access module content, including lecture recordings, via the ScotCHEM Moodle.
Questions/Comment/Suggestions
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions then please contact us here.
Graduate Studies Coordinators/Contact
Aberdeen – Dr Cuesta
Dundee – Prof Mackintosh
Edinburgh – Dr Nudelman
Glasgow – Roy Thomas
Heriot Watt – Prof Costen
St Andrews – Suzanne Duff
Strathclyde – Roslyn Nimmo