M.Sci. Chemistry

Entry requirements	Course code
AAB at A-level including Chemistry grade B and one other Science subject.	F105, MSci/CHM

This 4 year programme leads to a Masters level MSci undergraduate qualification in chemistry, and is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It allows for in-depth subject specific knowledge and opportunities to specialise in a number of areas at the leading-edge of the subject. In the process students are encouraged to develop problem solving and reflective working practices to encourage both subject specific and generic attributes suitable for a range of career paths.

Many of the elements of the first three years are in common with the B.Sc. Chemistry programme, and there are opportunities to transfer between the two pathways subject to meeting the appropriate programme requirements. As with all programmes within the School, each year of the degree programmes is comprised of six full modules.

Year 1: In the first semester, chemistry students study a common programme with the Chemical Engineers, giving them an understanding of how the two subjects relate to each other and an opportunity to transfer if they decide they are better suited to the other discipline. Key to this is a course structure permitting students to study both introductory Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, alongside a couple of skills modules equipping students to proceed on either degree programme. In the second semester, chemistry students then take three modules covering the main fundamental subject areas; inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

Year 2: Students are required to take six modules of chemistry, designed to extend their knowledge of the traditional subject areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, in addition to introducing aspects of applied chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. Each of the modules contain both practical and coursework components allowing students to develop, practice and demonstrate a wide range of professional skills.

Year 3: In addition to advancing the three main subject areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, students can also can select a number of applied options permitting opportunities to specialise. In addition, students take a series of three extended mini-projects in each of the core subject areas making up a double weighted module. This allows opportunities to experience research-informed experiments designed to encourage students to exercise safe working practices, critical analysis, and experimental design skills. It also provides students with experience to help them choose which subject area they may wish to pursue in their final year research project.

Year 4: At the highest level, students are given the opportunity to specialise by selecting just three taught modules at the forefront of current research. Currently students can select subjects from the traditional disciplines of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry alongside an applied options course (new for 2012), although these are subject to change depending on the research interests available in the School. The main contribution to the final year marks (50% of the year) is through the extended research project, within one of the School’s research clusters, under the supervision of a recognised expert within their discipline.

 

For more details please contact: Dr G. Sheldrake (Chemistry Admissions).