UDCHEMST - BSc Chemistry

The Chemistry pathway is intended to integrate the fundamentals of chemistry and the biological sciences to produce graduates with the ability to design and use molecules to accomplish specific diagnostic and curative tasks, to develop materials for industrial and biomedical uses and to develop analytical strategies for measuring appropriate parameters for a wide range of applications in the characterisation of individual molecules and of complex systems. The material will be delivered by a range of mechanisms designed to allow the student to maximise the use of their preferred learning style (traditional lecture/tutorial sessions, guided independent learning, use of IT-based material such as VLOs, peer-assisted sessions).

Utilisation of the University’s VLE, WebLearn has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning. Online progress tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Exams in several modules are delivered as online exams.

Feedback will be delivered online and through provision of tutorial questions and answer sessions and other formative exercises.

Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Assessment of Data handling skills are embedded in practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations.

The level 6 Research Project provides the ultimate measure of experimental and other practical skills. The excellent Science Centre also provides an unrivalled facility in which to carry out the level 6 Research Project module. BSc project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a viva exam, designed to allow the student to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding.

Students have access to the Learning Centre situated on the North campus. This has recently been comprehensively refurbished. It provides specific group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive and regularly reviewed range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. In addition, there ‘all access’ areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge in Benwell Road and the newly fitted interactive teaching spaces in the Roding building. These areas come with comfortable seating and IT facilities.

As a science course, one of the principal aims is to improve the students’ understanding of the underlying theoretical constructs underpinning modern chemical innovation. The course also aims to explore the influence of molecular structure on the properties of materials. Students will also develop an awareness of the mechanisms involved in chemical reactions. Apart from theoretical considerations, the course aims to enhance the intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of chemical data in order to produce a competent and employable laboratory-based scientist. More generally, the course aims to develop an awareness of the ethical implications of modern scientific work and develop skills of self-evaluation and analysis to enhance career development.

On the BSc Chemistry, the QAA outcomes for Chemistry have been referred to generate the generic area(s) for each specific outcome.
The learning outcomes for the BSc Chemistry course are as follows.
By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:
1. A knowledge and understanding of the physical and chemical properties of elements and compounds and the ability to analyse critically how they react and interact on a molecular basis;
2. A knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques and the ability to apply these techniques in the determination of the structure of a compound and/or the composition of a specified sample;
3. The practical skills necessary to safely carry out experiments such as might be required of a competent professional chemist viz the ability to devise and carry out reactions to synthesise specified compounds and to identify and perform the analytical measurements needed to characterise multi-component systems;
4. The analytical skills to interpret results obtained from experimental work and draw appropriate conclusions as to requirements for future work;
5. An understanding of the application of mathematical systems to model the behaviour of chemical systems and the ability to employ these to solve specific problems.
6. A knowledge and understanding of the diverse modern industrial applications of chemistry and of the role of the chemist in Industry.
7. The ability to analyse different situations and devise approaches to solving problems showing a high level of understanding and reasoning and providing their own interpretation of information;
8. The analytical skills to provide a realistic assessment of their own level of achievement and devise strategies for ensure their personal development is fitted to their career goals.
9 The ability to communicate a subject clearly and accurately orally, and in a variety of forms of written English;
10. Employ a full range of investigative skills which can be applied to any set task; use analytical and reviewing skills in order to produce accurate summaries based on a body of literature.

Laboratory Science CY4001
General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry CY4002
Concepts in Chemistry CY4005
Foundations of Physics CY4056
Molecular Biology CY4063
Organic Chemistry CY5008
Inorganic Chemistry CY5009
Physical Chemistry CY5010
Quantitative Analysis CY5051
Spectroscopic Methods CY5062
Research Project CY6P01
Advanced Inorganic and Materials Chemistry CY6010
Advanced Organic Chemistry CY6054
Advanced Physical Chemistry CY6059
Medicinal Chemistry CY6063
Advanced Bioanalytical Science CY6061
Atomic & Molecular Spectra CY6062
Work Placement CY6W54
Sandwich Placement CY6W04

Learning Outcomes cover LO1-10

Chemistry (2014)

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation.
Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.
Formative assessments include group activities in tutorial classes, mini-tests and project workshops.

The course includes the option to take either a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 6 or a 30 credit Sandwich Placement module between level 5 and level 6. Students are not allowed to register for both these modules.

The course conforms to both the University’s Undergraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations.

The cores for the award of BSc (Hons) are listed in section 22. For intermediate awards, any combination of the modules from the course spec would be appropriate.

During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Undergraduate Skills which constitute much of the substance of personal development planning. Students will undertake to produce their personal development plan (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP can include other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life.

PDP is designed to allow students to articulate the skills developed during their undergraduate career and encourages them to critically reflect on their learning experience, to set new personal and academic goals and evaluate progress made in achieving those goals. PDP activities will be specifically incorporated into core modules on the course to ensure all students undertake reflective practises throughout their course of study.

Progress with Undergraduate Skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This will be of benefit throughout their future career. One module at each level will be used to specifically develop employability and reflective activities. At level 4 this is CH4001 – Laboratory Science and at level 5, CH5007 Bioanalytical Techniques I. At level 6, CH6P01 The final year project is used – which requires research of the topic, planning and executing practical activities, analysis of results and re-evaluation of the direction of the work provides an appropriate forum to emphasise the importance of reflection and of the skills (both transferable and subject-specific) gained during the course.

The option exists for students to undertake an additional 30 credit module CH6W04 Sandwich Placement module to enhance employability. This would normally be undertaken between level 5 and 6, this would extend the period of study to four years. For part-time students in appropriate employment they can complete the module over an extended period during their degree rather than take a year out.

Students at all levels will take part in tutorials designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.

The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) to give partial exemption from the requirements for Chartered Chemist status.

Our graduates have taken up employment in the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry, in research, in public health, in forensic science and in a range of areas not directly related to their degree. Graduates have also opted for further training in education, research, medicine and even accountancy.

You’ll leave this course ready to pursue a career in the high-technology, science-based industries. You could choose to work in sectors such as education or healthcare, with roles such as developer, lab technician and researcher on offer.

Many of our previous graduates are now employed by companies such as Mundipharma Research. Others have gone on to postgraduate study.

You’ll also develop the IT, research and analytical skills that are valued by employers in many different industries such as finance and commerce.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• a minimum of grades BCC from three A levels including grade C or above in Chemistry (or a minimum of 104 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

Entry from appropriate foundation or access courses will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Chemistry Extended Degree BSc (Hons).

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.