Undergraduate study 2014 prospectus

Course information

The principles and application of modern chemistry underpin many important UK industries. To meet the needs of employers we ensure that our students are given the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills, including a logical and imaginative approach to problem solving and effective communication skills.

The broad base of the Chemistry course allows students to take up careers in all areas of chemical science as well as non-chemistry careers.

In Years 1 and 2 the main core areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry form the backbone of the course, with additional modules in spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, biological chemistry, mathematics and polymer chemistry.

Laboratory classes and tutorials/workshops/seminars support these lectures. After Year 2, the development of core chemistry continues along with optional topics which include drugs and disease and radiochemistry. In Year 3 you will also undertake an individual research project in a subject area of your choice.

MChem (Hons) and BSc (Hons)

Our courses are orientated towards the practice of chemistry in the world outside the University. Master of Chemistry (MChem) undergraduate courses (4 year or 5 year sandwich) prepare students for research work in industry or a PhD research course. Our 3 year (or 4 year sandwich) BSc equips you for employment in chemistry, scientific and other sectors.

Industrial Placement Year

During this year the time spent in industry, applying knowledge to real problems, learning through practical experience and gaining an insight into the role of the chemist, is exceptionally valuable and is a considerable advantage in the search for subsequent employment. Successful completion of the training qualifies you for the additional award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) on graduation.

Study Abroad

You can take part in the Erasmus European Exchange Programme, enabling you to spend a year at one of our collaborating European Universities such as Spain, Italy, Germany, or Poland. Successful completion qualifies you for the additional award of the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS) on graduation.

Professional Recognition

Graduates from the MChem courses will be eligible for admission to Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC), and in addition will hold a degree accredited for the award of Chartered Chemist (CChem).

This enables MChem graduates to register with the RSC for a two year Professional Development Programme leading to the award of CChem after just three years postgraduate experience. Graduates from our BSc Honours courses are eligible for admission to AMRSC.

Assessment

You are assessed by examination and coursework. MChem students must obtain an average of 50% or above in Years 2 and 3 to progress to the next year of the course.

Your BSc degree classification will be determined by the weighted average of marks obtained in Years 2 and 3 in the ratio 40:60.

Your MChem degree classification will be determined by the weighted average of your marks obtained in years 2, 3 and 4 in the ratio 20:40:40.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course have gone onto further study and research e.g. Cambridge, Nottingham, Oxford, as well as finding employment at Lilly Industries, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, 3M Healthcare, GSK, Johnson Matthey and British Steel.

Course structure

Year 1

• Structure and Reactivity in Inorganic Chemistry
• Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
• Energetics and Rates of Change
• Spectroscopy and the Structure of the Universe
• Stoichiometry and Analytical Measurements
• Mathematics for Chemistry
• Chemical and Phase Equilibria
• Concepts in Main Group Chemistry
• Molecular Basis of Life
• Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

Year 2

• Synthesis of Organic Molecules
• Structure of Organic Molecules
• d-Block Chemistry
• Advanced Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics
• Radiochemistry
• Atomic Spectrometric Analysis
• Inorganic Structure Determination
• p-Block Ligands, Cages and Clusters
• Solutions, Surfaces and Interfaces
• Polymer Chemistry
• Analytical Separation Methods

Year 3

• Advanced Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
• Environmental Chemistry
• Dissertation and Research Project

Plus a choice from:

• Biological Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry Option
• Drugs and Disease
• Synthesis in Drug Discovery
• Physical and Radiochemistry
• Forensic DNA Analysis

Year 4

• Further Aspects of Advanced Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry
• Plus Dissertation and Extended Research Project

Please note that optional modules are subject to availability and timetable permitting.

UCAS codes and entry requirements

The entry requirements for each course should be read alongside the University’s general entrance requirements, which give further details on acceptable subjects, alternative qualifications and minimum English language requirements.

SQA AHScottish Qualifications Authority Advanced Highers IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma DPSDiploma in Professional Studies DISDiploma in Industrial Studies DIntSDiploma in International Studies