Taught Course

The CSHP CDT offers a dual-site, broad, collaborative academic-industry training experience for the development of next-generation synthetic chemists. Spread over four years, our unique training programme begins with a 16-week taught course, based predominantly in Oxford, which will equip our cohorts with the contemporary tools and knowledge in sustainable chemical innovation that they will need for their substantive research projects. During the taught course, the entire cohort will also spend two weeks at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, to receive bespoke expert training in 'Sustainability in Synthesis'.

The taught course is divided into four stages, each delivering specific knowledge and learning outcomes. Training modules will involve lectures, problem classes and group activities such as whiteboard-based problem solving, posters/infographics, and team presentations. The cohorts will face a 'Sustainability Challenge' every two weeks and will also engage in weekly Journal Clubs. All modules involve some aspect of formal assessment, including written reports, problem-solving, and group and individual presentations.

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Alongside the course-specific training stages, cohorts will receive training in other skills required for the programme. This includes training as 'Sustainability Ambassadors' (SustAms), acquiring communication tools for wider dissemination of their research, delivered by our expert teams at Oxford and York. Students will also be trained in RRI / ethics, writing, presentation, analytical chemistry, project management and career development skills, while training in IP / innovation will include an introduction to our SME partners.