MSc Energy Materials and Battery Science
University of Lincoln
Key Information
Campus location
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
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 program 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 program 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.
Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching
At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government&rsquo's Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.
We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavor to keep current and prospective students informed.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
How You Study
The course will be delivered through modules that fall into three categories:
- 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.
- 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.
- Specialist Topics: these modules provide the context of 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 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.
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.
Program Outcome
How You Study
The course will be delivered through modules that fall into three categories:
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.
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.
Specialist Topics: these modules provide the context of 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 experience of application in context through a research project.
The final stage of the programe 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 programe 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.
Program Tuition Fee
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.