Physical Organic Chemistry – (Ph.D.)

The Physical Organic research group is housed in newly constructed, state-of-the-art laboratories within the School of Chemistry. The topics being investigated are extremely wide ranging, stretching from the understanding and exploitation of proteins synthesised with non-natural amino acids at selected sites, through the development of new methods for catalysing reactions, to the photochemical reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Underpinning this breadth of applications is the detailed, quantitative understanding of the fundamental properties and reactions of organic molecules.

The techniques used in the research are as widely varying as the topics being studied. Theoretical methods include electronicstructure theory, molecular dynamics simulations, and integration of complex kinetic equations. In the laboratory, the research may involve organic synthesis, molecular biology, calorimetry, or flash photolysis. MPhil and PhD students involved in this work can expect to receive a broad and interdisciplinary training that is highly marketable in a wide variety of chemistry-related careers.

Available Research Areas:
* Fundamental studies of kinetics and dynamics of organic reactions.
* Design and synthesis of sequence-specific DNA biosensors.
* Design and synthesis of novel proteins, containing non-natural amino acids.
* Design and synthesis of renewable reagents for photochemical CO2 reduction.
* Study of reaction mechanisms of homogeneous catalysts.