Loughborough University

Computational Modelling of Advanced Functional Materials

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Molecular materials have the promise of revolutionising electronics by providing low-cost and sustainable alternatives to silicon-based devices. Within this project, you will study molecular materials and, specifically, how molecules interact with light, providing the basis for new light sources, solar cells, and sensors. Computations will be performed on newest-generation materials being synthesised by collaborators at the University of Cambridge, University of Vienna, and Loughborough University.

The specific project can be tailored to your interests from Dr Plasser’s research portfolio. Your work may encompass luminescence of doublet emitters, singlet fission for next-generation solar cells, battery anodes based on macrocyclic molecules, or luminescent anion sensors made from lanthanide complexes. During this project, you will join Dr Plasser’s group at Loughborough to perform cutting-edge research in computational chemistry, jointly with experimental collaborators.

You will learn how to run a variety of quantum chemistry computations and how to interpret the results in terms of relevant materials properties. You will learn how to deal with large amounts of data, automate the required tasks using scripting languages, and have the chance to acquire more sophisticated computer programming skills. You will also learn how to communicate results with colleagues working in experiment and theory via posters, oral presentations, and scientific publications.

At the end of this project, you will be able to carry out analogous work independently in industry or academia. In addition, you will have a firm background in IT skills and data analysis. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Research how molecules interact with light for solar cells and sensors
  • Collaborate with experimental groups at Cambridge and Vienna
  • Project tailored to interests, from doublet emitters to battery anodes
  • Training in quantum chemistry computations and materials property interpretation
  • Develop scripting, programming and large-scale data analysis skills
  • Present findings through posters, talks and scientific publications

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000

  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Computational chemist
  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Materials modelling scientist
  • Research scientist in renewable energy materials
  • Data scientist
  • University lecturer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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