Chemical Engineering: Fully Funded MSc by Research at Swansea: An Electrochemical Biosensor for Master

*This scholarships is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) programme for East Wales.*

Methyl-isoborneol (MIB) is a naturally occurring compound released in water when algae die off. Its occurrence in drinking water results in customer complaints and unsatisfaction due to the unpleasant taste that MIB imparts to the water. The raw water concentrations can reach up to 800 ng/L whilst the taste threshold concentrations are extremely low ranging from 4 to 15 ng/L depending on the individual. The current methods for MIB detection rely on complicated protocols that involve several steps including sampling, sample preparation (e.g. extraction), and off-site analysis using very expensive laboratory equipment making MIB analysis time-consuming, labour intensive, and expensive. Therefore, an alternative highly selective and sensitive method for in-situ detection of MIB at the ng/L levels is highly desirable.

This project will develop a single ultrafast biosensor for in-situ detection of MIB using various electrochemical methods. Low cost carbon sensor electrodes with properties of enhanced electron transfer and surface area will be fabricated using flexographic printing. More importantly, specific innovations are embodied in the novel implementation of non-conventional metal porphyrins as recognition elements. They will generate characteristic electrochemical signals upon interaction with MIB in water that are distinct from those caused by non-specific adsorption. This will provide an essential step towards label free, direct and easy-to-use in situ monitoring devices.

Scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners including SMEs and micro companies, as well as public and third sector organisations. The scholarship provides 1 year funding with a 3 month period to complete the thesis. The achievement of a postgraduate skills development award, PSDA, is compulsory for each KESS II scholar and is based on a 40 credit award.

Funding
The studentship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a stipend. The bursary will be limited to a maximum of £11,819 p.a. dependent upon the applicant's financial circumstances as assessed in section C point on the KESS II EAST Participant Proposal Form.‌

There will also be additional funds available for research expenses.

Please note that students receiving KESS II support are not eligible for Postgraduate Master's Degree loan.

How to Apply
Applicants are strongly advised to contact Dr Wei Zhang or Dr Chedly Tizaoui regarding information on the area of research.

To apply:

• Complete the KESS II EAST Participant Proposal Form 2020-21
• Complete the KESS II Supplementary Form
• You will also need to provide copies of the following documentation:
  • Degree certificates and transcripts
  • CV
  • English language certificate (if required)
  • All supporting documentation as detailed in Section C of the KESS II Participant Proposal Form
  • 2 References (please ask your referees to email their references directly to email address

*The references can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Please note that references received via private emails accounts (e.g., Hotmail, Yahoo) cannot be accepted.

Please submit both application forms and supporting documentation via email.

Application forms may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application received in English.