Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation and Robotics MSc

Program Overview

The Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation, and Robotics MSc is a one-year program that prepares students to apply digital technologies to chemistry research. The program covers AI, automation, robotics, and digitalization, and provides students with the skills and knowledge to use these technologies in various chemical contexts. Graduates of the program are qualified to work in a wide range of employment or pursue further study leading to a PhD. The program is delivered in conjunction with Imperial College London, creating a research hub to develop state-of-the-art Digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Chemistry interfaces.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation and Robotics MSc is a 12-month full-time program designed for graduates with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to apply AI, automation, robotics, and digitalization to chemistry research. It prepares them for contemporary and pioneering professional practice or further study at the doctoral level. The program's objectives are:

• To relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics, and digitalization to their applications in chemistry research.
• To develop critical thinking in the application of digital methodologies across various chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals, and formulated materials.
• To extend specific skills and knowledge, such as collaboration, digital literacy, and working in interdisciplinary teams, to a level at which students are prepared for contemporary and ground-breaking professional practice or further study at the doctoral level.

Outline:

The program is structured across three semesters:

Semester One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Digital Alchemy: Synthesising Code and Chemistry (CHEM501):
This module provides practical abilities to implement emerging digital technologies in the lab to improve the productivity, reproducibility, and quality of experimental Chemistry workflows. It covers a wide range of digital techniques, from raw data acquisition and processing to real-time visualization, and is underpinned by hands-on, workshop- and project-driven learning in a Chemistry context.
• Key Skills for Digital Chemistry (CHEM503): This module introduces students to molecular modelling techniques in chemistry and develops their chemical database skills.
It also enhances employability awareness and skills, preparing students for their research project through a literature review.
• Maths and Statistics for AI and Data Science (COMP533): This module provides the necessary mathematical and statistical underpinning required to study Data Science and AI.
• Programming Fundamentals (COMP517): This module teaches students how to design and create software, focusing on a modern programming language and sound software engineering techniques.

Semester Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Robotics and Automation in Chemistry (CHEM504):
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply robotics and automation methods in chemical research, covering the fundamentals of this technology to accelerate chemical research, increase accuracy and reproducibility, and promote best practices. It covers the principles of automating solid and liquid additions, automated analysis, and the role of embodied robotics. It is delivered using a combination of lectures and workshops.

Summer:

• Compulsory Modules:
• CHEM506A – Research project planning and management in Digital Chemistry
• MSc Digital Chemistry Research Project (CHEM506B):
This research project enables students to develop the specific and generic skills necessary to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics, and digitalization to their application in chemistry research. Students will critically apply selected digital methodologies in a variety of chemical contexts.

Assessment:

The assessment strategy evaluates meaningful and integrated applications of Digital Chemistry. Assessments allow students to demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of the application of AI, automation, machine learning, and robotics in Chemistry. The learning activities, resources, and tasks are aligned to the learning outcomes so that students can demonstrate their knowledge and ability in relation to the learning outcomes. Many assessments are authentic, meaning students will engage in the simulation of real-world scenarios in hands-on, workshop, and project-driven assessments to demonstrate their ability to apply digital technologies and address challenges in chemistry. Assessment strategies include:

• Coursework
• Teamwork
• Presentations
• Dissertation writing
• Oral examinations
All modules provide formative feedback to students on their learning progress and allow for adjustment of their learning. Students also evaluate their progress, are guided to extra information, and are supported via online resources and formative exercises.

Teaching:

Subject-specific and transferrable skills are developed through various teaching approaches, including:

• Interactive lectures
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• Research project
• Online materials
• Selected textbooks
• Specific literature
The program encourages individual and group work where students tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, designing strategies to solve problems, and analyzing and interpreting their findings. The program is informed by the University Education Strategy 2031, emphasizing research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment. As students progress through the program, they will enhance their problem-solving skills, independent learning, confidence, and digital fluency. Inclusivity is at the heart of the program, encompassing all aspects of equality, diversity, and inclusion as part of value-based program design.

Careers:

Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, students will be qualified to enter a wide range of employment or pursue further study leading to a PhD. Potential employers include:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Data science
• Analytics & informatics
• Chemical research industries
• Finance & banking
• Software development
• Teaching
• Consultancy
Graduates will be well-equipped to work in roles where the skills obtained in the degree program are highly valued. There is an anticipated growing demand for adaptable scientists who can harness the knowledge and skillsets of digital chemists.

Other:

The program is delivered in conjunction with Imperial College London, creating a research hub to develop state-of-the-art Digital Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Chemistry interfaces. This hub aims to position the UK as the global leader in Digital Chemistry and be at the forefront of the Digital AI Chemistry revolution.

• Careers and employability support
• Student services team
• Confidential counselling and support
The program is designed to support all students, irrespective of their academic background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry-related degrees, ensuring they can establish a robust foundation for further advanced study.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £11,600 International fees Full-time place, per year £28,000 Tuition fees are to be confirmed. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in instalments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.