January 2016
School of Chemistry Structured PhD Programme (GYR05)
In addition to the research thesis (CH650) some extra courses (modules) will be taken by
students registered for their PhD in the School of Chemistry over a 4 year period.
Students in the School in the four year structured programme will normally take 30 credits
through these courses.
Students with 3 years of funding where a structured component is not required (e.g. MSc
graduates) may request from Dean of Science permission to carry out the PhD through the
traditional 3 year PhD progamme (GYT13-1PS1) where the student is not required to take
extra courses.
The pass level in Chemistry modules will generally be a 40% in line with University marks and
standards. A grade may not specifically be awarded (if student completes the module at PhD
level then they pass).
It is now possible for students registered through the 1 year MSc programme to formally
apply for transfer to the PhD programme. Such students would normally have passed 30
credits of modules (CH5102 (15 credits) and CH5103 (10 credits) + 5 other credit module) and
these modules should be recognised as part of the PhD programme and can also be taken by
PhD students entering the Structured PhD programme.
Core Modules
The following are three core modules which all students in the PhD programme will be
required to complete
University Modules
1.
Seminar programme
ECTS
Code
Coordinator
5
GS501
PK
10
5
CH5103
GS506
FA
PF
5
CH506
or
CH5102
NG
or
2.
Chemical Research and Problem Solving*
Teaching & Learning
School of Chemistry Modules
3.
Core Skills for Chemistry Research
or
Techniques and Skills for Chemistry Research*
15
NG
* module given in semester one only
1
Elective Modules
The following Graduate Studies Approved Modules may be taken as electives by PhD
students in the School of Chemistry. Students can take one or more master classes.
University Modules
4.
Statistical Methods for Research
5.
Masterclass in Carbohydrate Chemistry or
Masterclass in Carbohydrate Chemistry with Practical Work
6.
Masterclass in Radical Chemistry
7.
Research placement
8.
Industrial placement
9.
Masterclass: Quantitiative analysis of solid-state
pharmaceuticals
10
Combustion Chemistry and Kinetics
11.
Advanced Biomaterials
12.
Problem Solving in Chemistry
13.
Process Development and Scale-Up in the
Pharmaceutical Industry
14.
Graduate Research Information & Skills
15.
Oral / poster communications
16.
Communication & Outreach
ECTS
Code
5
5
10
5
5
10
15
5
10
15
5
GS507
CH503
CH***
CH504
GS511
GS513
GS514
GS516
GS517
GS518
CH505
SD
PM
PM
FA
5
5
5
5
CH507
BME500
CH509
CH510
HC
YR
POL
DS
5
5
5
GS530
GS526
GS536
RD
Supervisor
Supervisor
PM
PM
AE
The module descriptor for BME500 can be found at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/engineeringinformatics/prospectivestudents/postgraduatestudents/structuredphdprogramme/
Coordinator: Dr Yury Rochev, Chemistry
The module descriptor for GS507 can be found at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/graduate-studies/currentstudents/gsmodules/gs507/
Coordinator: Sandra Donohue, Graduate Studies
The module descriptor for GS530 can be found at:
http://www.library.nuigalway.ie/researchsupport/gs530graduateresearchinformationskillsm
odule/
Coordinator: Rosie Dunne, Research Support, Library
The module descriptor for GS526 can be found at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/graduate-studies/currentstudents/gsmodules/gs526/
The module descriptor for GS536 can be found at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/graduate-studies/currentstudents/gsmodules/gs536/
Modules GS526 and GS536 are assessed by the PhD Supervisor and GRC
2
Other Module Descriptors
Title
Seminar programme
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Dr Paul Kavanagh
Module Code:
GS501
Elective Places
Indicative Module Descriptor:
In this module the students will attend a series of seminars.
Students will attend a minimum of 16 seminars (E.g. Conference presentations, Seminar
series).
