Science at Strathclyde
Science at Strathclyde is relevant to the real world, challenging traditional academic boundaries to solve global problems. contents
Welcome from the Dean page_01 Science at Strathclyde
Science at Strathclyde page_02 Science at Strathclyde is relevant to the real world, Science Departments challenging traditional academic boundaries to page_06 solve global problems. Study at Strathclyde page_16
Living in Glasgow page_18
Support for Students page_20
How to Apply page_22
Contacts and Location page_24 Science at Strathclyde | 01 Welcome
skills sought by employers worldwide. Strong satisfaction is another goal for the Faculty links with industry and our reputation for and in fact both Chemistry and Physics producing high-calibre scientists means that departments were top in Scotland for our graduates are always in demand. Annual satisfied students in the major 2012 league surveys consistently show that more than tables. 90% of our graduates find employment or go on to further study within six months of The international community of students, completing their degree here. researchers and staff in the Faculty spans more than 40 countries. From China to As an undergraduate student, postgraduate Canada, India to Italy, and Malaysia to Welcome to the community of students student, or researcher you will find Mexico, we attract dynamic people from all and staff in the Faculty of Science at excellent teaching, internationally leading over the world. Strathclyde. In the following pages, you will research and state-of-the-art facilities, find information about the departments including £36m investment in the new I hope you take the opportunity to find within the Faculty and how we can help you Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and out more about the Faculty and the range to develop your career. You will also read Biomedical Sciences. of degrees offered, and we look forward about the international student experience to welcoming you to the friendly city of at Strathclyde, along with practical advice Our degrees have been accredited by Glasgow. about applying. external organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry and the With best wishes Studying on one of the many courses offered General Pharmaceutical Council and our in the Faculty of Science will provide you with research has been independently rated Professor David Littlejohn the scientific knowledge and transferable as ‘internationally excellent’. Student Executive Dean of Science 02 | Science at Strathclyde Science at Strathclyde
■ applies science in the real world Most of these research themes involve ■ engages with external partners staff from a range of disciplines. For ■ involves an international community of instance, health-related research includes: scholars. mathematical modelling of infectious diseases; studies of the effect of disease Applied Science on normal cell function; cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology; fundamental Faculty researchers are exploring the limits and applied chemistry; quality assurance of the core science disciplines, leading of medication use; the use of solid state principal areas of research including: lasers in medicine; development of artificial intelligence to support future health systems. • future of computation: internet, algorithms and novel technologies Ground-breaking research complements and • health: molecules to medicines to public informs our teaching at all levels, giving our health students the advantage of understanding the • materials: characterisation, functionality impact that leading-edge science has on the and novel devices modern world and in the global context. • modelling the real world: applying maths and statistics to make a difference Our emphasis on the applications of science • photonics: developing new laser gives Strathclyde graduates a head start technologies for innovative products when it comes to finding a job. Many • energy: improving device efficiency and courses are accredited by professional research into new energy sources. institutions in the UK and elsewhere. Science at Strathclyde | 03
DID YOU KNOW? In all of the 2012 good university guides published by the Times, Independent and Guardian newspapers, Strathclyde Chemistry was ranked top in Scotland, and among the UK leaders, on the basis of satisfaction with the student experience 04 | Science at Strathclyde Science at Strathclyde
External Engagement The University’s new Technology and The Faculty attracts around £20 million per Innovation Centre represents a major step year in research grants from the UK Research Academics in Science take pride in working forward in industry-university partnerships. Councils, industry, charities, and government with industry partners: for example, Scientists are building on existing or other public bodies in the UK and EU. partnerships to develop ground-breaking • staff of leading healthcare company research that will lead to new products Engagement with industry is also possible GlaxoSmithKline are able to undertake in many areas including electronics and for students. Some undergraduate courses in-house research degrees under the healthcare. include an industrial placement, and supervision of Strathclyde staff students are encouraged to undertake • academic researchers in Computer There is also engagement with the public funded internships through schemes such as and Information Sciences are working in sector and charitable bodies: for instance, Interns@Strathclyde and Saltire Foundation partnership with the Monterey Bay Internships. Aquarium Research Institute, as well as • Strathclyde statisticians have developed industry giants Google and Microsoft software to support the NHS in planning • expertise in Physics is being harnessed for epidemics to assist companies with detecting • mathematical models are used to assist defects in semi-conductors Marine Scotland with fish stock • the MSc degrees in High Power Radio management Frequency Science & Engineering and • the Cancer Research UK Formulation Unit in Advanced Computing Science were collaborates on development of putative developed in consultation with anti-cancer drugs. Industry Advisory Boards. DID YOU KNOW? Science at Strathclyde | 05 Computer Scientists and Microbiologists teach on the annual Scottish Space School held at Strathclyde each year
International Community
In choosing to study Science at Strathclyde you will become part of an international community of researchers. More than one-quarter of the Faculty’s postgraduate students are from outwith the UK and the staff population is similarly cosmopolitan.
