Inorganic Chemistry for Future Manufacturing ESPRC CDT

About the course

OxICFM offers a four-year doctoral course focusing on synthetic inorganic chemistry. It features integrated academic/industrial courses and substantive projects spanning the breadth of molecular, nano-scale and extended materials chemistry.

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Inorganic Chemistry for Future Manufacturing (OxICFM) aims to train the next generation of doctoral scientists in the synthesis of inorganic materials relevant to the future prosperity of the manufacturing sector. The course has been designed in collaboration with ten industrial partners representing a range of business sizes and technological expertise, in order to provide a holistic understanding of all aspects of the chemical manufacturing process.

OxICFM uses a cohort model (12+ students per year), allied to training incorporating faculty-, industry- and peer-led components, to deliver scientists with (i) a broad spectrum training across the interface between inorganic synthesis and manufacturing, and (ii) in-depth expertise in one specific stream (molecular, nano-scale or extended materials).

Students are trained in a single cohort initially (in the first six months) through a series of taught courses, covering a wide range of topics in synthetic inorganic chemistry. Details of the modules are provided on the CDT's website. From the second half of year one, students will focus primarily on their substantive research project, which they will have chosen prior to the start of their course. During all four years of the programme students also receive a tailored programme designed to broaden their research and professional skills.

Assessment

All modules during the taught course component involve some aspect of formal assessment, including written reports, problem solving, and group and individual presentations. Throughout the project component of the course, a termly report on the student’s progress is submitted by both the student and their supervisor. At an appropriate stage (normally after six terms) students must pass Transfer of Status, to ensure they have the potential to gain a doctorate, in line with the University's graduate student progression guidelines. This assessment will be made on the basis of overall performance in the taught course component, together with a project report and oral examination.

At the beginning of their fourth year students must pass Confirmation of Status, to ensure that they are on track to complete the thesis within a reasonable time. The degree is examined by thesis and oral examination by two examiners, one of whom is normally from Oxford and one from elsewhere.

Graduate destinations

This is a new programme and there are no alumni yet. The department runs a number of activities in close cooperation with the Careers Service, including an annual careers conference, CV workshops and visits from many prospective employers. The programme also has strong engagement with industry, with regular visits and several interactions with industrial partners.