The School of Chemistry requirement will be 24 seminars during the course of the PhD
with at least 18 selected from the official School of Chemistry Seminar Programme
The module aims to give students the opportunity to;
 Further their knowledge in diverse research areas
 Develop critical analysis skills
 *Develop abstract writing skills and/or develop presentation skills
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should;
 Have learnt about current topics having attended a series of seminars covering
diverse range of subject matter
 Gained experience in critical analysis of speakers at seminar
 Become experienced in writing abstracts relating to seminars attended
(optional)
 *Improved presentation skills (optional)
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate) 100
Class Contact:
Seminar attendance
Workshop
at least 16
Specified Assignment(s)
Seminar abstract preparation/critique
48
Autonomous Student Learning
Seminar reflectance
16
Reading research papers
20
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own)
Evidence of attendance (attendance signing sheet or book) *and one of the following:
Completion of reflective journal comprised of a one abstract per seminar attended (e.g.
250 words) and critique of each seminar attended.
*A student in the School of Chemistry may alternatively prepare and give at least two
presentations on selected topics related to the seminar programme/recent research as
agreed with their supervisor. This will usually be based on recent published research.
Type
Year 1:
Seminar attendance
Assessment of reflective journal/*abstracts or
assessments of the presentations
Result
% of marks
Timing
Mandatory
100%
Pass
3
Title
Chemical Research & Problem Solving
Credits (ECTS)
10
Module Coordinator
Dr Fawaz Aldabbagh
Module Code:
CH5103
Elective Places
Indicative Module Descriptor:
In this module the students will be required to attend a series of advanced chemical
research lectures given by academic staff of the School of Chemistry and by a series of
visiting invited speakers from outside the School of Chemistry.
The module aims to give students the opportunity to;
 Further their knowledge in areas at the frontiers of Chemistry
 Develop critical analysis skills
 Develop problem solving skills in chemistry
 Develop writing skills
 Develop presentation skills
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should;
 Demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge of topics at the frontiers of
Chemical research
 Have gained experience in critical analysis
 Demonstrate increased knowledge in breadth and depth of chemistry and in
problem solving
 Become experienced in writing abstracts relating to seminars attended
 Gain experience in giving a presentation
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate) 200
Class Contact:
Lecture & seminar attendance
Workshop
Specified Assignment(s)
Abstract preparation, preparation of presentation
Autonomous Student Learning
Reading research papers & autonomous study
16
4
80
100
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own)
1. Evidence of attendance (attendance signing sheet or book)
2. Submission of five one page abstracts based on research seminars given by staff of
the School of Chemistry
3. Giving a presentation on a research topic related to the presentation given by a
visiting speaker in the School of Chemistry and answering questions as part of a journal
club
4. Written examination paper where students will solve problems related to the
research topics covered. These will be set by the School of Chemistry staff giving the
research seminars.
Type
% of marks
Timing
Year 1:
Seminar attendance
Abstracts
Presentation
Examination
Result
Mandatory
20%
30%
50%
Mark out of 100
4
Title
Teaching & Learning
Credits (ECTS)
5
Supervisor Approval
Supervisor approval is not a pre-requisite for
this module due to teaching contribution of
120 hours per year (section 5.7 Duties)
Module Places
Module Coordinator
Dr Pau Farràs
Module Code: Please indicate if
generic (GS) or specialised
Elective Places
GS506
Indicative Module Descriptor:
This module will provide a comprehensive introduction to aspects of teaching and
learning in higher education, offering an overview of basic ideas such as learning
outcomes, teaching methods, assessment and approaches to learning. It will build
experience of self-reflection through teaching practice, the identification of critical
incidents and the use of a range of approaches to evaluation. All participants must
undertake appropriate teaching practice, whether through tutoring, leading seminars or
laboratory demonstration.
st
In the School of Chemistry this will normally be laboratory demonstration to the 1 year
Undergraduate Chemistry class.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should;
 demonstrate awareness of the range of possible approaches to teaching and the
promotion of active student learning available in higher education contexts;
 demonstrate awareness of the contextual factors and challenges which impact on
an effective teaching and learning experience and identify some strategies for
dealing with some common difficulties that may arise
 demonstrate appreciation of the particular role and responsibilities of the tutor or
demonstrator;
 acquire significant experience in teaching and supporting learning in
undergraduate (or postgraduate, if appropriate) programmes;
 have utilised appropriate approaches (including peer/mentor observation) to
evaluate teaching;
 be able to reflect on critical incidents and learning events and evaluate the success
or otherwise of particular approaches to teaching in the courses which they are
supporting;
 have completed a reflective journal detailing their experiences and making
suggestions and recommendations for subsequent improvement of their own
performance and that of the students in their classes.
