Department of Chemistry Handbook for Postgraduate Research … › polopoly_fs › 1.731283! ›...
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Department of Chemistry Handbook for Postgraduate Research Students October 2017
Transcript of Department of Chemistry Handbook for Postgraduate Research … › polopoly_fs › 1.731283! ›...
Department of Chemistry
Handbook for Postgraduate Research Students
October 2017
Postgraduate Research Student Handbook - 2017/2018 edition
Postgraduate Research Student Handbook - 2017/2018 edition
Table of Contents
1. General Information ............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Department of Chemistry’s Postal Address ......................................................................................... 1
1.2. Department of Chemistry’s Website ...................................................................................................... 1
1.3. Department of Chemistry’s Email Circulation List ............................................................................ 1
1.4. Department of Chemistry’s Key Contacts ............................................................................................ 1
1.5. Your Support .................................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Important Departmental Dates and Deadlines ............................................................................................ 5
3. General Requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1. Requirements for the Award of MPhil or PhD .................................................................................... 7
3.2. Change of Address/Personal Details ..................................................................................................... 7
3.3. Email ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4. Your First Few Days in the Chemistry Department ................................................................................... 9
4.1. Safety ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
5. Reporting, Log Keeping and Meetings ........................................................................................................... 12
6. Attendance Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................... 12
7. The Chemistry Postgraduate Committee .................................................................................................... 12
8. The Postgraduate Code of Conduct............................................................................................................... 12
9. Progression of PhD Studies ............................................................................................................................... 13
10. The Formal Procedure for Grievances ..................................................................................................... 15
11. Doctoral Development Programme ............................................................................................................... 15
11.1. Training Needs Analysis .............................................................................................................................16
11.2. ePortfolio Development ............................................................................................................................. 17
11.3. Choice of DDP Modules ............................................................................................................................. 17
11.4. Cross-sessional Arrivals ............................................................................................................................. 17
11.5. Module CHM6105. Transferable Skills for Chemists .................................................................... 18
11.6. Module CHM6150. The Frontiers of Chemistry ...............................................................................19
11.7. Other Training in Chemistry ...................................................................................................................20
12. First Year .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
13. Second Year ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
14. Final Year............................................................................................................................................................. 23
15. Library and Study Areas ................................................................................................................................ 25
15.6. Chemistry Information Room, C12n .......................................................................................................... 27
16. Departmental Services .................................................................................................................................. 28
16.1. NMR Service .................................................................................................................................................. 28
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16.2. Elemental Analysis Service (Laboratory C45) .......................................................................................30
16.3. Chromatography Service (Laboratory C43) ...................................................................................... 31
16.4. Mass Spectrometry Service (Laboratory B11i) ................................................................................. 33
16.5. Spectroscopy Service (Laboratory C43 and E46 & C48 Teaching Laboratories) .............. 35
16.6. Thermal Analysis Service (Laboratory C43) ..................................................................................... 36
16.7. High Temperature / Pressure Reactor Service (Laboratory C43) ........................................... 37
16.8. Polarimetry Service (Laboratory C43) ................................................................................................ 38
16.9. X-ray Crystallography Service (Laboratory H3) .............................................................................. 39
17. Faculty of Science Stores (B42) .................................................................................................................. 41
17.1. Liquid Nitrogen .............................................................................................................................................. 41
17.2. Transport of Chemicals, Compressed Gas Cylinders, Dry Ice and Liquid Nitrogen ........... 41
17.3. Disposal of Waste Solvent ......................................................................................................................... 41
17.4. General Waste ............................................................................................................................................... 41
17.5. Disposal of Sharps....................................................................................................................................... 42
17.6. Disposal and Recycling of Cardboard/Catalogues.......................................................................... 42
17.7. Disposal and Recycling of Toner/Print Cartridges ......................................................................... 42
17.8. Disposal of Electrical Equipment ........................................................................................................... 42
17.9. Disposal of Hazardous Waste ................................................................................................................. 42
17.10. Disposal of Clean/Contaminated Glassware ....................................................................................... 42
18. Computer Facilities .................................................................................................................................... 43
18.1. Apple Macintosh Computers .................................................................................................................. 43
18.2. Chemistry Software ................................................................................................................................... 43
18.3. Computers in the Chemistry Building ................................................................................................. 43
18.4. Storing your Work ...................................................................................................................................... 43
18.5. Email ................................................................................................................................................................. 44
18.6. MUSE ................................................................................................................................................................ 44
18.7. Google Calendar .......................................................................................................................................... 44
18.8. Printing, Photocopying and Scanning .................................................................................................. 44
19.1. IT Support (C28) ......................................................................................................................................... 45
19.2. Glass Workshop (B35) ............................................................................................................................... 45
19.3. Chemistry Mechanical Engineering (B13) and Electronic Workshop (C27) ......................... 45
20. Chemistry Finance Office (C34) ................................................................................................................. 46
21. The Common Room (G12) ............................................................................................................................ 46
22.1. Good Housekeeping Guide ...................................................................................................................... 47
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1. General Information
1.1. Department of Chemistry’s Postal Address
Department of Chemistry, Dainton Building, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK. The general (Departmental Office) telephone number is: +44 (0)114 222 9300.
1.2. Department of Chemistry’s Website
The website http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry gives the contact details of Departmental academic and support staff, Departmental and Cluster Seminar details etc. Information for current postgraduate students including forms, and "how-to-do" guidance, key dates etc. can be found on the sidebar menu of the website or directly at: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/currentpgr
1.3. Department of Chemistry’s Email Circulation List
Your University email address will be added to the Department of Chemistry’s postgraduate student circulation list after you have completed Departmental Registration. Please email [email protected] if you feel that you may be missing from the circulation list.
1.4. Department of Chemistry’s Key Contacts
● Head of Department: Professor Peter Styring, Room C85, Email: [email protected]
● Chemistry Postgraduate Research Lead: Dr David Williams, Room C79, Tel: 0114 22 29502 (internal 29502), Email: [email protected]
● Postgraduate Administration: Rhianna Jones, Room C70, Tel 0114 22 29301 (internal 29301) Josh Severn, Room C70, Tel 0114 22 29451 (internal 29451) Email: [email protected]
● Departmental Administrator & HR Support Mrs Louise Brown-Leng, Room C36, Tel: 0114 22 29307 (internal 29307), Email: [email protected]
● Departmental Financial Administrator: Mrs Denise Richards, Room C34, Tel: 0114 22 29340 (internal 29340), Email: [email protected]
● Departmental Research Support: Mr Richard Wilkinson, Room C32, Tel: 0114 22 29434 (internal 29434), Email: [email protected] Safety Officer: Mr Richard Wilkinson, Room C32, Tel: 0114 22 29434 (internal 29434), Email: [email protected]
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● Postgraduate Research Committee PGR Student Representative;Ms Rebecca Ley, Room E74, Tel: 0114 22 29364 (internal 29364), Email: [email protected]
1.5. Your Support
1. Your Supervisor. For nearly all postgraduate students, your supervisor provides all the day-to-day support that you need.
2. Your Independent Advisor. Your independent advisor has a watching brief that everything is progressing well and that you will graduate with a PhD within your time limit. Your independent advisor will be following your progress throughout the duration of your studies so will be well briefed on your progress. If you have concerns with the way that your supervisor is guiding your research, talk to your independent advisor first.
3. Postgraduate Research Tutor. If you have problems that you cannot sort out with your supervisor and/or independent advisor please talk to the Postgraduate Research Tutor. The Postgraduate Research Tutor is responsible for the organisation of the formal aspects of your training as described later.
4. Head of Department. The Head of Department has overall responsibility for the running of the Department and the welfare of all members. If you feel that you cannot approach your supervisor, independent advisor or Postgraduate Research Tutor about a problem or feel that that you have received an unfair judgement, please make an appointment to speak with the Head of Department via the Head of Department’s PA.
5. Chemistry Departmental Office. The administration team in the Chemistry Departmental Office are responsible for dealing with all postgraduate research administration (e.g., dealing with progress, DDP, etc).
6. Departmental Technical Manager. The Departmental Technical Manager is responsible for the provision of research laboratory facilities and Technical staff services.
7. Financial Administrator. The Departmental Financial Administrator is the contact for postgraduate students for all matters relating to finance including maintenance grants and tuition fees.
8. Research & Innovation Services (RIS). The Research Degree Support Team provides students with advice and guidance on matters relating to their progression through their research degree. If Departmental support fails, then contact the Faculty of Science Administrator in RIS http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/contacts/rdst . Research & Innovation Services is based at New Spring House, 231 Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2GW http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/index .
The latest version (and archived copies) of the “Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes” can be found on the following web page: http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code .
9. Doctoral Development. The Doctoral development team's role is to support activities and initiatives designed to ensure that the University's postgraduate research student (PGR) experience remains world class. The team provides a range of support, including for the Doctoral Development Programme (DDP), the Graduate Research Centre, and the development of new PGR programmes. The DDP portal can be found on the following web page: http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal . The Graduate Research Centre is based on Floor D of the Dainton Building; web page http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/grc.
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10. Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) (in the Union of Students). SSiD will provide Certifying Letters to Banks, Council Tax Exemption Certificates, Certificates of Student Status, help with Visa Extensions, etc. Services provided by SSiD can be found on the following web page: http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/ .
11. International Student Support. Information about student immigration can be found on the International Students web page: www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/international . Students with questions about their student visa, change of status, ATAS, etc should email: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/email .
