Department of Chemistry course timetable
March 2019
Tue 12 |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of chemistry has a long history. The first application was in mass spectrometry, but AI is now being applied to a diverse range of problems, including reaction prediction and drug discovery. Machine learning (ML) is an important part of AI, and the aim of this course is to introduce some of the main ML concepts and techniques, and to illustrate their use in contemporary chemical applications. By the end of the course, you should be able to judge which of these ML techniques are appropriate for a given task and evaluate the results. |
Fri 15 |
Much of scientific knowledge and information is communicated in written form, be it via journal publications, theses or in other media. However, scientific writing differs from other styles of writing quite significantly, with regard to structure, grammar and word choice. This lecture will outline the basics of what to consider when 'writing science', in order to smoothen the path to your first peer-reviewed publication, as well as your later thesis. |
Mon 18 |
This compulsory course will equip you with the skills required to manage the research information you will need to gather throughout your graduate course, as well as the publications you will produce yourself. It will also help you enhance your online research profile and measure the impact of research. |
Wed 20 |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of chemistry has a long history. The first application was in mass spectrometry, but AI is now being applied to a diverse range of problems, including reaction prediction and drug discovery. Machine learning (ML) is an important part of AI, and the aim of this course is to introduce some of the main ML concepts and techniques, and to illustrate their use in contemporary chemical applications. By the end of the course, you should be able to judge which of these ML techniques are appropriate for a given task and evaluate the results. |
Fri 22 |
This compulsory session introduces Research Data Management (RDM) to Chemistry PhD students. It is highly interactive and utilises practical activities throughout. Key topics covered are:
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Mon 25 |
FS4 Unconscious Bias
Finished
Unconscious Bias refers to the biases we hold that are not in our conscious control. Research shows that these biases can adversely affect key decisions in the workplace. The session will enable you to work towards reducing the effects of unconscious bias for yourself and within your organisation. Using examples that you will be able to relate to, we help you to explore the link between implicit bias and the impact on the organisation. The overall aim of the session is to provide participants with an understanding of the nature of Unconscious Bias and how it impacts on individual and group attitudes, behaviours and decision-making processes. |
April 2019
Wed 3 |
The main aim of giving a presentation to the public or a science venue is to present information in a way that the audience will remember at a later time. There are several ways in which we can improve this type of impact with an audience. This interactive lecture explores some of those mechanisms. |
Thu 4 |
Submission of the PhD thesis can seem to be a daunting experience, from constructing it to submitting and then being examined, with one of those examiners coming from an external institution. In this session, Marie Dixon (Degree Committee Office, School of Physical Sciences), Rachel MacDonald and Deborah Longbottom will talk through all aspects of procedure regarding thesis submission and answer any questions students wish to pose. Students who were recently examined, as well as members of academic staff who carry out PhD vivas will also be there to talk about the reality of the process from all perspectives |
Fri 5 |
The main aim of giving a presentation to the public or a science venue is to present information in a way that the audience will remember at a later time. There are several ways in which we can improve this type of impact with an audience. This interactive lecture explores some of those mechanisms. This session will require 4-5 volunteers to provide a 10 min talk which the session will show how to improve. Presenters in the following week's Peer to Peer presentations will be given priority booking for this event. |
Mon 8 |
Submission of an MPhil thesis can seem to be a daunting experience, from constructing it to submitting and then being examined, with one of those examiners coming from an external institution. In this session, Marie Dixon (Degree Committee Office, School of Physical Sciences), Rachel MacDonald and Deborah Longbottom will talk through all aspects of procedure regarding thesis submission and answer any questions students wish to pose. Students who were recently examined, as well as members of academic staff who carry out MPhil vivas will also be there to talk about the reality of the process from all perspectives. |
Thu 18 |
Submission of the first year report can seem to be a daunting experience, from constructing it to submitting and then being assessed by academic staff. In this session, Marie Dixon (Degree Committee Office, School of Physical Sciences), Rachel MacDonald and Deborah Longbottom will talk through all aspects of procedure and answer any questions students wish to pose. Students who went through the first year exam in 2016, as well as members of academic staff who carry out first year vivas will also be there to talk about the reality of the process from all perspectives. For FS17 PhD Thesis Submission and the viva Experience: https://www.training.cam.ac.uk/event/2237472 For FS18 MPhil Thesis Submission and the viva Experience: https://www.training.cam.ac.uk/event/2316740 |
Tue 30 |
IS1 Chemistry Library Orientation
Finished
This is a compulsory session which introduces new graduate students to the Department of Chemistry Library and its place within the wider Cambridge University Library system. It provides general information on what is available, where it is, and how to get it. Print and online resources are included. You must choose one session out of the 9 sessions available. |
May 2019