The quality profile resulting from the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise results confirms that 90% of research submitted was judged to be international in quality. Many staff work in partnership with international researchers, or undertake research overseas, as well as contributing to or leading international conferences.
Students are increasingly offered opportunities to undertake part of their course abroad, through exchange with other universities or a funded internship in the vacation period. 06 | Science at Strathclyde Science Departments
Computer & Information Sciences welcome international visitors and enjoy a wide variety of national and international Computer and Information Sciences collaborations. In addition, CIS is taking (CIS) is engaged in world-class research the lead for Strathclyde in the Scottish spanning artificial intelligence, software Informatics and Computer Science Alliance engineering, information retrieval, mobile (SICSA). and ubiquitous computing, mathematical foundations of computing, and information Professional accreditation of our degrees science. Our broad teaching portfolio ensures recognition of graduates by Leong Yee Khin, MSc in Information reflects this diversity: the Department employers. Our undergraduate degrees Technology Systems, 2002 offers undergraduate and postgraduate are accredited by the Engineering Council, degrees across the breadth of computer the Science Council and the British My course (MSc IT Systems) taught me science, information and library systems Computer Society. At postgraduate level, how to look at problems or issues from and information management, and has just the Information & Library Studies and a wider level and not just purely on an launched a new MSc in Advanced Computer Information Management degrees are IT angle. Having worked as a software Science. accredited by the Chartered Institute of engineer and an IT consultant, I am Library and Information Professionals. now a project manager with a medium CIS supports a community of around 70 size company that specializes in PhD students and postdoctoral research SharePoint products. My time at fellows, with a mix of local, British and Glasgow has been wonderful. I had international students. Our postgraduate a chance to meet up with many other teaching programme is widely supported people from other countries. by international students. We frequently Science at Strathclyde | 07
DID YOU KNOW? Computer scientists at Strathclyde are part of a consortium developing intuitive, supportive interfaces for children’s searching on the Internet 08 | Science at Strathclyde Science Departments
Institute of Photonics
If commercially-relevant research in The Institute’s activities are driven by photonics is what you want to do, then research excellence, research leadership, the Institute of Photonics is the place to promoting knowledge transfer and undertake your research. establishing an international profile.
The Institute of Photonics is a commercially- Our research agenda is influenced both oriented research unit established in 1996, by the latest developments in academic which attracts investment from a range of research and by industry requirements. We academic and industry funders. Our key seek to establish ongoing relationships with objective is to bridge the gap between companies, providing research capabilities academic research and industrial application which both complement and supplement and development in the area of photonics their internal research activities, and hence through excellence in commercially-relevant enhance business performance. research and its exploitation. Science at Strathclyde | 09 10 | Science at Strathclyde Science Departments
Mathematics & Statistics Physics
The Department of Mathematics and Our University was founded by a physicist, Our specialist MSc degrees prepare Statistics has an international reputation Professor John Anderson, and the Physics graduates for key areas of modern industry for the use of mathematical and statistical Department remains driven by his vision of within the scientific and engineering fields. analysis and modelling of real-world ‘a place of useful learning’. The Department Postgraduate students benefit from being problems. Research groups in epidemiology, is focused on responding to the present and part of the wider community of physicists in industrial mathematics, liquid crystal future needs of society, ranging from the Scotland through membership of the Scottish theory, mathematical biology, and numerical production of energy to the treatment of the Universities Physics Alliance, which provides analysis explore issues ranging from ageing population. access to a greater range of training and planning for a flu pandemic to filling ice-lolly resources than a single university can offer. moulds. Our undergraduate courses deliver an outstanding foundation in physics. The The Department has three research divisions At undergraduate level, students can strong research culture of the Department (nanoscience, optics and plasmas) aligned combine the study of Mathematics or ensures that the curriculum is up-to-date. to the ‘grand challenges’ facing the global Statistics with business subjects such as Graduates all benefit from development of society. We have an outstanding record in Accounting and Finance. At postgraduate transferable skills in numeracy, analysis, securing funding from industry and have one level, new taught courses are currently being logical thinking, and experimentation. Career of the strongest research portfolios from the developed in response to market demand. opportunities are found in many fields EPSRC national funding council (8th largest Postgraduate research students work closely of industry and commerce, as well as in in the UK), highlighting the success of the with academic researchers, as well as education. Recent graduates have ranked us research strategy. With over 100 members, learning through the Scottish Mathematical joint 4th for Physics in the UK in the National the Department has an excellent, welcoming, Skills Training Centre. Student Survey 2011. research environment. Science at Strathclyde | 11