12. English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC). The ELTC is part of the Student Services at the University of Sheffield. It is located at 78 Hoyle Street, Tel: 0114 222 1780, email: [email protected], web: www.shef.ac.uk/eltc/ . The ELTC offer a number of language-related services to students of the University. These include:
● Language support classes for international students studying at the University ● online language support materials via the ELTC support hub ● Writing Advisory Service: one-to-one tutorial advice (by appointment) ● Dyslexia/SpLD Specialist Tutorial Service ● Language support classes within departments ● Partners classes: free language classes for the partners of international students.
13. Counselling Service. The University’s Counselling Service (UCS) is a free confidential service and no other department or personnel are normally informed of your use of the Service. The Service offers individual counselling and group work. Workshops are also run including:
● Stress Reduction Mindfulness Sessions ● Building Self-esteem & Resilience ● Public Speaking ● Relaxation ● Exam Preparation
The Service is located at 36 Wilkinson Street, Tel: 0114 222 4134, Email: [email protected], web: www.sheffield.ac.uk/counselling/ .
14. University Health Service. The University Health Service is an NHS PMS General Practice which offers full GP services to all students at the University of Sheffield living in Sheffield, if they choose to register, and their dependents (if they live within the practice area). The University Health Service is located at 53 Gell Street, Tel: 0114 222 2100, Email: [email protected], web: http://www.shef.ac.uk/health .
15. Sheffield University Nightline. Sheffield University Nightline is a confidential listening and information telephone service run by trained student volunteers. They are anonymous, confidential, and non-directive; they do not judge anybody and are always happy to listen - no problem is too big or too small! They are also a good source of information, whether you want to know a taxi number or where the nearest supermarket is and information about many issues that can be encountered within student life. You can call Nightline anytime between 8 pm and 8 am any night in term time. Tel: 0114 222 8787 for listening; Tel: 0114 222 8788 for information .
They have an email listening service, so you can email at any time about anything, and they will reply within 48 hours. (Your email address is hidden from them so you remain completely anonymous.)
E-listening: [email protected]
To find out more you can go to the following website: www.sheffieldnightline.co.uk
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16. Chemistry Equality and Diversity Committee: Equality and diversity is fundamental to ensuring a work place where everyone can thrive and reach their potential. The Chemistry Department was awarded an Athena SWAN silver award for gender equality in April 2016. For further information or any concerns about equality and diversity in the Chemistry Department please contact the Chair of the Committee Dr Sarah Staniland.
Dr Sarah Staniland, Chair, Room C71, [email protected], Tel: (ext 29539) Other E&D Committee Members:
Prof Jane Grasby, Room C83, Tel: (ext 29478), [email protected] Prof Richard Jackson, Room C81, Tel: (ext 29464), Email: [email protected] Dr Natalia Martsinovich, Room G2, Tel: (ext 29562), Email: [email protected]
Dr Tim Craggs, Room E32, Tel: (ext 29347), Email: [email protected] 17. Chemistry Researchers Society: Connecting postgraduate and postdoctoral level
researchers in the Department of Chemistry through regular coffee mornings, seminars and events. Email: [email protected] ; web: crs.group.shef.ac.uk .
18. Postgraduate Society. PGSoc is an interdisciplinary society run by fellow postgraduate students. Their aim is to offer a broad range of activities and events to ALL postgraduate students.
To find out more, visit their website: www.sheffieldpostgraduatesociety.co.uk/ .
19. PG Café Forum. PG Café Forum is a student-led initiative, which creates an informal space in which postgraduate students can share their work, socialize and network. It started as a collaborative vision between PROGRESS and ScienceBrainwaves, inspired by TED and Café Scientifique. It is designed to support postgraduates from all disciplines and backgrounds to improve their presentation skills and gain confidence in communicating their topic to a non-specialist audience.
Monthly events from October to June consist of three speakers giving 15 minute talks followed by questions, lively discussion and useful feedback. Subjects reflect the diversity of student research across the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering and social sciences. PG Cafe Forum is the University’s only fully accredited student-led academic module. Participating and sharing research will count towards students’ Doctoral Development Program (DDP). For information on dates and venues, please email [email protected] or check out the website https://sites.google.com/a/sheffield.ac.uk/pgcafeforum/home or visit the Facebook page “PG Cafe Forum”.
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2. Important Departmental Dates and Deadlines
(ALL POSTGRADUATES)
During your 1st week First Year Students
See your supervisor to:
● agree a Training Needs Analysis ● assign an Independent Advisor* ● find out which cluster your will belong to*
*You must record these on the Departmental Registration form which can be found in your Induction Pack.
During your 1st month Arrange meeting with your Independent Advisor.
Start to upload your supervisory meeting records into your Google Drive folder.
Friday 30 March 2018 Final Year Students
Deadline for handing-in draft of a potential paper to your supervisor.
Deadline for handing in month-by-month Gantt chart/timetable of practical work and thesis writing to be completed to the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70)
Check supervisory meeting records are up-to-date and uploaded in Google Drive folder.
Submit completed DDP module CHM6105 form and list of seminar lectures attended for DDP module CHM6150 to the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70).
Tuesday 17 April 2018 Main Hall, Octagon Centre
Second Year Students
Poster Presentation at the Science Graduate School Showcase. Poster presentation by students who are currently in their second year (or students who did not present their poster the previous year).
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Friday 29 June 2018 First Year Students
Deadline for submitting Confirmation Review report to the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70).
Monday 4 September 2018 First Year Students
FINAL deadline for successful completion of Confirmation Review viva (to include handing-in of completed and signed Confirmation Review Report Form Questionnaire to the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70).
Check supervisory meeting records are up-to-date and uploaded in Google Drive folder.
Summer/Autumn 2018
Rooms TBC
Chemical Biology Cluster 1st & 3rd Year PGR Talks, Synthesis Cluster 1st Year PGR Talks, Synthesis Cluster 3rd Year PGR Talks, Polymers, Materials and Surfaces Cluster 1st Year PGR Talks, Polymers, Materials and Surfaces Cluster 3rd Year PGR talks, Theory and Spectroscopy Cluster 1st & 3rd Year PGR Talks.
All Dates and Rooms for PGR Talks are yet to be confirmed and will, once confirmed, be circulated to all relevant students and staff.
All students from their cluster are expected to attend their cluster’s talks and, depending on numbers, 1st and 3rd year students should be prepared to talk on any of the assigned days.
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3. General Requirements
(i) At the beginning of his/her research studies each student will agree with his/her research supervisor, an independent advisor who will provide an independent monitor of progress and act in a pastoral capacity, where and when a student requires general guidance and advice. The independent advisor MUST be appointed within the first month of the student’s start date.
(ii) At the beginning of his/her research studies each student will agree with his/her research supervisor which cluster they will belong to; the student must record this on the Departmental Registration form which can be found in their Induction Pack.
(iii) Lectures, delivered by speakers from outside as well as from within the Department of Chemistry, will be held regularly throughout the academic year. The Departmental Seminars usually take place on a Thursday lunchtime, and Cluster Seminars on Wednesday afternoon.
Additional Seminars and Colloquia are arranged at short notice and advertised around the Department. It is your responsibility to read notices. There is also a weekly sheet, called “This Week in Chemistry”, detailing the forthcoming week’s events. This is sent to all postgraduate students by email; details of forthcoming seminars can also be found on the Departmental web page:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/research/seminar
Attendance at Research Cluster Postgraduate talks (see dates on pages 6), Departmental Seminars and Research Cluster Colloquia throughout the period of study is an essential requirement in the training of research students and in the successful completion of a research degree. Students are welcome to attend any other colloquia that they may be interested in. These seminars and colloquia will form compulsory Module CHM6150.
3.1. Requirements for the Award of MPhil or PhD
● Carry out a body of research that contributes to new knowledge – usually evidenced by publications in primary journals
● Submission of a thesis describing the work carried out and results obtained
● Satisfactory defence of the thesis in a viva examination
3.2. Change of Address/Personal Details
University regulations require you to ensure that the University has your current address in Sheffield. If you change your address (either your Sheffield or home address) you must update your record immediately either online
http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/record/pin.html
or in person at the Student Services Information Desk, Union of Students Building. You must also notify the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70).
Notification of a change of name can be made to Research & Innovation Services or SSiD upon presentation of original documentation providing the name change. Please also inform the Chemistry Postgraduate Office.
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The University is unable to change names on documents after an award has been made. This includes:
● Copies of Degree Certificate
● Transcripts of qualifications for former students
● Letters confirming degree/attendance for former students
This is because these documents are official, definitive statements of facts at the date of your award. They also cannot reissue a certificate in a new name where the name has changed after the award has been made; this includes marriage and divorce.
3.3. Email
Most of the Departmental communications will be by email using your University email address. Please check your emails regularly.
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4. Your First Few Days in the Chemistry Department
When you first arrive in the Department, it can be very confusing. There are a number of tasks which you must perform as soon as possible:
1. Collect your Induction pack from the Departmental Office (C70).
2. See the Financial Administrator, Mrs Louise Brown-Leng (C36) for information relating to maintenance grants, fees etc.
3. Register with the University:
22 September 2017 at Sports Hall 1, Goodwin Centre
25 September - 29 September 2017 at Discovery Rooms, Level 5, Students’ Union, computer accounts and connecting to network information, Information Commons
Arrivals from 2 October 2017: register at Registry Services, Level 6, Students’ Union, and collect UCard and email account from Corporate Information and Computing Services (CiCS).
4. Register with the Departmental Office (C70). (Since most of the Departmental/University information is sent by email, please make sure you let the Departmental Office have your email address as soon as you know it so that it can be registered on the department’s system.)