Structure:
This module will be delivered following a blended learning model which consists of
three primary components:
 Online materials (in the Blackboard site for the module) and guided reading;
 Two three-hour workshops (one per semester) with associated activities and
discussion;
 Reflection and peer discussion based on teaching practice as a tutor,
laboratory demonstrator or in a similar capacity.
In the School of Chemistry guidance will be provided to graduate students taking this
module on grading. The graduate student will act as an instructor/demonstrator to ~16
first year students in Chemistry during their laboratory course and grade their work.
Assessment(s):
The module will be assessed on a pass/incomplete basis following completion, to an
appropriate standard, of the following:
 A reflective journal providing evidence of reflection, improved practice and
evaluation of student learning;
 Completion of an acceptable level of teaching hours, evidenced by a detailed
log over the appropriate period;
5


Active participation in, and completion of associated tasks, the workshops and
online course materials/exercises (which will include some short written
contributions).
A peer-assessment review of teaching
Teaching Portfolio for Chemistry Postgradudates undertaking the module on Teaching
& Learning
For the award of the academic credit pertaining to this module, students are required
to submit a portfolio, structured as follows.
1. Teaching responsibilities and experience
Describe the courses/modules you are teaching on, the level of the modules (ie first
year, final year, etc), the numbers of students in the class and the number that you are
responsible for, the type of class (laboratory, tutorial, etc) and the duties required of
you (eg demonstrating, providing lab briefings, marking and giving feedback, etc), and
the overall aims or stated learning outcomes for that module. Briefly describe your
past experience as a student in similar classes and to what extent you feel that it was an
effective learning experience and what might have worked better. Provide a summary
of the number of hours taught and have it signed by the person in charge of the
lab/module you supported.
2. Practical aspects of teaching in class
Readings relevant to Laboratory Demonstrating and Problem-solving classes are
available on the Blackboard site for this module (Facilitating Learning: Key Skills &
Techniques). Summarise the main points you have taken from these readings and
indicate how they might affect the way you carry out your duties as a demonstrator or
tutor.
The peer observation exercise, whereby you get feedback from a fellow
demonstrator/tutor (or from your academic mentor) can be a very effective means of
thinking about and improving your teaching skills. The act of observing another also
sheds light on issues that you might not have previously considered. Either complete
the Peer Observation/Review exercise as described on the Blackboard site or get
together with a fellow demonstrator/tutor and share with each other your respective
approaches to and experiences of teaching this year. Then reflection in writing on what
you have learned about the practice of teaching from this sharing.
3. Marking and Giving Feedback
Read the section on marking and giving feedback. This is likely to be very relevant to
your role as a demonstrator (or tutor) and addresses key issues such as consistency of
grading, providing effective feedback to students to improve their performance and
means of improving the quality and efficiency of the marking process as you build
experience. In the portfolio, provide a brief summary of the key points of learning from
this reading; describe the type of marking and grading in which you are involved,
outlining the extent to which you have freedom over determining the grades and the
forms of feedback and how this is managed and grades from different markers
combined or compared. Comment on your experience this year in such marking and
identify any challenges/difficulties you may have faced, how you worked with other
demonstrators in ensuring consistency and how the students seem to respond to the
feedback you provide to them. If you have any information regarding the distribution of
marks across the group or the whole class, then you should refer to this here also.
4. Reflections and recommendations
Look over the section on the principles of course design and briefly comment on the
extent to which the module(s) that you support as a demonstrator (or tutor) appear to
follow the model outlined there. If you can see ways in which the module or course
might be improved with regards to the learning outcomes, learning and assessment
methods or more general aspects of the organization of practical and taught
6
components, please note these here. You have experience of working closely with a
number of students over several weeks, your own past experience as a student, as well
as access to the basic module/course documentation – all of which might help inform
such recommendations.
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop
6 hours
Specified Assignment(s)
Portfolio to include ( as appropriate to the
Teaching responsibilities) elements such as:
 Reflective Journal
 Teaching Log
 Peer-Assessment/Observation or
critical review of a Laboratory
Teaching session
 Series of specific teaching experience
exercises/tasks based on online
materials
Extensive online materials and lessons
Teaching Practice
Series of readings from text, papers, reports
and websites.
Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own)
Type
Assignments
Reports
Oral or Written Presentations as appropriate
Result Successful completion of
assignments from workshops
and literature assignment
% of marks
Timing
100%
Pass
7
Title
Core Skills for Chemistry Research
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Dr Niall Geraghty
Course Instance
Module Code:
CH506
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
Specialised
specialised module
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The course aims to provide a platform of training in key skills relevant to carrying out
effective research in Chemistry. A series of lectures/demonstrations and training will be
given in 12 areas. The areas covered will include Health and safety in Chemistry, Fire
training, 2D NMR techniques, High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Gas
chromatography (GC), Characterization and purity assessment of organic compounds,
Text and structure based searching of online resources (Reaxys, SciFinder), Simulation
software (ACD Labs), Molecular modelling of small molecules (Spartan), Gel permeation
chromatography (GPC), Scanning electron microscopy, Mass spectrometry (MS),
Electrochemical Methods, and X-ray crystallography.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
have an awareness of the variety of techniques available in the School of Chemistry
which are relevant to their research;
understand and demonstrate that they have the potential to apply these techniques, as
appropriate, to a research project.
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Seminars (18-24 h) relating to 12 of the
areas listed above (Health and safety and
Fire training are mandatory). Supporting
information will be provided on Blackboard
Workshop (other forms of educational
activity)
Specified Assignment(s)
Carry out assignments in 6 of the 12 areas
listed above (Health and safety is
mandatory; there is no Fire training
assignment) (72 h).
Autonomous Student Learning
The background reading, autonomous
(please specify)
learning, experimental work and report
writing associated with each assignment will
not involve more than 12 h work
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Type
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must satisfy the Unit
Coordinator that adequate
competency has been acquired in
the particular skill.
Pass
8
Title
Credits (ECTS)
Techniques and Skills for Chemistry
Research
15
Module Coordinator
Dr Niall Geraghty
Course Instance
Module Code:
CH5102
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
Specialised
specialised module
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The course aims to provide a platform of training in key skills relevant to carrying out
effective modern research in Chemistry. A series of lectures/demonstrations and
training will be given in 12 areas. The areas covered will include Health and Safety in
Chemistry,A series of modern analytical techniques such as Microscopy,
Electrochemistry, Structure based searching of online resources (Reaxys, SciFinder),
Modern 1D & 2D NMR techniques, MS, X-ray crystallography, Computational Chemistry
for small molecule modelling, drug design and reaction modelling, using the Cambridge
Crystallographic database etc.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
Gain a theoretical knowledge of variety of techniques available in the School of
Chemistry which are relevant to their research
Understand and demonstrate that they have can apply a subset of the techniques to
Chemical problem solving in a laboratory setting
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational
activity)
Specified Assignment(s)
Lectures & seminars 30 h. Supporting
information will be provided on Blackboard
Demonstrate competence in 8 of the core
skills, which must include health and safety.
Each skill will have a specified assignment
(120 h)
100
Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Type
Class contact
Assignment
Written Examination Paper
Result
% of marks
Timing
Mandatory
50%
50%
Mark out of 100
9
Title
Masterclass in Carbohydrate Chemistry
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Prof Paul Murphy
Course Instance
Module Code:
CH503
Please indicate if generic (GS) or specialised module
Specialised. 3 Years of Chemistry at BSc level
would be a minimum prerequisite.
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The course focuses on core aspects of carbohydrate chemistry, including introduction to basic structures
and concepts; carbohydrates in biological systems. Glycoside synthesis, glycopeptide, glycoprotein and
glycolipid structure, properties and synthesis. Protecting groups in carbohydrate chemistry. Strategies for
oligosaccharide synthesis. Analysis of carbohydrates and oligosaccharide structures, glycosensors and
applications. Computation of carbohydrates.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
Be able to devise and plan stereoselective syntheses of target oligosaccharides, glycopeptides,
glycoproteins & glycolipids.
