MSc Sustainable Chemistry

The Circular Economy - 20 credits

This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts of the circular economy. You will be taught the history of the circular economy and the theories and principles that underpin it, along with the challenges and opportunities of designing products for the circular economy. The impact of the circular economy on business and society and the role of government policy in shaping the circular economy will be explored.

Energy Storage and Conversion 1 - 10 credits

Effective energy storage and conversion are critical to the transition to a renewables-based energy system, and materials are central to many energy storage and conversion technologies. In this module, we will explore the way that the properties of materials underpin energy storage and conversion, and the different factors that influence the choice of technology.

Energy Storage and Conversion 2 - 10 credits

This module will look at more advanced aspects of energy storage and conversion technologies based on materials chemistry. Energy storage and conversion are critical to the transition to a renewables-based energy system, and, in this module, we will explore how current materials present effective solutions to some of the challenges in the field. We will also look at the problems that need to be addressed before these materials can be considered to provide a truly sustainable solution.

Green Chemistry 1 - 10 credits

Cleaner and greener methods for chemical synthesis are critical to a more sustainable future, and chemists are constantly searching for more efficient catalysts, more atom-economical reactions, and ways to reduce reliance on organic solvents. In this module, we will explore the fundamental principles that underpin green chemistry, and we will begin to look at how some of the methods of green chemistry can be applied across a range of reactions.

Green Chemistry 2 - 10 credits

Cleaner and greener methods for chemical synthesis are critical to a more sustainable future, and chemists are constantly searching for more efficient catalysts, more atom-economical reactions, and ways to reduce reliance on organic solvents. In this module, we will explore a range of approaches to catalysis involving metals and non-metals, the key factors that need to be considered when reducing reliance on conventional solvents for chemical synthesis, and we will look at methods for performing solvent-free reactions.

Life-cycle Assessment - 20 credits

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of life cycle assessment as a means of assessing the environmental impact of products and processes. You will be taught the underpinning concepts of life cycle assessment, as well as the methodologies used in life cycle assessment.

Materials for Sustainable Chemistry - 10 credits

This module explores the chemistry of framework materials, their structures, properties, synthesis, and characterization. Different approaches to the design and synthesis of framework materials will be discussed, as well as the key techniques used to characterize them. Throughout the course, a range of examples of framework materials are used to illustrate key concepts. The remarkable tunability of framework materials and their application in the field of sustainability will be discussed, including application to areas such as carbon capture and energy storage.

Sustainable Polymer Chemistry - 10 credits

This module explores sustainable polymeric materials. The ability of polymers to entangle bestows them with properties that provide their strength, flexibility, and durability. These properties also present the critical paradox of the plastic problem: we can’t have durable materials that degrade – they just wouldn’t do what we want them to do. Understanding the landscape of sustainable polymeric materials is critical as a first step to addressing this challenge. How the leading degradable materials in this class are accessed, as well as the considerations that need to be taken into account to modify these for a wider range of applications, will be addressed. The module will develop a fundamental understanding of the chemistry that underpins these advances, as well as consider state-of-the-art, application-focused research.

Research Project - 60 credits

You will undertake a major research project in an area of your choice. The research topic is determined by consultation with academic members of staff. You will join the research group of one of our world-leading researchers in the field of sustainable chemistry to undertake the project work, exposing you to the cutting-edge research being carried out in the School.

Research Skills - 20 credits

This module introduces you to the fundamental skills required to search the literature, to write in appropriate formats for different audiences, to reference source material correctly, and to report findings concisely in written and oral formats. You will be taught to use a variety of databases and literature-searching tools and will be guided through the process of researching a topic and critically analysing the literature. Various written and oral presentation styles will be discussed and critically analyzed. You will be guided through the process of carrying out a piece of research and reporting your findings.

Sustainable chemistry is a worldwide growth area, and experts in sustainable chemistry are in demand across a range of sectors, including energy, manufacturing and recycling.

This course aims to produce graduates of the highest caliber, who will be much in demand due to their skills, knowledge and ability to lead teams addressing some of the biggest challenges facing society.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialized team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team sources exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships, and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.