PhD in Chemistry

University of Cambridge

The Department of Chemistry offers the PhD as a full-time or part-time research period and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed Supervisor before applying for this mode of study. There are attendance requirements, and part-time students will need to live close enough to Cambridge to meet these requirements. Students are integrated into the research culture of the department by joining a research group, supervised by one of our academic staff, in one of the following areas of chemistry: Biological Chemistry Life is the chemistry that goes on inside every one of us. We seek to understand this chemistry, both the physical processes occurring at the molecular level and the chemical reactions, and we also seek to control the chemistry as a way to treat diseases. Biological Chemistry at Cambridge comprises several research groups with additional contributions from many more. The major themes are biological polymers, proteins and nucleic acids: How they interact with each other and with small molecules. How do proteins fold to a defined structure, and why do they sometimes not fold properly but aggregate, causing neurodegenerative diseases? How do proteins catalyse the reactions that they do and can we make small molecules that inhibit these processes? What structures can nucleic acids adopt? How can we detect them, and what is the role of modifications of individual nucleotides? How can we target medicinally active compounds to where they are needed in the body? By addressing these questions, we seek to improve human health and the treatment of diseases. Materials Chemistry The technological devices we depend on, from aeroplanes to mobile phones, rely upon ever-increasing structural complexity for their function. Designing complex materials for these devices through the art of chemical synthesis brings challenges and opportunities. Members of the Materials RIG invent new materials in view of potential applications. Modern materials chemistry is a wide-ranging topic that includes surfaces, interfaces, polymers, nanoparticles and nanoporous materials, self-assembly, and biomaterials. Its applications include oil recovery and separation, catalysis, photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, crystallisation and pharmaceutical formulation, gas sorption, energy, functional materials, biocompatible materials, computer memory, and sensors.

Faculty of Physics and Chemistry