Thu 2 |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of chemistry has a long history. The first application was in mass spectrometry, but AI is now being applied to a diverse range of problems, including reaction prediction and drug discovery. Machine learning (ML) is an important part of AI, and the aim of this course is to introduce some of the main ML concepts and techniques, and to illustrate their use in contemporary chemical applications. By the end of the course, you should be able to judge which of these ML techniques are appropriate for a given task and evaluate the results. |
Tue 7 |
CP1 Career Options for PhDs
Finished
PhD students have plenty of options once you graduate. In this interactive session we will look at the pros and cons of different career options. You will have a chance to think about what you want your work to do for you and what you can offer employers, and you will learn ways to find out more about jobs in which you are interested. |
Tue 14 |
The combination of modern computing power and density functional theory (DFT) has made it possible to explore the mechanisms and catalytic cycles of complex organic and organometallic reactions. These lectures will provide a practical introduction to performing DFT calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Other applications of DFT calculations will be discussed such as computing spectra and structure identification. These lectures will be accompanied by a workshop that will show the user how to perform DFT calculations and how to use the data generated by these calculations to draw conclusions about reaction mechanisms. No prior computational experience is required. |
Wed 15 |
These are the accompanying workshops that will show the user how to perform DFT calculations and how to use the data generated by these calculations to draw conclusions about reaction mechanisms. No prior computational experience is required. |
Thu 16 |
FS13 LaTex
Finished
This hands-on course teaches the basics of Latex including syntax, lists, maths equations, basic chemical equations, tables, graphical figures and internal and external referencing. We also learn how to link documents to help manage large projects. The course manual is presented in the style of a thesis and since you also receive the source code you also receive a template for a thesis. |
Mon 20 |
The overall scope of this course is to provide an all-inclusive view of the importance of physicochemical properties in the design and development of drugs, delivered to patients by oral administration. In particular, it gives ample information on the importance of the role played by the solubility and the permeability of orally administered drug substances in influencing their rate of absorption and systemic circulation. |
Tue 21 |
Starting to apply for jobs both in and outside academia? Preparing for an interview? Not sure how to target your application, what to include and what to leave out. In this session you can learn more about how selection processes work including how to put together a CV and cover letter and how to prepare for job interviews. The workshop will include interactive exercises, a review of successful application materials, and discussions. |
Thu 23 |
FS1 - Successful Completion of a Research Degree An hour devoted to a discussion of key areas including what is a PhD, managing a relationship with your supervisor, dealing with problems, how to plan your time effectively on a day to day basis, how to produce a dissertation/thesis (from first year report to MPhil to PhD) and the essential requirements of an experimental section. FS2 - Dignity@Study The University of Cambridge is committed to protecting the dignity of staff, students, visitors to the University, and all members of the University community in their work and their interactions with others. The University expects all members of the University community to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times. All members of the University community have the right to expect professional behaviour from others, and a corresponding responsibility to behave professionally towards others. Nick will explore what this means for graduate students in this Department This is a compulsory session for 1st year post-graduates and lunch will be provided. |
Tue 28 |
This compulsory session introduces Research Data Management (RDM) to Chemistry PhD students. It is highly interactive and utilises practical activities throughout. Key topics covered are:
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Wed 29 |
FS3 Integrity and Ethics in Research
Finished
A thorough awareness of issues relating to research ethics and research integrity are essential to producing excellent research. This session will provide an introduction to the ethical responsibilities of researchers at the University, publication ethics and research integrity. It will be interactive, using case studies to better understand key ethical issues and challenges in all areas. There are two sessions, you need only attend one. If you are attending the focus group session directly after this event, lunch will be provided. |
A thorough awareness of issues relating to research ethics and research integrity are essential to producing excellent research. This focus group aims to improve on what we currently offer. What do we hope to find out? 1. To establish the priority topics for Research Integrity training 2. To identify which areas of Research Integrity and Ethics training are not currently adequately covered 3. Establish how to service the differing training needs 4. To find out which types of training courses are best offered centrally and which are best delivered locally Lunch is provided. |
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Thu 30 |
IS3 Research Information Skills
Finished
This compulsory course will equip you with the skills required to manage the research information you will need to gather throughout your graduate course, as well as the publications you will produce yourself. It will also help you enhance your online research profile and measure the impact of research. A short break for refreshments will be included |
Fri 31 |
The overall scope of this course is to provide an all-inclusive view of the importance of physicochemical properties in the design and development of drugs, delivered to patients by oral administration. In particular, it gives ample information on the importance of the role played by the solubility and the permeability of orally administered drug substances in influencing their rate of absorption and systemic circulation. |