Course summary

Making molecules has been a fundamental component of many scientific innovations, including faster broadband, more specialised genetic sequencing and new cancer treatments. The efficiency and speed of synthesis remains a bottleneck in the development of many compounds. This course exploresadvancements in molecular synthesis that can unlock new opportunities and address societal challenges in a range of areas from healthcare to smart materials. Through lectures, workshops and discussion groups, you'll deepen your understanding of the rational design and efficient synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds. You'll also receive training in a range of modern approaches designed to automate, analyse and understand synthetic processes. To build your knowledge further, you’ll complete a research project in a specialised area of your interest, where you’ll critique molecular synthesis research and be encouraged to assess how existing approaches in the field can be made more efficient and sustainable. You’ll have the opportunity to take the knowledge and skills from this course and apply them to further research, or a commercial laboratory in fields ranging from healthcare to energy.