MSc (Eng) by Research in Crystallisation and Directed Assembly

University of Leeds

This research group focuses on the application of assembly-based approaches for the generation of new functional materials. When we look at nature, a fundamental feature of many of the materials or matter formed (which range from crystalline solids such as salt, to tightly-packed DNA in chromosomes, functional proteins, bio-membranes, and even macroscopic structures such as bone) is that they display highly organised structures. Interestingly, such materials are often generated by the self-assembly of smaller sub-units, where the composition and geometry of the sub-units dictate how they interact and then assemble. In this way, nature can construct complex materials with remarkable properties that go far beyond that achievable with small molecules.