5. Register for a Departmental Introduction to Out of Hours Training course with the Departmental Safety Officer, Mr Richard Wilkinson (Email: [email protected]). Richard will require the following information:
First (Given) Name: Last (Family) Name: Status: “Postgraduate Student” UCard Number: UCard Expiry Date: Your Email Address and Internal Telephone Number: Your Supervisor’s Name:
6. Complete University Health & Safety on-line fire training and Out of Hours Awareness training. These can be found on the following web page
http://www.shef.ac.uk/hs
The log in user name and password are your normal University ones.
7. See your supervisor to discuss your Training Needs Analysis.
You should also ask your supervisor for the name of your independent advisor and the Research Cluster in which you will give your 1st and 3rd year postgraduate presentation.
8. Email Mrs Sharon Spey ([email protected]) to arrange to have your departmental photograph taken.
9. Visit the Chemistry Accounts Office (C34) to obtain access to the MyPurchase system. Advice on how to use the system can also be obtained from the staff in the Chemistry Accounts Office.
10. Collect a copy of the safety material relating to Chemistry from the Departmental Safety Office (C32). Read it and return the signed blue slip in the front of the booklet to C32.
11. Check which keys you will require and go to C34 to get the keys from one of the Chemistry Accounts office staff. This requires a deposit of £25.
There are also a number of things that you must give priority to:
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4.1. Safety
You should ensure you have added the following addresses to your email contacts; important safety messages are sent out from these addresses which could be filtered to junk mail if not added to your contact list
[email protected]@sheffield.ac.uk
Information regarding safety can be found at
http://chem-safety.dept.shef.ac.uk/
COSHH assessments are completed online. Information on how to use the COSHH programme can be found at:
http://chem-safety.dept.shef.ac.uk/
The web-based COSHH can be found online at:
http://chem-coshh.dept.shef.ac.uk/
This programme can only be accessed from the Department or via VPN. You need to be registered to use the programme.
You can find out if you are already registered by entering your email address and selecting “New Password”.
If you are not registered, please contact:
Deputy Departmental Safety Officer Departmental Safety Officer
Miss Elaine Frary Mr Richard Wilkinson
Chemistry Room C50 Chemistry Room C32
Tel: 29487 Tel: 29434
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
A training session will take place on Friday 29th September 2017 at 12.00 noon in Dainton Building G11.
Students who start their studies after this date should contact [email protected]
● Before you use any instrument for the first time, you must obtain the permission of the member of staff or technician responsible and ensure that you have been trained by an appropriate person.
● There is a legal requirement that you must receive fire training every year and out of hours training every three years. Courses are provided on-line by University Health & Safety.
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● There is also a legal requirement that a person with incident knowledge must be present whenever the building is occupied. Our way to enforce this regulation is to require all people who are going to be in the building outside normal hours to have out of hours training which includes these skills.
Outside normal hours, the main entrance door is controlled by UCard electronic entry, and you will need to have successfully completed the Out of Hours training course and the annual fire training course before your UCard will be validated. Contact Mr Richard Wilkinson, Room C32 or [email protected] for access.
● Whenever you are in the building outside normal hours, you must sign in at the Porters’ Lodge, and sign out when leaving. It is important that in the event of an emergency it is known who is in the building. Bank Holidays and some other national days are also classed as ‘out of hours’ as the majority of full time staff do not work on these days. In addition, the University is officially closed during certain periods. A circular is sent via email shortly before each closure to warn you. When the University is officially closed, you need a letter from the Head of the Department for permission to enter the building.
Normal hours are 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, excluding times when the building is closed for holidays.
The emergency procedure for this building involves the following:
CONTINUOUS ALARM. Evacuate the building immediately by the nearest available exit. Go to the meeting point under the road bridge.
You will be informed when it is safe to return to the building.
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5. Reporting, Log Keeping and Meetings
The department follows a policy of formal supervisory meetings that MUST occur at least once per month, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. The formal record of supervisory meetings should detail progress made on the project and set out objectives to be achieved before the next meeting. Research & Innovation Services has produced two on-line pro forma suitable for this purpose. If you wish to use these forms they can be found on the Research & Innovation Services’ web site:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code/record
It is the responsibility of the student to keep all their supervisory meeting records up-to-date and uploaded in their Google Drive folder. Record keeping of these meetings will be checked at monthly intervals. It is also possible the University may request to see copies of meeting records; it is therefore very important that you keep very good records of your formal supervisory meetings.
6. Attendance Monitoring
As a student, it is most important that you attend regularly all the scheduled sessions (e.g. supervisory meetings, departmental research presentations, DDP modules, laboratory sessions, etc) that are communicated to you as the year proceeds. It is only by attending all of the scheduled sessions that you will be able to engage with your research and progress effectively, as required by University Regulations. To help ensure that you make full use of the learning and research opportunities that are available, the University requires the department to monitor the attendance of students and indicate to the University at 3 times per year, whether or not students are attending and engaging with their programme of research. The monitoring will be carried out using systems that have been developed by the University specifically to help departments identify and support students who are having difficulty with their study programme. In the Chemistry Department this will be completed by your supervisor each time you attend the formal supervisory meeting.
Students MUST complete and deposit a copy of their monthly progress report in their supervisor’s folder on Google Drive. This is a mandatory requirement of attendance monitoring and will provide a record of monthly progress meetings.
7. The Chemistry Postgraduate Committee
The Chemistry Postgraduate Committee deals with all issues associated with postgraduate matters within the department. The current membership of the Chemistry Postgraduate Committee is:
● Dr David Williams (Chairman / Postgraduate Research Tutor )
● Rachel Smith (Teaching Support Coordinator)
● Rhianna Jones & Josh Severn (Office Support Assistants)
● Louise Brown-Leng (Chemistry Departmental Administrator)
● Rebecca Ley (Chemistry Postgraduate Representative)
8. The Postgraduate Code of Conduct
Please read and sign the “Postgraduate Code of Conduct” sheet that can be found at the back of this handbook and return it to the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70).
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9. Progression of PhD Studies
Students are required to undertake various assessed activities during their PhD. The timetable for compulsory DDP module CHM6105 is as follows:
Month 0 Training Needs Analysis.
Meeting with independent advisor.
Students must start to upload their supervisory meeting records into their Google Drive folder (see guideline document for monthly reports).
Month 6 Students must ensure their diaries of supervisory meetings are up-to-date and uploaded in their Google Drive folder.
Month 9 Submit Confirmation Review report to Chemistry Departmental Office (CR1)
Review your Training Needs Analysis
Months 10-12 Oral presentation
Month 12 Confirmation Review and viva (CR2)
Students must take their up-to-date Training Needs Analysis form to the viva for checking by Independent advisor.
Students must also ensure their diaries of supervisory meetings are up-to-date and uploaded in their Google Drive folder.
Students will only be allowed to continue as a PhD student if they successfully pass their Confirmation Review.
Month 18-24 Faculty of Science Graduate School PGR Poster Presentation.
Review your Training Needs Analysis
Month 30 Students write a draft paper and thesis plan.
Students should also make sure their diaries of supervisory meetings are up-to-date and uploaded in their Google Drive folder.
Student must also submit their completed DDP module CHM6105 form and list of seminar lectures attended for DDP module CHM6150 to the Chemistry Postgraduate Office.
Month 36 Submit thesis to Research & Innovation Services (see guideline document on thesis submission)
Month 39 and every subsequent 3 months thereafter until thesis submission
Submit progress report and updated completion schedule for thesis to Postgraduate Research Tutor.
The target for full-time students is to submit your thesis within 36 months of commencing your postgraduate training (48 months for Graduate Teaching Assistant students and other students who are registered on 4-year PhD programmes).
Any delay beyond 36 months will require you to pay a continuation fee, to the University. Students are required to pay the continuation fee in full at the beginning of their writing up
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(fourth) year and will be refunded any overpayment if they submit before the end of the 12 month period on a pro rata (monthly) basis. The continuation fee is waived if you submit your thesis within the first 3 months of your fourth year. For more information please see http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code/fees .
Continuation beyond your thesis submission time limit requires special permission and is only granted in exceptional circumstances. Self-inflicted problems such as taking on full time employment will not be viewed sympathetically.
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10. The Formal Procedure for Grievances
In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your experiences in the department, you should, if possible, bring the problem to the attention of your supervisor. If you are still unhappy then you should follow the following procedure until the matter is resolved.
1) Speak to supervisor(s)
↓
2) Speak to independent advisor
↓
3) Write (email) to the Postgraduate Research Tutor (Dr David Williams, [email protected])
↓
4) Write (email) to the Head of Department ([email protected])
More general matters that affect the whole student body should be directed, via your representative, to the Chemistry Postgraduate Committee.
Note that advice is also provided by the Students’ Union.
11. Doctoral Development Programme
The Doctoral Development Programme (DDP) is a training plan for all research students which you can tailor to your individual needs. The University recognise that all research students begin with different skills and experience, which is why the programme is flexible. For example, a student who has just completed a first degree is likely to have a more limited skill set than one who has spent time working in industry already. This is why the programme has been designed to be flexible to your needs. The only requirement is that you engage with the process outline below:
1. Complete a Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
2. Discuss your TNA with your supervisor as soon as possible.
3. Book on and take part in training as identified by your TNA (you do not need to register for the compulsory modules as they will be automatically uploaded onto your student record).
4. Keep a record of all your training (using the DDP e-Portfolio, if you prefer http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal/eportfolio).
5. At the end of each year, discuss your DDP progress with your supervisor and complete a new TNA.
6. In your final year of research, you submit a summary of your engagement to the DDP team. The Research & Innovations DDP Summary form can be downloaded from their website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal/cont/ddpsummary)
The amount of modules and courses you take will depend on your training needs as well as the Department’s compulsory requirements.
