Chemistry Undergraduate Summer Research Project
Applications are not open yet
In this six-week course you will work with University academics to complete an independent research project in Chemistry. Guided by your supervisor, you will be lab-based, carrying out experiments and conducting tests to support your research. You will learn new practical skills and techniques, and gain experience of analysing data. You will also attend weekly research seminars, developing your research skills and knowledge, and immersing yourself in International Summer School research community.
Your project will see you using University’s outstanding research facilities, as well as working with our world-class academic staff. You will work closely with your supervisor to produce a scientific report and give an oral presentation of your work to your peers.
To begin with, you will prepare a summary of the known literature around your project in collaboration with your supervisor. You will get to know, analyse and evaluate the literature related to your project, and develop the skills required to carry out research in your specialist area.
A range of research topics are available. You will be required to indicate your top three choices on your application.
Please note: Places on this course are extremely limited and applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis. If demand dictates, we will open a waiting list for this course. For more information, please contact us: internationalsummerschools@glasgow.ac.uk.
Students from Arcadia University and the University of Minnesota should apply via this webpage.
Applications are not open yet
Key information
Course Length: Six weeks
Arrival Date: Thursday 19th June 2025
Orientation Date: Friday 20th June 2025
Course Starts: Monday 23rd June 2025
Course Ends: Friday 1st August 2025
Accomodation check out: Saturday 2nd August 2025
Credits: 24
Tuition Fee: TBC
Accomodation Cost: TBC
Application Deadline: April 2025
What you will learn
Course aim:
To provide an opportunity to undertake a research project and present the results both in the form of a research article and as an oral presentation.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Prepare a preliminary list of goals to be achieved during the project in collaboration with your project supervisor.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the literature related to the research project.
- Demonstrate research skills appropriate to the area of specialisation.
- Deliver a short talk, giving the background to the project and summarising its key outcomes.
- Write a cogent, clear and concise written report summarising their findings and/or the state of research in your chosen field.
Teaching pattern
Full time for 6 weeks, lab-based.
Entry requirements
- GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- You should be currently enrolled at an international higher education institution.
- You should be a Chemistry major (or a related subject).
If your first language is not English, you must meet our minimum proficiency level:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) overall score of 6.0, with no sub test less than 5.5 (if English is not an applicant’s first language) and a GPA of not less than 3.0
- We also accept equivalent scores in other recognised qualifications such as ibTOEFL, CAE, CPE and more.
Research Projects 2025
1. Supramolecular Preconcentrators - Dr Alex Loch
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/alexloch/
This project focuses on developing supramolecular preconcentrators—devices designed to capture, concentrate, and release chemical vapors for later identification. Constructed from a supramolecular scaffold structure, these preconcentrators function like “sponges,” absorbing hazardous chemicals from the environment for subsequent release and detection. The project will involve evaluating various preconcentrator materials to assess their efficiency and suitability for concentrating 'real-world' hazardous chemicals.
2. Steroid Targets: New Sensor Combinations - Dr Will Peveler
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/williampeveler/
The project will involve building and screening new sensor combinations for a variety of steroid targets, and the researcher will receive hands on training and experience with state-of-the-art automated and high-throughput pipetting and measurement (fluorescence plate reading) systems. The researcher will then undertake the statistical analysis (as well as machine learning) on the output data (Excel, JMP, and related packages). There is also scope for undertaking a degree of modelling of the supramolecular system (in MATLAB) as well as some chemical synthesis to create new fluorophores to be included in the sensing system.
3. Single Molecule Spectroscopy of Light Emitting Polymers: Dr Gordon Hedley
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/gordonhedley/
Single Molecule Spectroscopy of Light Emitting Polymers: Watching Energy Flow in Single Chains: In this project you will work in our optical lab to measure the light emitted by single polymer chains on our microscope. By measuring the photons one by one the quantum behaviour of the excited states can be observed and how they move along the chain and interact with each other.
4. Bicyclic peptides: Prof Andrew Jamieson
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/andrewjamieson/
Bicyclic peptides are commonplace in nature, often exhibiting unique therapeutic advantages over non- and mono-cyclic peptides. It is well known that the cyclisation of peptides improves a broad range of pharmacokinetics, helping to improve the drug properties of peptide molecules. The focus of our work is to examine and compare linear and singular cyclised triazole containing peptides, with bicyclic cyclised triazole peptides. Specifically, we will be employing a completely novel bicyclic tethering methodology, promising to produce exciting and interesting results. Upon completion of peptide synthesis, we will be investigating the effect this added structural rigidity has on peptide activity, stability and secondary structure.
5. Gels for encapsulation and release - Prof Dave Adams
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/daveadams/
We are investigating the use of gels formed by the self-assembly of small peptides to trap and protect a range of active molecules. We can then release the active molecule mechanically by pressing through a syringe filter. This traps the gel network, but release the trapped molecule. Here we will examine how effective this method is for encapsulating new types of species. The project will involve the preparation and characterisation of gels using rheology, as well as monitoring the efficiency of release using spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis.
6. Colour Changing/Chromic Film Testing - Prof Emily Draper
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/emilydraper/
We are working on colour changing or chromic films made from small self-assembling dyes. These materials are aiming to replace metal-based alternatives in applications such as Smart Windows, sensors, privacy glass and displays. The project will look at synthesizing these materials in water, preparing thin films and testing their chromic behaviour in different temperatures and humidity conditions. This data is vital in the performance of the materials and is a key indicator of how they will work in the real world.
Dr Cosma Gottardi: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/cosmagottardi/
Project TBC
Hessam Mehr: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/staff/hessammehr/
Project TBC