Undergraduate study 2014 prospectus

Course information

The search for new drugs to combat serious ailments such as cancer, heart disease and AIDS remains an exciting challenge at the forefront of medical research.

The pharmaceutical industry has a need for highly skilled graduates with a strong background in organic chemistry, coupled with a broad understanding of pharmacology and related biochemical areas.

This course offers you the opportunity to study chemistry as a major subject in courses which also contain subjects allied to the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Year 1 provides you with a sound basis of the core areas.

In Year 2 increasing emphasis is put on subjects allied to the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The biological modules do not depend on a background of biology.

After Year 2 you can take advantage of the industrial placement scheme. In Years 3 and 4 specialism is further evident and you will undertake a research project on a topic in biological organic chemistry.

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 and becoming a Chartered Chemist

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

Recent graduates have gone on to become: Medicinal Chemists (Novel Drug Synthesis), Product and Process Development Chemists, Bioanalysts (analytical aspects of drug metabolism, kinetics, validation of medicinal products), Forensic Scientists, Formulation Scientists, Clinical Research Associates (liaison and practical aspects of clinical trials), Product Registration Officers, Pharmacologists and Microbiologists, Drug Marketing and Sales.

Many graduates continue their education and training to become: International Law Patent Officers, Accountants, Researchers and Teachers (in universities and schools).

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
• Cell Structure and Biochemistry
• Drug Action and Presentation
• d-Block Chemistry
• Radiochemistry
• Inorganic Structure Determination
• Solutions, Surfaces and Interfaces
• Analytical Separation Methods
• p-Block Ligands, Cages and Clusters

Year 3

• Advanced Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry
• Dissertation and Research Project
• Drugs and Disease
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
• Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism
• Biological Organic Chemistry or Synthesis in Drug Discovery

Year 4

• Further Aspects of Advanced Analytical, Inorganic, 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