The University of Sheffield wants to ensure that all research students receive the highest quality of training and as a leading institution expect all research students to acquire the necessary skills and
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training to become world-class researchers. This is why ALL postgraduate research students (including conventional 3 year programmes, 4 year programmes (including DTC), MPhil and part-time programmes) are required to take part in the Doctoral Development Programme; the DDP is not optional. Off campus students are able to undertake skills training units that are available online at any time during their study. The Programme has been developed in line with the UK’s Researcher Development Framework (https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers-professional-development/about-the-vitae-researcher-development-framework).
The Doctoral Development Programme helps you progress through your research studies by identifying your existing skills and providing opportunities to further develop your skills and experience. As well as transferrable skills that will make you a successful researcher, the DDP also aims to provide skills that have wider utility which can increase your employability.
Your supervisor will help you to decide what research training is most appropriate to help you develop throughout your time with us. Your Training Needs Analysis will be renewed annually, so that as your skill level changes and your research develops you can tailor your further training accordingly.
Module CHM6105 and CHM6150 are compulsory for Chemistry students.
You will take ownership of your development through various tools including the Training Needs Analysis (TNA), the development plan and the student e-Portfolio, which is a record of evidence of achievement that can be shown to prospective employers.
Visit the DDP Portal for more detailed information and frequently asked questions:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal/
or email the Doctoral Development Team [email protected] .
11.1. Training Needs Analysis
After you have officially registered with the University you will need to complete your first year’s Chemistry Training Needs Analysis (TNA) form; this is an assessment of your current skills and a training plan for the year ahead. As part of your first supervisory meeting you should discuss your TNA with your supervisor and decide upon the range of training or other development activities that you need to undertake.
During your research, it is important to:
● Identify gaps in skills and knowledge.
● Identify opportunities to develop experience.
● Set goals and targets and get involved.
● Record what you did, how you did it, skills and knowledge used and the final result.
● Review progress regularly and use your supervisory meetings to cover professional development.
You will complete the Chemistry TNA at the start of every year, in collaboration with your supervisory team, in order to identify and address your particular learning needs as you develop. You should keep revisiting your TNA throughout your time at Sheffield to review skills gained and assess those still to be acquired and review these periodically with your supervisors.
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11.2. ePortfolio Development
The ePortfolio will be used by students as a comprehensive illustration of the learning and development they have undertaken, as well as their other academic achievements during their programme of study. The University has invested in an ePortfolio software called PebblePad, which the student can use to build their e-portfolio as it provides a plethora of features such as, creation of collaborative documents, upload of documents, audio-files and images of differing formats, discussion and reflection spaces, all of which provide the student with a rich learning and development experience. PebblePad ePortfolio system is a standards-compliant and web-based platform developed specifically for higher education, to gather, reflect upon, and produce evidence for your DDP. You can also use the system as a personal learning space, where you can reflect and plan your own personal, educational and career objectives. Everything that is created in PebblePad can be kept private or be shared with others such as peers, supervisors or external users such as placement supervisors or potential employers.
http://www.pebblepad.co.uk/sheffield/
11.3. Choice of DDP Modules
The DDP units which you can choose from are detailed on the DDP website:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal/registration
You will be automatically registered on the Department’s compulsory modules (CHM6105 and CHM6150).
The University will also automatically register you on the Faculty of Science’s “Research Ethics and Integrity” compulsory module. It is essential that you attend the Faculty-wide Research Ethics & Integrity training as failure to do so may result in your degree award being withheld. If you are an off-campus/part-time research student who is unable to attend the face-to-face classes, then you must contact the appropriate module provider to make arrangements to complete this course online. The Faculty of Science contact and course details can be found on the web page http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/pgr/ddpportal/reit .
These modules will appear automatically in your student calendar once you have set it up http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/calendar/studentevents .
Students undertake Training Needs Analysis (TNA) each year and register for appropriate training on an annual basis.
11.4. Cross-sessional Arrivals
If you arrive in Sheffield after registration week, which is towards the end of September, then you should follow the same steps as highlighted in the DDP Portal. Please pay particular attention to the start date for training courses/modules you wish to take to ensure they are timely for you. This may mean you have to delay the start of some of the DDP training until the beginning of a future semester.
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11.5. Module CHM6105. Transferable Skills for Chemists
Completion of this module is COMPULSORY for ALL postgraduate students.
Activity Comment
COSHH lecture given by Elaine Frary Attend lecture (cross-sessional students should contact Elaine Frary)
Departmental Safety lecture given by Richard Wilkinson
Attend lecture (cross-sessional students should contact Richard Wilkinson)
SciFinder Scholar Training Session Attend SciFinder Scholar training session.
(Please remember to take the CHM6105 Attendance Form with you when you attend any training session.)
Departmental Services Attend this series of short talks describing the Departmental Services.
(Please remember to take the CHM6105 Attendance Form with you when you attend.)
First Month Meeting with Independent Advisor
Contact your independent advisor to arrange an introductory meeting.
(Please remember to take the CHM6105 Attendance Form with you to the meeting.)
Start to upload your supervisory meeting records into your Google Drive folder.
9 Month Confirmation Review Submit Confirmation Review report.
10-12 Month Talk Present talk as part of the postgraduate colloquia cluster talk (assessed).
12 Month Confirmation Review Viva Must have successfully passed Confirmation Review viva and submitted up-to-date TNA form to confirm doctoral level studies.
Records of supervisory meetings must be up-to-date & uploaded in your Google Drive folder.
18-24 Month Poster Faculty of Science Graduate School PGR poster presentation by students who are currently in their second year (or students who did not present their poster the previous year)
30 Month Draft Paper and Thesis Plan Submit a draft paper, thesis plan and check all records of supervisory meetings are up-to-date & uploaded in your Google Drive folder.
A lecture attendance form is provided at the end of this booklet. Please make sure that you take the attendance form along to each training session you attend so that the lecturer can sign it.
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11.6. Module CHM6150. The Frontiers of Chemistry
Completion of this module is COMPULSORY for ALL postgraduate students.
This module is based on the wide range of Seminars and Colloquia given in the Department over a period of three years, but research lectures given elsewhere may be included. This includes lectures and papers given at Conferences. All seminars and colloquia given as part of the Departmental and Sectional seminar programme are deemed suitable. This is to help you to retain a broad knowledge of Chemistry and resist the temptation of becoming very specialised. All other material needs the agreement of your supervisor. The criterion applied is that the lecture must be at research level.
You are required to attend a minimum of 50 hours of such material and keep adequate notes in a hardback book. During your third year, you should have satisfied the requirement of attendance at a minimum of 50 hours, and should be in a position to prove it from the notes made at each seminar. You should also include an index of lectures attended, title, lecturer, date, and length.
Lectures and papers given at Conferences are restricted to a maximum of 12 hours.
We are concerned that you do attend Departmental Seminars and Colloquia and these must make up the majority of module CHM6150. Your proof of attendance will be good notes and your attendance list will be checked and signed by your supervisor. There is scope for cross-disciplinary students to make up some of the 50 hours from lectures in the associated Department(s).
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11.7. Other Training in Chemistry
Other skills can be obtained from the following:
11.7.1. Laboratory Demonstrating
This is a highly recommended.
This provides the initial training required to demonstrate in an Undergraduate Laboratory.
It provides you with:
● experience in teaching undergraduates
● experience of working out what has happened when an experiment goes wrong
● experience in communicating with students at different levels
● reminds you of basic chemistry and
● gives you an opportunity to assess your interest in teaching.
11.7.2. Team Retrosynthesis
Retrosynthetic analysis is a very important tool used routinely in academic and industrial chemistry laboratories. This training develops and practices this technique through a team-based event. Teams of students devise robust and efficient routes to a key target molecule using their existing knowledge of organic chemistry, in addition to learning how to access important literature resources. The teams present their proposed syntheses and are quizzed on the viability of the routes. Students are required to participate in two such exercises to complete this training.
The module runs over two years which may be either years one and two or two and three. It is targeted at students doing research in organic chemistry.
There will be a short compulsory briefing session for all students who wish to participate in this exercise.
For further information contact Dr Simon Jones ([email protected]).
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12. First Year
It is important in the first year of study that the student develops good working practices and that an appropriate framework for study and the acquisition of the necessary disciplines and patterns of work peculiar to his/her researches is established. Individual research supervisors may adopt different approaches to this task, e.g. weekly tutorials between student and supervisor, group seminars and literature surveys, regular written reports on the progress of the research. However all students in the first year of a research degree will be required to complete successfully the following formal requirements of further learning and training before passing to additional years of study.
(i) It is compulsory that you complete the University Health & Safety on-line fire training and Out of Hours Awareness training, the Departmental Introduction to Out of Hours training course, the COSHH lecture and begin to complete Module CHM6105 and CHM6150.
(ii) It is compulsory that you meet with your supervisor to agree a Training Needs Analysis and assign an independent advisor. The completed TNA form must be submitted to the Chemistry Postgraduate Office.
(iii) It is compulsory that you meet with your independent advisor as soon as possible.
(iv) It is compulsory to keep all your monthly records of supervisory meetings up-to-date and uploaded in your Google Drive folder.
(v) By 9 months, submit one copy of a detailed Confirmation Review report to the Chemistry Postgraduate Office, on the work carried out to date.
On the day of your Confirmation Review viva, you must take your completed TNA form with you for checking by your independent advisor.
By 12 months, the Confirmation Review will have taken place and a Confirmation Review Report form will have been completed by the independent advisor; this form will be signed by the supervisor, independent advisor and student. The agreed final recommendation to continue as a PhD student or to resubmit the Confirmation Review Report and attend another viva (within 6 months of the first attempt), will be submitted to the Postgraduate Research Tutor. If a second attempt is required and is unsuccessful, you will be required to transfer to MPhil and your time limit will be reduced in line with the MPhil time limit.
A copy of the Confirmation Review Report Questionnaire will be attached to the Confirmation Review Recommendation Form and then submitted to Research & Innovation Services for approval by the Faculty.
Therefore the submission of the report and satisfying your supervisor and independent advisor that your ability and work is of sufficient standard, are essential parts of being allowed to continue to study towards a PhD degree. You must have also given an oral presentation.
(vi) In the period July - September, the student will deliver a short talk as part of the cluster postgraduate colloquia; please see page 6 for dates. Attendance at both 1st and 3rd year PhD talks is mandatory for all students in the research cluster.
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13. Second Year
(i) It is compulsory that you complete the University Health & Safety on-line fire training.
(ii) Review your training needs analysis with your supervisor and submit your updated TNA form to the Chemistry Postgraduate Office.
(iii) You must have all your records of supervisory meetings up-to-date and uploaded in your Google Drive folder.
(iv) In the second year of research each student will be asked to prepare a poster setting out the background and the details of his or her research. The poster will be presented at the Faculty of Science Graduate School PGR Poster Day.
Assessment of the student’s progress will be carried out by the supervisor in conjunction with the independent advisor. Where reports are required for the purpose of consideration by grant giving bodies these will be prepared in consultation with the student on the instructions of the research supervisor.
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14. Final Year
(i) It is compulsory that you complete the University Health & Safety on-line fire training.
(ii) Review your training needs analysis with your supervisor and submit your updated TNA form to the Chemistry Postgraduate Office.
(iii) You must have all your records of supervisory meetings up-to-date and uploaded in your Google Drive folder.
(iv) Under most circumstances a major pre-occupation towards the end of the third year of research is the organisation of the material, and the planning and writing of the thesis. The time taken to write a thesis is usually much longer than at first supposed; arrangements should therefore be made by the student with the research supervisor to arrange a programme to coordinate this vital aspect of study for a research degree. Individual research supervisors may recommend different approaches to this major task of writing and preparation. Thus, for example, a supervisor may recommend that a general Introduction should be drafted as soon as possible and that rough drafts are composed concerning each piece of work as it is concluded. Similarly towards the end of the research training and writing of the thesis the supervisor may suggest that a ‘mock’ viva voce examination for a student would be very useful.
(v) At month 30, you are required to submit to your supervisor a draft of a potential paper. If you have had some involvement in the writing of a paper that has already been published, then you can submit that.
(vi) At month 30, in order to help you to finish on time, you are required to draw up a month-by-month Gantt chart or timetable of work to be completed. This will include both the practical work and the writing of the thesis. The timetable must be agreed with both your supervisor and independent advisor.
The timetable must be submitted to the Chemistry Departmental Office (C70) for checking by the Postgraduate Research Tutor.
(vii) At month 30, you are also required to submit your completed DDP module CHM6105 form and list of seminar lectures attended for DDP module CHM6150 to the Chemistry Departmental Office.
(viii) All third year students will be required to present a talk on the topic of their research as part of the cluster postgraduate colloquia; please see page 6 for dates. Attendance at both 1st and 3rd year PhD talks is mandatory for all students in the research cluster.
(ix) Students are strongly encouraged to submit their thesis within the three-year or agreed time period.
PhD candidates who take longer than the normal period of registration (3 years) to submit their theses are required to pay a continuation fee to the University. Students are required to pay the continuation fee in full at the beginning of their writing up year and will be refunded any overpayment, on a pro rata basis, if they submit before the end of the 12-month period. In order to encourage students to submit their theses in good time, the continuation fee is waived within the first three months of the end of the tuition fee paying period if students submit within this period. Details can be found on the following web page
http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code/fees
Time limit extension requires approval by Faculty and students should be aware that there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted. A student wishing to apply for an extension should consult their supervisor and complete an “Application for a Time
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Limit Extension” form indicating the reasons for failure to submit within the time limit; this should be done at least one month before the end of their time limit. Unless an extension is granted, a student's candidature will automatically lapse when the time limit expires. This will result in loss of access to computing and library facilities, and may result in the student being withdrawn from the University.
(x) Up-to-date information regarding thesis preparation, submission and examination can be found on the following web page
http://www.shef.ac.uk/ris/pgr/code/
The University requires all theses for higher degrees by research to be submitted to Turnitin, a text matching tool that is licensed for use in the University of Sheffield where, among other things, it is being used as an aid in the prevention of unfair means. Turnitin produces an “originality report” which will be checked by the internal examiner to ensure that unfair means has not been used. Please e-mail [email protected] for details of how to submit your thesis to Turnitin.
Students completing a 4-year degree (or spending four or more years to complete their doctorate) are required to complete the University Health & Safety on-line fire training and Out of Hours Awareness training at the start of their fourth year.
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15. Library and Study Areas
The University Library
Visit the library webpages for an introduction to the university library service. The Information for
researchers pages (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/research) include guidance about research
skills, scholarly communications, open access publishing, research metrics, and research data
management.
StarPlus, the Library catalogue
Use StarPlus to explore the extensive collections of books, online journals, ebooks and literature
searching databases available to you as a University of Sheffield researcher. You can access
StarPlus from the My Services menu in MUSE.
Use the University Collections search box in StarPlus to check the location of books, or to connect
to online journals and databases such as Scopus or Web of Science. The Articles & More search is a
good starting point for finding journal papers and research articles. The Everything search box
combines the two, and is the default search.
StarPlus is the most reliable way to access online journals and other digital resources, whether on
or off-campus. More information on accessing our digital resources can be found here
www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/cdfiles/remote
Resources for literature searching
Scopus and Web of Science are multidisciplinary literature searching databases for identifying and
connecting to journal articles. To find other databases relevant to your discipline, use the Find
Databases link from StarPlus, or contact your librarian Oliver Allchin ([email protected]).
Institutional digital repositories
White Rose Research Online (WRRO) http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/ is an open access repository of research from the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds and York. White Rose eTheses Online (WREO) http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/ is the repository for doctoral theses from the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds and York.
If the Library doesn’t have what you need
If you need a book or journal article not in stock in the University Library, you can use the Inter
Library Loan service to get a copy from another library. Find the request form in the My
Services/View all services menu in MUSE. If you’d like to recommend a book for purchase by the
library use the form at: www.shef.ac.uk/library/cdfiles/ebookrequest
Researcher skills development
The Library can help you develop your skills in literature searching, undertaking systematic reviews,
using reference management software, using citation metrics and more. Visit the Research Skills
page http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/research/skills to explore online training and information
about DDP workshops offered by the Library.
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Library sites
● Western Bank Library is a good place for quiet study and research, with books and print
journals on all subjects and a large reading room overlooking Western Park.
● The Health Sciences Library, based in the Medical School at the Royal Hallamshire
Hospital has books and print journals covering medicine, dentistry and health.
● The Information Commons (IC) is open 24 hours a day. Visit the Information Desk on
level 1 for help using the library, finding materials for your research, or for help with your
computer or laptop.
● The Diamond is also open 24 hours a day, and has four floors of study space. Visit the top
floor (Level 4) to speak to Library and CiCS staff at the Information Desk or to use the
collection of reference books.
For opening hours, details of other learning spaces around campus, and to check how busy each
library is, visit the learning spaces page (www.sheffield.ac.uk/learning-spaces).
Using other libraries
The University is a member of SCONUL Access, a scheme which allows researchers to use other
academic libraries (www.access.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access). You can search the collections of
other UK research libraries using COPAC (www.copac.ac.uk).
The Library arranges monthly trips for researchers to the British Library Boston Spa Reading
Room. For more information see www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/illbus. It is also possible to get
access to the British Library London Reading Rooms. Go to www.bl.uk and look for the Quick Link
to Reader Pass registration.
Use the EThOS (British Library Electronic Theses Online Service) website to search for and read
PhD theses from other universities http://ethos.bl.uk/Home.do.
Need more information?
● For general enquiries, contact the Library Help Desk or speak to a member of library staff.
o Email: [email protected]
o Telephone: 0114 222 720
o Live Chat: http://libraryhelp.shef.ac.uk/
● Oliver Allchin is the librarian for Science – contact him for advice on library support for your
research
o Email: [email protected]
o Telephone: 01142 227333
o Twitter: @Sci_L1brarian
o Book an appointment: www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/liaison/sci
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15.6. Chemistry Information Room, C12n
The Chemistry Information Room, located just off the lobby of the Dainton Building in Room C12n contains a collection of multi-volume research encyclopaedia, compendia and other reference books. The room is managed by the Chemistry Department.
Access is by keypad.
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16. Departmental Services
16.1. NMR Service
Facility Manager: Dr Sandra van Meurs, C39a
Opening Times: 24/7 for open access Facility Manager is available for all NMR-related queries / consultancy
from 08:30 – 16:00 Monday to Thursday
The Department has four 400 MHz and one 500 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometers, all equipped with sample changers. Before using any of these spectrometers you MUST be trained by the Facility Management. Following training, you will be given an individual log-in and password for all three open-access spectrometers (Magnus, Monty and Myrtle).
Please log your request for training by filling in the following online form: https://docs.google.com/a/sheffield.ac.uk/forms/d/13Vgebkb3LYeWsgPEQM8IsUEpgCi1KsDhfKiBlDsKjOY/edit
16.1.1 400MHz spectrometer “Magnus” - C37
This spectrometer is open access, has multinuclear capabilities (e.g. 11B, 19F, 31P + many others) and should be your first choice spectrometer for any 2D spectra.
Training requirements are minimal.
16.1.2. 400MHz spectrometer “Monty” - C37
This spectrometer is open access and can produce 1H and 13C NMR spectra.
Training requirements are minimal.
16.1.3. 400MHz spectrometer “Myrtle” - C48F
This spectrometer is open access and can produce 1H, 13C, 19F, and 31P spectra. This spectrometer is used mainly by undergraduates but may be used by researchers out of term time or when teaching does not need it.
Training requirements are minimal.
16.1.4. 400MHz spectrometer “Marmaduke” - C39
Access to this spectrometer is via a booking system and is restricted to researchers who have undergone additional training (available upon request from the NMR Management). The spectrometer has multinuclear capabilities and is a good choice for 2D experiments, variable temperature work and many other NRM experiments.
16.1.5. 500MHz spectrometer “Millicent” - C39b
This spectrometer is a Service instrument and is therefore primarily used by the Service Management for high-end or unusual experiments, or those that do not automate well.
The spectrometer has multinuclear capabilities and can perform variable temperature experiments in the solution state.
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The spectrometer is also equipped with a 4 mm CP/MAS probe, for solid state NMR work.
Please consult with NMR Management for service work. A simple form will need to be filled in to accompany any samples submitted for service work.
16.1.6. Off-Line Processing
There are a number of off-line NMR data processing computers, running Bruker TopSpin software located in C37.
TopSpin for NMR data processing can also be installed on most PCs in write-up areas, or individual laptops/computers (either using the Service floating licence via the network/VPN if using Windows or individual licences on the workstations which also permits use of Macs). Please see NMR Management for further details.
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16.2. Elemental Analysis Service (Laboratory C45)
Dr Jennifer Louth (Ext: 29387)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
16.2.1. Elemental Analysis Service for CHN, Br, Cl, I and S
Elemental analysis operates an online system for the submission of samples and reporting of results. An online form can be filled in and submitted electronically, the form can be found at https://ccias.dept.shef.ac.uk/macs/index.php. Results will be saved in an online database and an email will be sent containing the results when the analysis is complete. Samples should be left in the rack in C45. Students can request to have their sample returned once analysis is complete; these can be picked up from C45. Information about sample structure, expected composition and sample properties are useful in order to select appropriate techniques, as is information on storage conditions and hazard warnings to comply with COSHH regulations. We work to tolerance levels of 0.3% for organic samples and 0.5% for organometallic samples. Frequent calibration runs are carried out and sample results are only considered valid if the bounding calibration runs are within these levels.
16.2.2. CHN/S Analysis
Samples are determined using the Vario MICRO Cube CHN/S Elemental Analyser which uses a combustion method in a pure oxygen environment to convert the accurately weighed sample into the simple gases CO2, H2O, N2 and SO2. After reduction through pure copper the resulting CHNS gases are then separated using an adsorption column. The resultant gases are measured as a function of their thermal conductivity.
16.2.3. Anion Analysis (Br, Cl, and I)
Samples are determined by the classical wet method of elemental anion analysis using the Schöniger oxygen flask combustion method. The accurately weighed sample is burnt in a hermetically sealed oxygen rich environment where upon total decomposition is achieved and the resulting gases are absorbed into a particular solution. A titration is then performed to determine anion levels.
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16.3. Chromatography Service (Laboratory C43)
Robert Hanson (Ext: 29508)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
16.3.1. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Instrumentation
Analytical - Gilson 305/306 with Shimadzu SPD-10A UV detector
Analytical - Gilson 305/306 with Applied Biosystems UV detector
Semi-preparative - Varian Prostar fully automated system
Analytical - Varian Prostar fully automated system
Analytical - Waters 2690/486 UV detector, automated system
Analytical - Waters 2695/2487 UV detector, automated system
Analytical - Shimadzu UFLC XR fully automated system with diode array and evaporative light scattering detectors
Techniques
Analytical (<1.0 mg) and semi preparative (< = 1 g) chromatography can be carried out using the above systems.
Both normal (using organic solvents) and reverse phase (using aqueous and organic solvents) techniques can be employed.
Qualitative and quantitative results can be obtained by use of reference materials and internal or external standards.
The separation and quantification of enantiomers can be achieved by use of special chiral columns.
Samples must be soluble, stable, and free from insoluble matter.
16.3.2. Gas Chromatography (GC)
Instrumentation
Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL with flame ionisation detector - automated
Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL with flame ionisation detector and thermal conductivity detector - automated
Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL with flame ionisation detector and automated headspace analyser
Techniques
Polar, non polar and chiral compounds can be analysed by gas chromatography.
Qualitative and quantitative results can be obtained by use of reference materials and internal or external standards.
Samples must be volatile (samples having boiling points up to 450 °C will pass through GC columns) and thermally stable (the sample must not decompose under the analytical conditions used) to be suitable for GC.
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16.3.3. Size Exclusion Chromatography
Instrumentation
Automated Viscotek GPC max chromatograph/Gilson 831 column heater with LCD/Milton Roy UV detector and Waters 410 refractive index detector
Techniques
Molecular weight averages (MW + MN) of polymers may be determined (up to MW = 2 x 106)
Samples should be filtered and ideally be soluble in chloroform although some other solvents may be used.
16.3.4. Use of Chromatography Service
Students can submit samples for analysis or purification or alternatively, after receiving training from a technician in the appropriate technique, can run samples themselves.
Submitted samples must be fully labelled and accompanied by a completed sample sheet. Please also discuss the techniques and results required with the technician.
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16.4. Mass Spectrometry Service (Laboratory B11i)
Simon Thorpe, Sharon Spey, (Ext: 29480 / 29481)
Opening Times: This is an open access service but will be manned during core hours (09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00)
16.4.1. Instrumentation
Agilent 7200 GC-MS Q-ToF
Agilent 6530 LC-MS Q-ToF
Waters LCT Premier XE
Micromass LCT
Bruker Reflex III MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer
Perkin Elmer Turbomass GC-MS (EI)
Perkin Elmer Turbomass GC-MS (CI)
16.4.2. Techniques
Electron Impact (EI) mass range 10 to 1000 Da. Samples must have a melting point less than 250 °C.
Chemical Ionisation (CI) mass range 10 to 800 Da. Sample properties similar to EI, CI performed when EI does not produce a molecular ion.
Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI) mass range 50 to 100 kDa. Sample should be polar.
ESI MS/MS to fragment molecules as an aid to determining structure and quantification.
Accurate Mass Analysis. High resolution accurate masses (to + or – 5 ppm) can be measured for compound characterisation.
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Range 500 to 500000 Da. Used for proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, synthetic polymers, porphyrins, organometallics and macromolecules.
16.4.3. Hyphenated Techniques
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Three instruments operating in EI or CI modes. Two of these are open access instruments. Training must be obtained from the staff.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Used in conjunction with ESI and reverse phase chromatography. This is an open access instrument and training must be obtained from the staff.
16.4.4. Use of Mass Spectrometry Service
The mass spectrometry laboratory is located on B floor in B11i and is accessible during normal departmental working hours.
A completed sample form giving all relevant information for each individual sample should be placed in one of the trays located in B11i. Sample forms can be obtained from the staff.
If in doubt as to which technique is appropriate for your sample, please ask Simon or Sharon.
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Samples must be in fully labelled sample tubes and placed in the sample racks (on the bench or in the refrigerator in B11i) in the correct rack location that you have indicated on the sample sheet.
Samples should be pure (if possible), free of solvent, large enough for sample preparation (> 0.1 mg) and stable. If this is not possible then please discuss with the staff before submitting the sample.
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16.5. Spectroscopy Service (Laboratory C43 and E46 & C48 Teaching Laboratories)
Robert Hanson (Ext: 29508 / 29509)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
16.5.1. Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) or Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Instrumentation
Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 (x 2)
Perkin Elmer Spectrum 65 (x 1)
Perkin Elmer Spectrum 2 (x 2)
Techniques
Solid samples can be analysed by Diamond Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), potassium bromide (KBr) disc, in liquid paraffin (Nujol) mulls, or in solution cells.
Liquid samples can be analysed by thin film (NaCl plates), in solution cells by diamond ATR or in gas cells if volatile enough.
Gas samples can be analysed in gas cells.
16.5.2. Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis)
Instrumentation
Varian Cary 50 with fibre optics probe.
Techniques
Samples are usually analysed in dilute solution, but solids (transparent glasses) and liquid films can also be analysed.
Samples can be thermostatically controlled.
16.5.3. Use of the Spectroscopic Service
Students generally run their own samples after receiving training from a technician.
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16.6. Thermal Analysis Service (Laboratory C43)
Robert Hanson (Ext: 29508 / 29509)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
Instrumentation
Perkin Elmer Pyris1 DSC
Perkin Elmer Pyris1 TGA
Techniques
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC):
The thermal transitions of solid and liquid samples can be analysed in the temperature range -150 °C to 700 °C.
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA):
The weight of solid and liquid samples can be monitored in the temperature range 25 °C to 800 °C under an air or nitrogen atmosphere.
16.6.1. Use of Thermal Analysis Service
For DSC analysis, samples should not give off corrosive gases and should be thermally stable in the temperature range chosen. If there is any doubt that a sample could decompose, then a thermogravimetric analysis should first be obtained.
Students usually analyse their own samples after suitable training has been given by a technician.
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16.7. High Temperature / Pressure Reactor Service (Laboratory C43)
Robert Hanson (Ext: 29508 / 29509)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
16.7.1. Autoclaves
Location
The high temperature, high pressure autoclave laboratory is located in Stores. Samples for this service should be brought to laboratory C43.
Apparatus
2 litre, 1,500 psi, 300 °C stainless steel Parr bomb with paddle stirring
300 mL, 3,000 psi, 300 °C stainless steel Parr bomb with paddle stirring
Techniques
Reactants (40 mL to 1200 mL) can be placed directly into the bomb or into a glass ampoule.
The bombs can be filled with inert gases (e.g. nitrogen) or reactant gases (e.g. hydrogen) and reacted for any length of time.
16.7.2. Use of Autoclave Service
Please discuss all reactions with the staff before submitting any samples.
A current CoSHH form must also be submitted with the sample.
16.7.3. H-Cube Hydrogenator
Location
The H-Cube is located in laboratory C43.
Instrumentation
Thales Nanotechnology H-Cube HC-2
Techniques
Using catalyst cartridges, continuous flow hydrogenations can be performed using pressures and temperatures up to 100 atmospheres and 100 °C respectively. As little as a few milligrams of sample can be reacted with the product emerging in just a few minutes.
16.7.4. Use of H-Cube Service
After adequate training by a technician, students usually run their own samples.
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16.8. Polarimetry Service (Laboratory C43)
Robert Hanson (Ext: 29508 / 29509)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
Instrumentation
Optical Activity AA-10 Automatic Polarimeter
Techniques
Optical rotation of chiral compounds may be measured using a variety of cells
16.8.1. Use of Polarimeter Service
Students usually measure their own samples after they have received proper instruction from a technician.
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16.9. X-ray Crystallography Service (Laboratory H3)
Dr Craig C. Robertson (Ext: 29373/29359)
Opening Times: Mon - Thurs 09:45 – 15:30 and Fri 13:00 – 17:00 (Appointments Welcome)
If you have any questions or samples to submit then please e-mail Craig Robertson ([email protected])
The X-ray crystallography facility offers a complete service for the collection, structure solution, analysis of samples as well as producing publication ready graphical outputs and reports for small molecules. For regular users of the service we provide training for you to collect and analyse your own research data. We can also offer advice on crystallisation techniques to get the best quality samples for your research.
X-ray Diffraction is the only technique available in the department that can give you an accurate three dimensional representation of your crystalline compound. Powder X-ray analysis can investigate the phase purity of samples.
16.9.1. How to use the service
After getting in contact, your sample will be analysed by the service under a microscope to confirm it is suitable for analysis. Sample analysis request forms are available from the X-ray website and outside the laboratory. Simply fill one in when handing in your sample, it is important to fill in the crystallographic service form as accurately as possible.
After a data set has been successfully collected, processed, solved and refined, you will be provided with a publication ready report of the crystal information as well as the cif of the structure for visualisation with appropriate programs. A figure of the single structure or its packing arrangement showing its interaction with other molecules within the unit cell will be provided for inclusion in your publication / thesis. Pictures can be produced in several formats depending on your requirements.
If you have any further questions or queries on crystal quality, then feel free to chat with Craig Robertson by visiting the lab.
16.9.2. Equipment
The Chemistry Department’s X-ray service facility is equipped with three state of the art single crystal X-ray diffractometers and two powder X-ray diffractometers. Single crystal data collections
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can be undertaken at a wide range of temperatures, with data collection being possible from 28 – 500 K.
Single Crystal Equipment
Bruker D8 Venture equipped with a Photon 100 CMOS detector operating a Cu IμS microfocus X-ray source. Data collection from 80 – 500 K. Ideal for small/weakly diffracting crystals and absolute structure determination of small organics with no atoms heavier than oxygen.
Bruker X8 SMART Apex II CCD operates a Mo X-ray source and has low temperature facilities allowing data collection at temperatures from 80- 400 K.
Bruker Nonius X8 KAPPA Apex II CCD operates a Mo X-ray source and for routine work has low temperature for data collection from 80- 400 K. Alternatively the N-HeliX Duel N2/H2 cryo-cooler can operate from 28 – 300 K, ideal for charge density studies.
Powder X-ray diffraction Equipment
Bruker D8 Advance runs a Cu X-ray source with a Lynx Eye detector. The Advance may be run with the Capillary stage or Flat Plate stage installed for versatility. When the capillary stage is installed, data can be collected from 80 – 500K.
Bruker D8 Series one (Service use only) may also be utilized for analysis of polymeric samples.
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17. Faculty of Science Stores (B42)
Phil Rochester and Nick Smith (Ext: 29369)
Opening Times: 08:30 – 12:30 and 15:00 – 16:30
The Departmental Stores carry a wide range of chemicals, compressed gas cylinders, dry ice, laboratory equipment and stationery. The issuing system is computer based. Advice on how to use the system can be obtained from Stores personnel or the Departmental Finance Office (C34).
17.1. Liquid Nitrogen
The liquid nitrogen dispensing tank is located in the stores delivery yard. The tank itself is strictly out-of-bounds without authorisation. Liquid nitrogen supplies can be obtained by contacting Phil Rochester or Nick Smith (B42c, Ext 29369). Gloves and safety specs are available from stores and must be worn at all times. All new users need to receive training from stores staff and fill in an authorised user form.
17.2. Transport of Chemicals, Compressed Gas Cylinders, Dry Ice and Liquid Nitrogen
It is important that all chemicals and liquid nitrogen are transported safely around the building. Small quantities may be transported by hand, but large quantities should be transported on a trolley. Winchesters (2.5 L bottles) may only be carried around the building using special carriers or on trolleys. Dewars with exposed glass must never be used for transport of refrigerants. The passenger lift must never be used for the transport of chemicals, compressed gas cylinders, dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
17.3. Disposal of Waste Solvent
(Training from Stores staff must be undertaken before disposal)
The waste solvent store is located outside, in the Stores Goods Inwards yard. A key can be obtained from Phil Rochester or Nick Smith but it must be signed for. After disposal into appropriate 200 L drums, i.e.
drum A: halogenated drum B: non-halogenated and oils drum C: mixed drum, halo/non-halo
The store will be checked and any untidiness will have to be attended to by the person who signed for the key.
17.4. General Waste
Situated opposite the Printing Resources Centre is the general waste skip. The skip is an electrical crusher type and instructions on operation can be sought from stores personnel. All old chemical/waste solvent containers for disposal must be cleaned/vented and lids removed. All solvent bottles (2.5 L) must be cleaned/vented and lids removed before depositing into a glass recycling cage. All labels are to be marked with a large X to show this has been done. The cage is located in the Stores Delivery yard.
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17.5. Disposal of Sharps
Each laboratory must purchase a small sharps container. When this is full it should be taken to stores and placed in the large yellow receptacle for safe disposal.
17.6. Disposal and Recycling of Cardboard/Catalogues
Located in Stores is a general waste cardboard/catalogue receptacle. Please flatten all cartons before deposit.
17.7. Disposal and Recycling of Toner/Print Cartridges
Waste Management legislation requires the University to check licences and keep paperwork for several years for disposal/recycling of print cartridges. Please take all old toner/print cartridges to Stores. This will ensure the Chemistry Department meets its legal requirements. All items for disposal must be added to an auditable database
17.8. Disposal of Electrical Equipment
All electrical equipment for disposal should be taken to Stores. This will ensure disposal in line with WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) regulations.
All items for disposal must be removed from the University asset register. This should be done by the technician responsible for your area.
All old batteries must be taken to Stores for disposal into the correct/safe waste stream. DO NOT throw any batteries or electrical equipment into the waste bins or general waste skip.
17.9. Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Yellow boxes (for anatomical/prions) for incineration. Orange boxes (for GM/infectious) for treatment Yellow bags with black stripe (for offensive waste) for secure landfill Appropriate labels filled in and attached to these containers.
The containers and need to be purchased from stores (labels are free) and when full returned to stores for disposal into the correct waste stream. This will ensure the Chemistry Department meets all legal requirements.
17.10. Disposal of Clean/Contaminated Glassware
(Training from Stores staff must be undertaken before disposal)
There is a waste receptacle in the stores delivery yard for clean waste glassware. All old chemical/waste solvent containers for disposal must be cleaned/vented and lids removed. All solvent bottles (2.5 L) must be cleaned/vented and lids removed before depositing into a glass recycling cage. All labels are to be marked with a large X to show this has been done. The cage is located in the Stores Delivery yard.
All unclean waste glassware must be placed in the relevant receptacle in the dry chemical waste store located next to the waste solvent store.
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18. Computer Facilities
The University provides many computer facilities, including one in the Chemistry Department. Here is a useful links:
● A-Z of CICS services (university computers, connecting your own computer, software, security, help, and more) http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/students .
18.1. Apple Macintosh Computers
The University has 3000 Macs registered on the network, and more belonging to staff and students at home. This represents 10% of computers at the University. For more information for Mac users please see http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/mac .
18.2. Chemistry Software
● ChemDraw (Mac and PC versions). We have a site license that entitles anyone with @sheffield.ac.uk email address, regardless of their graduate, postgraduate or staff status at the University of Sheffield, to download and install ChemDraw. ChemDraw is probably the industry standard for drawing chemical structures and you will certainly need it throughout your career in Sheffield. See http://www.cambridgesoft.com/
● CrystalMaker (Mac and PC versions). We have a site license that gives unlimited use of the software by members of the Department of Chemistry for CrystalMaker, CrystalDiffract, and SingleCrystal. Again you will certainly need it throughout your career in Sheffield.
● SciFinder Scholar Web. Further information about SciFinder Scholar web can be found at http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/cdfiles/scifinderweb.html . It is necessary to connect via MUSE - this is the standard way to verify legitimate access to the university's electronic resources (journals, databases, etc). You will then need to register to use SciFinder web version. Instructions are on library web site link above.
● Jmol (an open-source Java viewer for chemical structures in 3D, any platform, also good to embed structures in web pages).
18.3. Computers in the Chemistry Building
These are located in the Dainton Building in Rooms G4. More information can be found at http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/computers/dainton .
Please note these are clean areas and you may not bring lab coats of lab chemicals into these rooms. There are many other facilities around the campus area and you are referred to the Computing Services web site for details http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/computers .
18.4. Storing your Work
You are strongly recommended to keep copies of important work on your file server. Zip disks are usually reliable but not current. You can use USB Hard Disks (Memory Sticks, but not reliable for backups and easy to lose), and some Managed PCs have writeable disk drives for CD disks. It is up to you to protect your work. Crashed disks or lost data will not be allowed as grounds for not handing in work on time! For further information please see http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/filestore/index .
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18.5. Email
Your registration in Sheffield gives you access to email via Google Mail. To access your email log into MUSE and click the Google Apps icon. More information can be found at http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/email .
The Department will communicate with you regularly by email, so please check your email on a regular basis (daily). The Department will not communicate with you via any email addresses other than your university account. The University sets an email quota limit for each user. If you exceed this, email messages sent to you will be delayed. Please clear out your email store regularly.
18.6. MUSE
To access your online IT services, click the Log in to MUSE link at the top of any standard University web page. Your online IT services are then available to you via a My Services menu. MUSE is designed to give students personalised access to the University's online resources from anywhere in the world. It offers a set of services to enhance learning and improve productivity, e.g.:
● you can send and receive emails using the Google Mail email service
● access your file-store easily from off campus
● access Google Drive
● Google Calendar
Further information can be found at http://www.shef.ac.uk/cics/muse.
18.7. Google Calendar
A departmental Calendar of events, deadlines etc. has been set up for Chemistry postgraduate research students and you will be added to the Calendar. If you do not have access then please email [email protected]
18.8. Printing, Photocopying and Scanning
CiCS provides 'follow-me' printing for staff and students. You can print from any computer and collect from hundreds of printers in public areas around campus. You need to swipe your UCard through the card reader to release your printing and to photocopy or to scan documents.
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19. Workshop Facilities
19.1. IT Support (C28)
(Ext: 29305)
Opening Times: 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00
A departmental facility to assist with all IT support. Technician time is provided by the department; material costs are charged to academic supervisor’s funds.
19.2. Glass Workshop (B35)
Daniel Jackson (Ext: 29377)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30
Facilities are available for the design, manufacture and repair of glassware. Technician time is provided by the department; material costs are charged to the academic supervisor funds.
*No contaminated glassware will be worked upon.
19.3. Chemistry Mechanical Engineering (B13) and Electronic Workshop (C27)
Garry Turner (Ext: 29523)
Opening Times: 09:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 16:00
A “request” form, available from the Mechanical Workshop or Chemistry Finance Office (C34), has to be completed and then signed by the academic supervisor before forwarding to Mrs Louise Brown-Leng, Departmental Administrator, for countersigning. The completed and duly signed form will then be passed to the Mechanical Engineering Workshop for action. Technician time is provided by the department; material costs are charged to the academic supervisor funds.
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20. Chemistry Finance Office (C34)
Denise Richards (Ext: 29340)
Opening Times: 09:00 – 12:30
Advice on maintenance grants, tuition fees, learned society visits, and the Departmental ordering system can be obtained from Denise Richards and Tom Purcell.
21. The Common Room (G12)
Ellise Oxley (Ext: 29533)
Opening Times: 10:15 – 11:15, 12:30 – 13:15 and 15:00 – 16:00
Tea, coffee, soft drinks and confectionery are served Mondays to Fridays. Postgraduates are welcome to use this room.
Please be considerate in your use of this room.
Please keep the room tidy by depositing your waste into the bins provided and returning used cups to the serving hatch.
Undergraduates are not permitted into this room, but 4th year undergraduate project students are exempt from this ruling when accompanied by postgraduates or staff.
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22. Maintenance of Working Areas - Cleaning Rota
The cleaning rota within the Department has been established to bring structure into the way the labs are maintained, avoiding any degeneration of the fabric due to lack of housekeeping and helping keep the working areas within the required safety levels needed to meet HSE standards. The main areas fall into 5 categories, all requiring different levels and frequency of cleaning.
The arrangements are:
1. Synthetic Labs 1 monthly clean up
2. Instrument rooms 4 monthly clean up
3. Teaching areas Summer vacation clean up
4. Write up rooms Summer vacation clean up
5. Office space Discretion of occupant
The laboratory areas have a technician allocated to them who will provide cleaning materials, trolleys and basic assistance. The technician will also attempt to correlate cleaning services and filter/sock changes for their area. It is NOT the job of the technician to clean up other people’s mess.
Each researcher is responsible for cleaning his/her own personal working space.
There are over 30 rooms in the Department which fall into category 1. These are the areas in most need of regular attention and clearly cannot be cleaned all at the same time, therefore a monthly rota is circulated which identifies the room, the date to be cleaned and the relevant technician’s initials. Instrument rooms should be cleaned at vacation times (i.e. Christmas, Easter, Summer).
22.1. Good Housekeeping Guide
A monthly rota does not mean the day to day upkeep of the lab should be neglected. In particular, putting things away (particularly solvents) and removal of clutter needs daily attention. Waste solvents should be emptied regularly and waste bins when they are no more than ¾ full.
The main points to address are:
1. Bench space and fume cupboards should be cleared and wiped down by the person responsible for that space.
2. Used glassware should be cleaned and any equipment lying around put back into storage.
3. Waste solvents disposed of.
4. All bins emptied.
5. Combustible materials & empty boxes removed.
6. Fridges and freezers defrosted (if needed) and the contents checked (are they still needed? Adequately labelled?).
7. Any electrical equipment that needs repair or testing should go to the technician for attention.
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Where a person is going to be absent from the lab, they should clean their space in advance. Undergraduate project students must maintain their areas. Common sense should be used with large, semi-permanent equipment or on-going experiments (i.e. can they be cleaned in situ?). Where the schedule is interrupted by Bank Holidays/conferences, the clean-up should be completed before the break.
The cleaning schedule is a mandatory operation for ALL persons involved in active, practical research.
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Postgraduate Code of Conduct
The “Postgraduate Code of Conduct” was put-together by postgraduate students, for postgraduate students.
● Students are expected to be working a minimum of 37.5-hour week as if in industry. These hours are to be flexible and in this time you should be covering laboratory work, reading and any writing.
● Students are expected to wear a lab coat and safety specs in the lab at all times.
● Social networking sites and online gaming are not acceptable practise within working hours.
● Students should prepare for and attend a scheduled 1:1 meeting with their supervisor at least once a month covering progress and future work.
● Students should deposit a copy of their monthly progress report in their supervisor’s folder on Google Drive.
● Students should be attending departmental and cluster seminars on a regular basis.
● Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions after seminars.
● Students are required to attend all postgraduate presentations in their research cluster.
● Group meetings should be occurring on a weekly basis for at least an hour and should include both progress and literature (smaller groups could meet less regularly or preferably amalgamate into a larger group with other smaller groups doing similar research in their cluster).
● Students are encouraged to be checking literature on a weekly basis. This may be aided by the use of Zotero which shows papers in similar areas or by the same author.
● Students should familiarize themselves with citation managers such as Endnote and typesetting systems such as Latex as early on into their PhD as possible.
● Students should make sure they always lock up the lab and office after themselves if they are the last to leave or are leaving the area unattended and should make sure computers and other electrical equipment and any unmarked reactions are turned off overnight.
● Students should leave write up areas clean and tidy at all times.
● It is common courtesy expected of students using the lab to return all chemicals, glassware and equipment promptly to where they took it from and to keep glassware and lab areas clean and tidy.
● Students are expected to provide their supervisors with original laboratory books, spectra etc. on completion of their PhD.
Signature: Date:
Name:
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM TO THE DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE (C70)
Postgraduate Research Student Handbook - 2017/2018 edition
Postgraduate Research Student Handbook - 2017/2018 edition
Module CHM6105 Attendance Form (2017/2018)
Name Completion of this module is COMPULSORY.
Name of Training Session Date
Attended
Signature of Course Organiser
COSHH lecture given by Elaine Frary
Departmental Safety lecture given by Richard Wilkinson
SciFinder Scholar Training Session
Departmental Services (Sharon Curl)
First Month Meeting with Independent Advisor
10-12 Month Talk (Chemistry Departmental Office)
12 Month Confirmation Review Report & Viva (Chemistry Departmental Office)
TNA form Check (At your 12-month viva with Independent Advisor)
Google Drive Supervisory Meeting Records Check (Chemistry Departmental Office)
18-24 Month Faculty of Science Graduate School PGR Poster (Chemistry Departmental Office)
Google Drive Supervisory Meeting Records Check (Chemistry Departmental Office)
3rd Year Talk (Chemistry Departmental Office)
30 Month Draft Paper (submit to your supervisor)
30 Month Thesis Plan Check (Submit to Chemistry Departmental Office for checking by Postgraduate Research Tutor)
Google Drive Supervisory Meeting Records Check (Chemistry Departmental Office)
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE (C70) AS SOON AS YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF TRAINING COURSES.
Postgraduate Research Tutor Signature ………………………………