Understand key concepts in carbohydrate chemistry and be able to apply these in solving assigned
problems
Understand and discuss publications in the carbohydrate chemistry area
Be able to write an abstract of a specialised research lecture given during the course
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational activity)
Lectures 20 h. Supporting information
provided (e.g. Blackboard)
4 h workshop & Seminars
Specified Assignment(s)


Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Complete assignments which tests basic
knowledge and understanding of
essential concepts and involves problem
solving (16 h)
Present and discuss a recent publication
(8 h)
60 h
Type
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must pass each task
within the assignment
Pass
10
Title
Masterclass in Carbohydrate Chemistry with
Practical Work
Credits (ECTS)
10
Module Coordinator
Prof Paul Murphy
Course Instance
Module Code:
New modules
Please indicate if generic (GS) or specialised module
Specialised. 3 Years of Chemistry at BSc level
would be a minimum prerequisite.
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The course focuses on core aspects of carbohydrate chemistry, including introduction to basic structures
and concepts; carbohydrates in biological systems. Glycoside synthesis, glycopeptide, glycoprotein and
glycolipid structure, properties and synthesis. Protecting groups in carbohydrate chemistry. Strategies for
oligosaccharide synthesis. Analysis of carbohydrates and oligosaccharide structures, glycosensors and
applications. Computation of carbohydrates.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
Be able to devise and plan stereoselective syntheses of target oligosaccharides, glycopeptides,
glycoproteins & glycolipids.
Understand key concepts in carbohydrate chemistry and be able to apply these in solving assigned
problems
Understand and discuss publications in the carbohydrate chemistry area
Be able to write an abstract of a specialised research lecture given during the course
Carry out preparative carbohydrate chemistry work and contribute to drafting a manuscript to the level of
Carbohydrate Chemistry Proven Synthetic Methods or check carbohydrate synthetic work described in the
literature to the level required for Carbohydrate Chemistry Proven Synthetic Methods
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational activity)
Lectures 20 h. Supporting information
provided (e.g. Blackboard)
8 h workshop & Seminars
Specified Assignment(s)



Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Complete a relevant assignment which
tests understanding of essential concepts
and involves problem solving (12 h)
Present and discuss a recent publication
(8 h)
Practical work, including drafting of
experimental to the level of
Carbohydrate Proven Methods (100 h)
60 h
Type
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must pass each task
within the assignment
Pass
11
Title
Masterclass in Advanced Radical Chemistry
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Dr Fawaz Aldabbagh
Course Instance
Module Code:
CH504
Please indicate if generic (GS) or specialised module
Specialised. 3 Years of Chemistry at BSc level would
be a minimum prerequisite.
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The course focuses on modern applications of radical chemistry in four broad areas (students will choose 3 out of
the 4 areas below)–
1. Mechanisms (Incl. Designing and Investigating Radical Reactions): choosing the appropriate radical initiator,
detecting radicals, chain versus non-chain, the persistent radical effect, regio- and stereoselectivity
2. Organic Synthesis using Radicals: cascade, organometallic, metal free, photochemical and trapping reactions with
applications to natural product, heterocyclic and carbohydrate synthesis.
3. Polymer Chemistry: kinetics and mechanisms, copolymerizations, living/controlled polymerizations, (computer)
simulations, molecular weight distribution, heterogeneous polymerizations, green chemistry.
4. Medicinal Chemistry: oxidative stress, cancer, (computational) drug-design, DNA-damage and response, enzymes,
case studies in biomolecular and biomacromolecular design.
Indicative Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should:
Be able to devise and plan complex reactions, and devise mechanisms using radical intermediates.
Understand key concepts in radical chemistry and be able to apply these to solving assigned problems
Understand and discuss publications in the radical chemistry area
Be able to write an abstract of a specialised research lecture given during the course
This course will be based at NUI Galway with additional lectures from experts in the field.
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational activity)
Seminars & Lectures 20 h. Supporting information
provided (e.g. Blackboard)
And / or 10 h workshop or Symposium
Specified Assignment(s) – 30 h divided as shown:
1.
2.
3.
Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Write two summary/abstracts of lectures
identified from the course (4 h).
Complete two assignments, which tests
understanding of essential concepts and
involves problem-solving (18 h)
Present and discuss two recent publications
identified by the module coordinator or
supervisor (8 h)
40 h
Type
% of marks
Pass
12
Timing
Title
Research placement
Credits (ECTS)
Module Coordinator
5-15 (depends on length of training; 1-3
months)
This is an elective module and placement
must be organised by supervisor and agreed
with a host.
To be assigned
Course Instance
Occasional
Module Code:
GS511
Module Places
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
Specialized
specialised module
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
A graduate student may need to visit an academic or research laboratory outside NUI
Galway to obtain training in a technique (e.g. access to and using an 800 MHz NMR
facility, solid phase synthesis, Maldi-TOF MS, biophysical measurement technique,
specialised polymer chemistry technicques etc). The student may spend up to three
months in this training placement.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
Have developed and demonstrated competency in the technique
Understand the benefits of this training to a research project
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational
activity)
Specified Assignment(s)
The student will normally spend 1 (5 credits)
to 3 months(15 credits) being trained in an
external laboratory
The graduate student will prepare a detailed
report which includes:
(i) a statement about the training
(ii) evidence of the training obtained and a
letter from the host laboratory confirming
the time spent on the training and that they
have become competent
(iii) evidence that they applied the training in
research
Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Type
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must pass each task
within the assignment
Pass
13
Title
Industrial Placement
Credits (ECTS)
5-15
Module Places
This is an elective module and placement
must be organised by supervisor and agreed
with an Industrial host
Prof Murphy
Module Coordinator
Course Instance
Module Code:
GS516 (5 credits); GS517 (10 credits); GS518
(15 credits)
Specialized
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
specialised module
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
Occasionally a graduate student may have funding from IRCSET-Enterprise partnership
or from another industrial source. It may be to the student’s educational benefit to go
on a placement with the industrial sponsor where they will gain experience of working
in industry. During the course of their placement they will develop new skills and
techniques and carry out research there, although the research may not form part of
the PhD thesis.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
Have demonstrated ability to solve problems and carry out research in an Industrial
environment
Gained new knowledge and skills and perspectives from the industrial placement
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational
activity)
Specified Assignment(s)
The student will normally spend up to 1-3
months being trained in the industrial
laboratory
Various
The graduate student will prepare a report
which includes:
(i) a statement about their industrial
placement
(ii) Evidence of training and skills obtained
(iii) Evidence that they applied the training in
research
(iv) An industrial supervisor will be
nominated and they will provide a short
report on the students activities
Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Type
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must pass each task
within the assignment.
Pass
14
Title
Credits (ECTS)
Masterclass: Quantitative analysis of solidstate pharmaceuticals
5
Module Coordinator
Dr Andrea Erxleben
Course Instance
to be announced
Module Code:
CH505
Please indicate if generic (GS) or specialised module
Specialised. 3 Years of Chemistry at
BSc level
would be a minimum prerequisite.
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
The course focuses on the quantitative analysis of solid-state pharmaceuticals. The techniques covered
will include IR and NIR spectroscopy, DSC and X-ray powder diffraction. Data analysis will cover the
construction and use of multivariate calibration models. The analysis will focus on the determination of
APIs in API excipient combinations and the quantification of polymorphic mixtures of APIs.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
be able to select an appropriate analytical method
be able to construct multivariate calibration models
be able to assess the quality of analytical results
be able to assess analytical data from published papers
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational activity)
Seminars 20 h. Supporting information
supplied on-line
provided
(e.g. Blackboard)
10
h workshop
Specified Assignment(s)
1.
2.
3.
Autonomous Student Learning
(please specify)
write a comparative summary of
the analytical techniques used
build and apply a multivariate
model
present and discuss the results of
the multivariate analysis
60 h
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Type
Result
%of marks
Timi
ng
Students must pass each
task
within the assignment
Pass
15
Title
Problem Solving in Chemistry
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Dr Patrick O’Leary
Module Places
Module Code:
CH509
Elective Places
Indicative Module Descriptor:
In this module the students will work on preparing problems, solving problems
independently and discussing solutions in problem solving seminars. .
The module aims to give students the opportunity to;
 Broaden their knowledge to areas outside their specific research area.
 Gain a deeper understanding of Chemistry related to their research and
outside their research area
 Develop problem solving skills
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should;
 Have attended a series of problem solving seminars in Chemistry related topics
 Gained experience in Chemistry based problem solving
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate) 100
Class Contact:
Attending seminars where solutions to problems
are discussed.