Yazariah Mohd Yatim, PhD in Mathematics 2011
Following completion of research on unsteady flows of thin films, I am working as a senior lecturer at School of Mathematical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia. During my PhD study, I was given many opportunities to increase my knowledge and improve myself through attending conferences, teaching undergraduates and being a postgraduate representative. 12 | Science at Strathclyde Science Departments
Pure & Applied Chemistry (including the Strong partnerships with industry are in Student satisfaction in the Department is Centre for Forensic Science) place for the Department and its students. very high, with Strathclyde Chemistry ranking The 12-month undergraduate industrial top in Scotland, and among the UK leaders in Pure & Applied Chemistry is a vibrant mix of placement scheme is one of the longest- all the 2012 and 2011 good university guides. students and researchers from Scotland, the running in the UK, and summer internships UK, Europe and worldwide who are attracted and bursaries are also available. The quality of our degrees has been by our excellent reputation for teaching, recognised by the professional accreditation research, student satisfaction, industrial Funding for studentships comes from of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the links and graduate employment prospects. a number of sources including EPSRC, Forensic Science Society, the Institution BBSRC, WestCHEM, industry, EU, and of Chemical Engineers and the General We have one of the largest chemistry the University. Postgraduate chemistry Teaching Council (Scotland). Such research schools in the UK, with strengths students come from all over the world prestigious dual accreditation is very rare in both pure and applied chemistry, a to study with our award-winning and among UK chemistry degrees. significant forensic science research base, internationally recognised professional and extensive national and international research chemists and forensic experts. collaborations. Chemistry is partnered with the University of Glasgow in WestCHEM, Students also enjoy state-of-the-art DID YOU KNOW? laboratories and facilities which have which offers an outstanding facility for world- The University of Strathclyde has leading research and operates both in the recently received a £15M investment. provided degrees in forensic science for core areas of chemistry and at interfaces with biological, medicinal, physical and materials longer than any other university in the sciences. United Kingdom Science at Strathclyde | 13
Phuvadol Thanakiatkrai, MSc in Forensic Science 2007, PhD in Pure and Applied Chemistry 2011
The forensic science program at Strathclyde is one of the best in the world. Arguably this program has the best connections in the world, as most practitioners are linked in some way to this course (either they are alumni or work with alumni). Glasgow is never short of strangers talking to you and some hearty laughs follow. 14 | Science at Strathclyde Science Departments
Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
SIPBS is a major research centre in Scotland We are a leading centre for research and and amongst the UK’s top Schools of training focused on ‘New Medicines, Better Pharmacy. We have a wide range of state-of- Medicines and Better Use of Medicines’. the-art facilities and recently benefited from We are working on developing new drugs the opening of a new £36M building in the to treat major diseases such as cancers, centre of Glasgow. cardiovascular disease, psychiatric and inflammatory conditions as well as infectious SIPBS has a vibrant student community with diseases. Nawazish-i-Husain Syed, PhD in around 1000 registered students including SIPBS, 2009 150 postgraduate research students. A strong research base underpins our teaching After my PhD, I have been employed and the many links with industry, the NHS as Assistant Professor at the University and international partners ensures that our College of Pharmacy, University of students have the opportunity to gain work the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. I am or research experience at home and abroad. delighted to have studied and now to be working in SIPBS, which is fully equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities and eminent researchers to guide the PhD research scholars. Science at Strathclyde | 15 16 | Science at Strathclyde Study at Strathclyde
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Degree of Bachelor with Honours (UG) Degree of Master (PG) Doctor of Philosophy (PG) Integrated Master’s Degree Degree of Bachelor with Honours (UG) Doctor of Engineering (PG)
The above table shows the typical qualifications offered by the Faculty. The starting point for undergraduate study (UG) is that of a Scottish school leaver. Students with higher qualifications, including study at another university, may be eligible for admission at a higher level.
