Introduction
The MSc in Energy Materials and Battery Science is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of recent developments in emerging energy materials and their applications, particularly with respect to the battery technology sector which is seeing major government and industrial investment. The programme provides practical training in an array of energy materials characterisation techniques and aims to develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of the chemistry that underpins commercially important energy materials, such as lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaics.
Students have access to fully equipped modern research laboratories and instrumentation in a multidisciplinary research-focused environment. Students have the opportunity to gain an array of interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge and practical skills, developed through specialist lectures, workshops, seminars, and hands-on laboratory and analytical experience.
The programme is designed to help develop experienced, independent scientists in tune with the needs of research and industry in the energy materials sector (e.g. battery development, nanoscience), and more broadly within the analytical and electrochemical sectors.
How You Study
The course will be delivered through modules that fall into three categories:
1. Advanced Theoretical Platforms and Topics: modules in this area aim to establish knowledge and understanding of the basis of modern and materials chemistry, and equip students with the skills and experience needed for successful delivery and completion of research investigation projects.
2. Advanced Methods: these modules look to establish knowledge and understanding of specific instrumental techniques, data analysis, and potential applications. Each module offers hands-on operator training to qualify successful students as independent users of instrumentation. These modules will be delivered in a three-day ‘short course’ format.
3. Specialist Topics: these modules provide the context of the application for energy materials (e.g. photovoltaics, batteries, bioelectrochemistry) and enable students to develop an awareness of recording/reporting and regulatory requirements that apply in particular sectors. These aspects can be developed through the experience of application in context through a research project.
The final stage of the programme enables students to further develop their knowledge and skills and to gain the experience required for informed development of functional low dimensional materials for applications ranging from solar cells to drug delivery and therapy. Students can develop their understanding of advanced characterisation techniques. Key skills required for experimental work will be underpinned by integrated lectures, hands-on instrument training, and workshops that focus on the development of skills for experimental design and interpretation of experimental data.
The specialist modules in energy material and battery science are presented as a series of short courses. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills, including critical evaluation of data, selecting and, where appropriate, adapting characterisation methods, and feeding the results of studies into the growth/synthesis of functional materials with required properties. The practical studies, methods, and techniques can be tailored towards the chosen area of specialism.
The professional and personal development modules run over the two terms of the course. Professional skills, employability, and awareness of current trends and application of analytical science can be developed in this module in the context of students’ chosen areas of specialism. Students are expected to undertake an independent learning programme based on reflective practice to consolidate and enhance their personal and professional development. A broad range of activities can be included in this portfolio including more advanced or specialist training.
Modules
Advanced Materials Characterisation (Core)
Advances in Modern Materials Chemistry (Core)
Computational Methods for Materials (Core)
Electrochemistry: Fundamentals and applications (Core)
Method Development and Validation (Core)
Research Project (Core)
Professional and Personal Development (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Assessment methods on the programme include laboratory and professional reports, problem-solving exercises, presentations (oral, poster, individual, and group), project work, literature reviews, and personal development portfolios.
Competence in data acquisition, recording, and analysis is assessed through inspection of laboratory records. Formal reporting methods will be used to assess the advanced methods module and these allow assessment of students’ abilities to contextualise laboratory studies, interpret and validate experimental results, and draw conclusions from experimental data. Formal reports will be used to form the basis for summative assessments in the advanced methods module.
Research skills will be assessed through individual research projects. These include project planning, execution of the planned work that is assessed continuously by the project supervisor, a written report, and an individual presentation.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake fieldwork or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
Second class honours degree or above in a science-related field.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Chemistry Research at Lincoln
Research in the School of Chemistry includes the four relevant themes of forensic, analytical, biological, and environmental chemistry, with collaboration and cross-disciplinary research occurring between these at all levels.
Career Opportunities
This programme is designed to help develop experienced, independent scientists, in tune with the needs of research and industry in the energy materials sector, and, more broadly, within the analytical and electrochemical sectors. The programme aims to build a core of operational experience in modern analytical instrumentation and materials chemistry within the context of modern energy materials development such as batteries and photovoltaics.
