University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2021/22 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Chemistry > Aerosol Science (PhD) > Specification
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Programme code | 2CHEM011R |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Research Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Jonathan Reid
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Chemistry |
Teaching institution | |
Awarding institution | |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in, and knowledge and understanding of, aerosol science. Aerosols are particles dispersed in a gas phase with sizes ranging from molecular clusters (>1 nm) to large droplets (>100 um). Aerosol science is core to a broad range of disciplines extending from drug delivery to the lungs, to disease transmission, aerosol routes to the manufacture of new materials, combustion, environmental science, and the delivery of consumer and agricultural products. Despite the commonality in the physical science core to all of these sectors, postgraduate training in aerosol science has been focussed in specific contexts such as inhalation, the environment and materials. Not only will an MRes in aerosol science provide foundational and comprehensive training in the core physical science, but it will bring coherence to training in aerosol science in the UK. The programme is a highly interdisciplinary one-year training programme, lying at the intersection of chemistry, physics, biological sciences, chemical and mechanical engineering, life and medical sciences, pharmacy and pharmacology, and earth and environmental sciences. Such breadth is crucial to provide the broad perspective on aerosol science central to developing researchers able to address the challenges that fall at the boundaries between these traditional disciplines.
Each student will be supported by a mentoring team of two academics and one industrial partner; the lead academic will be the PhD supervisor and the academic co-supervisor will work in an area of aerosol science complementary to the lead academic. The industrial partner will host the student in Year 2 or 3 if progression to PhD is approved. Together the mentoring team define the Research and Mentoring Plan (RMP) before the studentship is advertised, i.e. students apply for a particular RMP supervised by a particular PhD supervisor at a specified institution in a specific area of research.
The MRes programme comprises intensive training for the first year of a four-year research degree in Aerosol Science facilitated through the Centre for Doctoral Training programme led by the University of Bristol. Successful completion of the taught elements of the programme (Core Aerosol Science I and II, Research Methods, and Professionalism and Translation) is required in order for students to progress to the three year PhD project. For a MRes exit award, the Thematic Broadening Sabbatical will be assessed through the submission of a dissertation. The programme will accept a cohort of approximately fifteen students each year.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Conventional didactic methods (lectures, seminars and webinars), team-based learning and cooperative learning approaches, self-study and pre-class training using online resources, practical sessions (e.g. analytical instrumentation), group computer/IT training sessions, individual research project. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Multiple-choice ‘two-stage’ problem-based on-line tests, team-based learning assessments (e.g. individual readiness assessment, team readiness assessment), written reports and proposals, oral presentations, facilitation of group discussion, progress interview. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Conventional didactic methods (lectures, seminars and webinars), team-based learning and cooperative learning approaches, self-study and pre-class training using online resources, practical sessions (e.g. analytical instrumentation), group computer/IT training sessions, individual research project. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Team-based learning assessments (e.g. individual readiness assessment, team readiness assessment), written reports and proposals, oral presentations, facilitation of group discussion, progress interview |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Conventional didactic methods (lectures, seminars and webinars), team-based learning and cooperative learning approaches, self-study and pre-class training using online resources, practical sessions (e.g. for public engagement), individual research project. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Team-based learning assessments (e.g. individual readiness assessment, team readiness assessment), written reports and proposals, oral presentations |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Students can be expected to understand the concepts in physical science underlying the properties and behaviour of aerosol particles, core concepts that may only be touched on in related undergraduate courses. They can be expected to write and speak coherently about aerosol science with a secure grasp of the science. They should also have a broad overview of the applications of aerosols in a broad range of industries and their implications for the environment, disease transmission and human health. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In addition to meeting the criteria for a level M Postgraduate Certificate, students can be expected to have an advanced understanding of the physical science of aerosols and their measurement, well beyond an undergraduate level. They can be expected to engage with primary sources of research, demonstrate their own research potential, function effectively and confidently in multidisciplinary teams, and communicate and share research knowledge to both expert and non-expert audiences. Students should be able to identify, formulate, critique and solve research |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
In addition to meeting the criteria for a level M Postgraduate Diploma, students can be expected to have completed a research project in an area of aerosol science, working independently but under the supervision of an expert. They are expected to be mature graduate students capable of proposing appropriate methods and objectives to tackle a research project, including conveying results to the international research community. They should be able to act in congruence with professional and ethical values, and manage ethical dilemmas in formulating scientific solutions. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
On arrival at the beginning of TB1, students will participate in team-building exercises and welcoming events. Early on in TB1, students will also have one week at their PhD host institution to explore their PhD project in greater detail and meet with their primary academic supervisor.
In addition to the units described, students will be registered to attend focus meetings and the annual conference of the Aerosol Society of the UK and Ireland. These events will broaden their research horizons and provide opportunities for networking with the wider UK community of academic, public sector and industrial practitioners.
Passing the units CHEMM0015, CHEMM0016, CHEMM0017 and CHEMM0018 in year one is a requirement for progression into the PhD research portion in subsequent years of the programme. Assessment of the taught component (including CHEMM0019) will be conducted in line with the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes, as required by sections 4.2 and 6.1.1 of the PGR Code.
The programme is designed specifically for the cohort paradigm, as well as for preparing students to move directly into a PhD project in Aerosol Science at one of the partnering institutions. Students will choose their PhD project and home institution at the time of applying for a PhD in aerosol science. Their thematic broadening sabbatical will also be determined by the primary and secondary academic supervisors at the point the PhD project is defined. The academic supervisors will be supported by an industrial partner who will join the mentoring team for the student.
The maximum period of study for full-time students is 4 years. This catalogue only shows the taught units on the programme and may not show all years of study.
The MRes is an exit point from the PhD in Aerosol Science and may be awarded to students who leave the PhD following successful completion of the first year of study, comprising the units outlined below.
For PhD Progression, in month 10, the student will submit a written report (in the format of a journal manuscript such as a review/perspectives article). The written report will be discussed at the progress monitoring interview, organised in accordance with the PhD host organisation’s progression policy and including a representative of the CDT.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Core Aerosol Science I | CHEMM0015 | 30 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Core Aerosol Science II | CHEMM0016 | 30 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Aerosol Science: Research Methods | CHEMM0018 | 30 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Aerosol Science: Professionalism and Translation | CHEMM0017 | 30 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Aerosol Science: Thematic Broadening Sabbatical | CHEMM0019 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Aerosol Science (MRes) | 180 |
The assessment of the taught component of a doctoral degree is governed by the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and is assessed separately from the research project. Progression to the research project may be dependent on the successful completion of the taught component - please refer to the relevant handbook for the structure of the particular programme.
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
It may be possible to exit the programme with a taught award. For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Research Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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