The academic year for UG study is normally 9 months. The academic year for postgraduate study (PG) is 12 months.
The starting point for PG study is the degree of Bachelor with Honours. A master’s degree is the entry point for doctoral study.
The Doctor of Philosophy is obtained by research study. The Doctor of Engineering combines research study with industrial experience. DID YOU KNOW? Science at Strathclyde | 17 Dr Henry Faulds (1843–1930), a graduate of Anderson’s University (as the University of Strathclyde was then called), pioneered the identification of people through their fingerprints
Single Discipline or Multidisciplinary At undergraduate level, most courses are Teaching, Learning and Assessment Study? single or joint honours, although some Mathematics courses are available with two Science staff use a range of traditional Research degrees in Science may be other subjects (e.g. Statistics and Finance). and innovative teaching, learning and based within a specific department, but assessment methods, aimed at developing increasingly there are opportunities for Information on all research degrees and technical and professional skills as well as study across traditional departmental and taught courses is available at knowledge and expertise. In addition to disciplinary boundaries, within the Faculty, www.strath.ac.uk/courses lectures and tutorials, students on taught or with other Faculties and other institutions. courses engage in laboratory experiments, group work, problem-solving exercises, Multidisciplinary study is also a feature of presentations and library research. Student certain taught courses, such as the new MSc learning is enhanced by appropriate degrees in Nanoscience and in Photonics & assessment with feedback provided in a Device Microfabrication. timely manner. High quality library resources and teaching laboratories are complemented Other taught courses provide professionally- by campus-wide wireless networks with accredited qualifications (e.g. MPharm in access to specialist software and hardware. Pharmacy, MSc in Forensic Science) or offer continuing professional development for Teaching in all departments has been practitioners (e.g. MSc in Clinical Pharmacy). assessed as excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (Scotland). Many courses are accredited by the relevant professional body. 18 | Science at Strathclyde Living in Glasgow
Experience the Best of Scotland A truly multicultural city, Glasgow is Students interested in sport are well catered home to ethnic groups from across the for by the University and the city. Glasgow’s Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and one world. There are religious centres for successful bid for the 2014 Commonwealth of the liveliest, friendliest and most stylish Christians, Moslems, Sikhs, Hindus, Games was based on the existence of 25 in the UK. It is a financial, commercial and Jews and Buddhists. Food for the soul is international standard sports venues. In tourist centre, and it is at the heart of this complemented by food for the body: many addition, 3 new venues will be created for vibrant city that you will find the University ethnic food shops and restaurants enrich mountain biking, a national indoor sports of Strathclyde. the experience of residents. arena with velodrome, and a new Scottish National Arena. Building on the foundations of its Glasgow was designated a UNESCO City of celebrated industrial heritage, Glasgow Music in 2008. Home of Scottish Opera, Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is just 50 today has a broad economic profile and has the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and minutes by train and within one hour’s drive attracted new investment. The city has seen the Royal Concert Hall, the city also hosts you can reach some of Scotland’s most higher employment growth in its knowledge the annual Glasgow Jazz Festival and Piping spectacular scenery and a range of outdoor economy than any other in the UK. More Live, as well as big name gigs and intimate sports facilities, including skiing, climbing, than 75,000 people support sectors acoustic sessions across the full range of windsurfing, sailing and golf. such as electronics, energy, aerospace, music genres. optoelectronics, digital media and creative These are just some reasons why so many industries. Glasgow hosts some of the most exciting students and visitors find Glasgow a home arts and cultural events in the world, and from home. is identified with innovative architecture and design. DID YOU KNOW? Science at Strathclyde | 19 The Lonely Planet recently rated Glasgow as one of the world’s top 10 cities to visit 20 | Science at Strathclyde Support for Students