Specified Assignment(s):
Setting and independently working on assigned
problems in Chemistry
Preparing solutions to problem sets
Autonomous Student Learning
30 h (over 3 years)
60
30
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own)
Students performance will be assessed by the supervisor (or another academic) during
problem solving seminars where student will be expected to discuss/present solutions
to problems in seminars where other PhD students are present. Students are expected
to provide and keep records of the problems they work on during the course of their
PhD study for auditing by the module coordinator..
Type
% of marks
Timing
Year 1-3:
Result
Pass
16
Title
Combustion Chemistry and Kinetics
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Prof Henry Curran
Course Instance
To be announced
Module Code:
CH507
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
Specialised. 3 years of at BSc and/or BE level
specialised module
would be a minimum prerequisite.
Indicative Module Descriptor:
In this module the students will attend a series of lectures on specialized topics in
combustion chemistry and chemical kinetics. Students will attend a minimum of 9
lectures. This module is designed to benefit students who require specialized
knowledge of specific subject areas as an adjunct to their research activities. Lectures
will be selected by the student in consultation with their supervisor(s), their GRC and
with the relevant programme coordinators, and module coordinators where
appropriate. Assessment of the unit will be through a written assignment constituting a
literature review of a field of relevance to the student’s PhD project. Assignment and
assessment of this work will be undertaken by the student’s supervisor(s).
The module aims to give students the opportunity to;
 Further their knowledge of specialized areas of combustion;
 Develop critical thinking skills
 Develop abstract writing skills
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should;
 Have developed an in-depth knowledge of specialized areas of combustion;
 Developed their knowledge of specialized research literature relevant to their
projects;
 Become proficient at evaluating research literature on specialized subject
areas.
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate) 100
Class Contact:
Lecture attendance
Lectures will be provided on the following topics:
1. Basic kinetic and thermodynamic
principles
2. Basic Chemical Principles I
3. Basic Chemical Principles II
4. Experimental contribution to Chemical
Understanding
5. Experimental contribution to Chemical
Understanding
6. Model Construction
Autonomous Student Learning
9 Lectures
~100 by completion of
assignments
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own)
Attendance at lectures
Completion of a literature-based research project assignment
Type
Year 1&2:
Lecture attendance
Assessment of assignment
Assignment and assessment of written work will
be provided the student’s supervisor(s).
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must pass each task in
the assignment
Pass / Fail
17
Title
Process Development and Scale-Up in the
Pharmaceutical Industry
Credits (ECTS)
5
Module Coordinator
Profs Dennis Smith/Paul Murphy
Course Instance
Module Code:
CH510
Please indicate if generic (GS) or
Specialised. 3 Years of Chemistry at BSc
specialised module
level would be a minimum prerequisite.
Indicative Module Descriptor: (about 150 words)
An introduction to the steps involved in the development and scale-up of processes for
the commercial manufacture of drug substances. The focus will be on synthetic
processes for “small molecule” drugs and will cover the organic, physical and analytical
chemistry involved. Process selection and development, technology transfer and ongoing optimisation will be addressed with reference to the safety, environmental,
engineering, quality and regulatory disciplines required. Real examples will be used to
illustrate the subject.
Indicative Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should:
Understand the considerations involved in designing a chemical process suitable for
commercial manufacture.
Appreciate the scientific disciplines involved in bringing a chemical process from
laboratory to industrial scale
Be familiar with the organic chemistry involved in the manufacture of some significant
current drugs
Be able to rationalise and discuss the mechanisms of organic reactions involved in the
synthesis of drugs
Workload: (specify or delete as appropriate)
Class Contact
Workshop (other forms of educational
activity)
Specified Assignment(s)
Seminars 10 h. Supporting information
(lecture overheads provided)
3 h workshop on assignments
1. Write a summary/abstract of one of
three lectures identified from the
course (e.g. hazard analysis, process
validation, environmental
considerations) or complete an
assignment in one of these topics
2. Complete an assignment which
tests understanding of essential
concepts of organic synthesis
3. Present and discuss a recent
publication in organic process research
and development identified by the
module coordinator or supervisor.
Total work 30 h
Autonomous Student Learning
60 h
(please specify)
Assessment(s) (choose from below or add your own
Type
Result
% of marks
Timing
Students must pass each task
within the assignment
Pass
18