University of St Andrews

MSc in Geochemistry

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.

Compulsory

• Analytical Methods in Geochemistry: Trains students in the advanced techniques and methodologies used to address fundamental and applied questions related to the Earth system
• Geochemistry: Covers the origin and distribution of the elements, thermodynamics, redox reactions, and aqueous geochemistry
• Geochemistry Field Excursion: Covers best practice field skills in documenting the geological and environmental controls in a geochemical problem, how to collect samples, perform geochemical analyses in the field, and present data in a written report
• Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications: explores the theory behind, and geochemical applications of, the natural variability measurable in both radiogenic and stable isotope systems
• Research Project: Involves project formulation, proposal writing, and analytical design, as well as data integration and interpretation. The results are presented as oral presentations, as a poster as part of a conference, and in a dissertation
• Special Topics in Geochemistry: Reviews current 'hot topic' research about how our planet has evolved and some of the major changes in its chemistry, biosphere, and climate
• Statistics and Analytical Sciences: Provides students with a strong background in statistics and methods of data analysis used in Earth Sciences.

Optional

Students choose up to three optional modules.

Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.

• Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry: Focuses on advanced discussion of the properties of selected main group compounds, spectroscopy, and magnetism
• Blockbuster Solids: Focuses on how material structure influences its electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties, with emphasis placed on metal-organic frameworks and how they can be used for the storage and release of gases.
• Coding and Modelling in Earth Sciences: Focuses on building an understanding of fundamental concepts in scientific coding, gaining practical coding experience using the popular Python language, and then the application of computer models to gain insight into topics across the Earth Sciences
• Core to Crust Ore Genesis – High Temperature: Focuses on the geological processes, geodynamic setting, and mineralogy of the principal metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits related to magmatic and magmatic-hydrothermal processes
• Core to Crust Ore Genesis - Low Temperature: Focuses on the geological processes, geodynamic setting, and mineralogy of the principal metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits related to low-temperature hydrothermal and surficial processes
• Energy Conversion and Storage: Discusses the technical details and environmental applications of electrochemical technologies for energy storage, such as batteries and fuel cells
• Evolution and dynamics of the silicate Earth: Explores the nature of the acid and basic magmatism that creates the Earth's crust, the petrography and geochemistry of minerals and rocks, and the petrogenesis and evolution of magmas and metamorphic rocks
• Global Resource Challenges: Tackles the economic, environmental, societal, geopolitical, and ethical issues regarding mining, and future challenges shaping mineral exploration into the mid-21st century. It includes field trips to see the environmental impact of mining
• Homogeneous Catalysis: Demonstrates the links between catalyst structure, performance, commercial utilization, and sustainability
• Pollution and aqueous chemistry: Provides a combination of the underpinning hydrological theory and the analytical tools required to better understand and ameliorate problems of water in the environment
• Processing of Materials: Focuses on the processing of materials and fundamental materials properties such as crystallinity, composition, crystal phase, phase mixing, domain structure, grains and grain boundaries, porosity, and pore structure
• The Chemistry of the Solar System: Explores established and cutting-edge theories that help explain the processes that determined the chemical compositions of the pre-solar nebula, our Sun, and the planets and asteroids

Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).

Research project

The third semester of the MSc course focuses on independent laboratory-based (or field and laboratory-based) research conducted with an academic supervisor. The topic is defined by the student and can be chosen from research foci within the School, or with an external industrial or academic partner.

The research project will involve:

• Background literature review
• Project formulation
• Proposal writing and analytical design
• Data integration and interpretation.

Students present the results of their project as an oral presentation, at a poster conference, and in a dissertation. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date towards the end of August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Teaching

Teaching format

The MSc degree requires two semesters of full-time (or four semesters part-time) coursework, normally equivalent to a total of nine taught modules, and a 15,000-word dissertation, usually completed over the summer semester.

Assessment

The assessment for the taught modules is based on coursework and written examinations.

The range of research areas and applications of Geochemistry is so broad that career opportunities span the whole of earth and environmental sciences.

Masters-level training in Geochemistry would provide a suitable platform for a career in materials science outside of Earth and Environmental Sciences specifically.

Geochemists with MSc degrees from St Andrews are currently employed in:

• The energy sector (hydrocarbon industries, petrochemicals, nuclear and renewables)
• Mining and mineral exploration, extraction, and processing
• Environmental industries and agencies focused on pollution monitoring and environmental remediation
• Universities as laboratory technicians running equipment and supporting high-quality data production for research projects.

Further study

This comprehensive and rigorous course provides relevant preparation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Geochemistry by incorporating a lab-based research dissertation. Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere.