Chemical Engineering: Fully Funded KESS II MSc by Research Scholarship: An electrochemical biosensor for in-situ detection of methyl-isoborneol (MIB) in water
\This scholarships is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) programme for East Wales.\**
Start date: October 2021
Methyl-isoborneol (MIB) is a naturally occurring compound released in water when algae die off. Its occurrence in drinking water results in customer complaints and unsatisfaction due to the unpleasant taste that MIB imparts to the water. The raw water concentrations can reach up to 800 ng/L whilst the taste threshold concentrations are extremely low ranging from 4 to 15 ng/L depending on the individual. The current methods for MIB detection rely on complicated protocols that involve several steps including sampling, sample preparation (e.g. extraction), and off-site analysis using very expensive laboratory equipment making MIB analysis time-consuming, labour intensive, and expensive. Therefore, an alternative highly selective and sensitive method for in-situ detection of MIB at the ng/L levels is highly desirable.
This project will develop a single ultrafast biosensor for in-situ detection of MIB using various electrochemical methods. Low cost carbon sensor electrodes with properties of enhanced electron transfer and surface area will be fabricated using flexographic printing. More importantly, specific innovations are embodied in the novel implementation of non-conventional metal porphyrins as recognition elements. They will generate characteristic electrochemical signals upon interaction with MIB in water that are distinct from those caused by non-specific adsorption. This will provide an essential step towards label free, direct and easy-to-use in situ monitoring devices.
Scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners including SMEs and micro companies, as well as public and third sector organisations. The scholarship provides 1 year funding with a 3 month period to complete the thesis. The achievement of a postgraduate skills development award, PSDA, is compulsory for each KESS II scholar and is based on a 40 credit award.
Eligibility
Candidates should have a 2.1 or above in their undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Engineering or a related subject.
They should also be eligible for UK Fees
(see http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/Fees-and-Money/Wales-fee-status for more information).
We would normally expect the academic and English Language requirements to be met by point of application. For details on the University’s English Language entry requirements, please visit –
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/englishlanguagerequirements/
For this scholarship students must also have:
a home address in East Wales (details below)\* at the time of registration and enrolment
the right to take up paid work in the East Wales Area\* on completion of the scholarship
\East Wales area covers: Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff, Newport, Monmouthshire, Powys, Wrexham and Flintshire.
Benefits
The studentship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees, plus a stipend. The bursary will be limited to a maximum of £11,937 p.a. dependent upon the applicant’s financial circumstances.
There will also be additional funds available for research expenses.
Please note that students receiving KESS II support are not eligible for Postgraduate Master’s Degree loan.
Application
Please visit our website for more information.