At Strathclyde we want to you to enjoy your Induction Advice studies – and your free time too. That’s why we are committed to supporting your stay We organise a Welcome Week at the start Once you begin your studies at Strathclyde, from arrival to graduation. of the academic year which includes an the Advice Centre has a range of services and orientation session for new international information designed to assist you with life Accommodation students. Information on the Welcome Week in Glasgow, including visa assistance as well and all of our services is available at as academic and welfare support. The University has accommodation for www.strath.ac.uk/sees/infoint around 2,000 single students in or near the The Advice Centre will send you a weekly on-campus Student Village. Single study The above University induction will usually email to let you know about the weekly bedrooms are grouped into self-catering be complemented by Faculty or Departmental international meeting as well as other events flats for 4, 6 or 8 people. Priority is given to induction programmes. and activities on and off campus, so that you students from outside the Glasgow area. If quickly settle in to life in Glasgow. we cannot offer University accommodation, Students’ Union we will help you to find accommodation in The Student Counselling Service provides the private rented sector. Applications will be From food to social events and welfare, the confidential support and counselling on accepted from January each year. Places will award winning Union provides relaxation personal or academic concerns. be confirmed after firm offers of academic and support for all students. This is the admission have been made. Information is place to find out about the 40+ clubs and available at societies that you can join, visit www.strath.ac.uk/accommodation www.strathstudents.com DID YOU KNOW? Science at Strathclyde | 21 A survey undertaken by the Institute of Physics showed that physicists receive, on average, significantly higher average salaries than graduates from other disciplines
Working During and After Your Studies Internatioanl students can apply for suitable employment with a UKBA licensed Tier 2 Our award winning Careers Service can help sponsor before their student visa expires. you to plan for the future with information Further information and updates on changes about careers and vacancies, CV and to the immigration system can be found interview techniques: on www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. Updates www.strath.ac.uk/careers on how changes will affect students will be noted on the Advice Centre website: The Student Employment Service can also www.strath.ac.uk/sees/infoint help if you are looking for work during your studies. It deals with part-time jobs, vacation The Relocation Advisory Service is a one- work, internships, sandwich placements and stop-shop information centre offering a voluntary work. seamless service that simplifies the process for people to relocate to Scotland to live and work. For further information visit www.scotlandistheplace.com
22 | Science at Strathclyde How to apply
Entry Requirements Both tests are valid for 2 years. Application
Applicants must meet the entry requirements Please note: The English language Undergraduates must apply through the for their chosen course, shown at requirement for the MSc/PgDip Forensic Universities & Colleges Admissions Service www.strath.ac.uk/courses Science is a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 and (UCAS) at www.ucas.com, for which the TOEFL of 100. closing date is 15 January. Other decision We are happy to provide an initial points are detailed on the UCAS website. assessment of your qualifications prior to an Scholarships application being submitted. The UCAS application includes a requirement We have a range of scholarships available, that you submit a supporting statement from All applicants to undergraduate or the most popular being the International a referee. postgraduate study must satisfy the Scholarships for MSc students. Search our University’s minimum English Language on-line database at Postgraduates can apply on-line at requirements: www.strath.ac.uk/search/scholarships www.strath.ac.uk/admissions/ IELTS minimum overall band score of 6.5 (no If you wish to be nominated by the postgraduatetaught individual test score below 5.5) University for any scholarship or funding, or or we recommend that you apply as early as www.strath.ac.uk/admissions/ TOEFL iBT minimum total score 90-95 possible. postgraduateresearch (minimum scores of 21 in Listening and Writing, 22 in Reading and 23 in Speaking). For scholarship enquiries please contact [email protected] Science at Strathclyde | 23
You are required to arrange for the submission of two references.
There is no formal closing date for most postgraduate courses and degrees, though we advise you to apply as soon as possible and preferably by the end of March for entry in September. Applications are considered and offers made on a rolling basis; any exceptions to this are specified in the course entry at www.strath.ac.uk/courses
24 | Science at Strathclyde Contacts and Location
Contacts
Recruitment and International Office Faculty of Science University of Strathclyde University of Strathclyde Level 4, Graham Hills Building Level 6, Colville Building 50 George Street 48 North Portland Street Glasgow Glasgow G1 1QE G1 1XN United Kingdom United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 141 548 2913 Tel: +44 (0) 141 548 2748 Fax: +44 (0) 141 552 7493 Fax: +44 (0) 141 548 4708 [email protected] contact-faculty of [email protected] www.strath.ac.uk/rio www.strath.ac.uk/science Science at Strathclyde | 25 Location
The Faculty of Science at the University of Strathclyde is located in the city centre of Glasgow, West Scotland, close to rail, bus and the motorway network.
Glasgow airport is 20 minutes from the city and London is just 1 hour’s flight away. The airport also offers daily flights to UK, European and global destinations.