Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDCHEMST - BSc Chemistry

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 3 YEARS 6 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The Chemistry pathway is intended to allow students 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. Students will also be able 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). The course is designed to be fully inclusive, ensuring that all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment are accessible for all students and promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of the Chemistry. Students will develop knowledge and skills which will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners and be inclusive in their own careers and practice. The course will foster high level reasoning skills and promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). Our graduates will go out into the world as confident, values driven and successful individuals, making a positive contribution to society. Teaching and learning activities are integrated with assessment processes in line with the School of Human Sciences learning and teaching strategy and the Education for Social Justice Framework (ESJF). A blended learning approach is utilised, accommodating different learning styles and enabling students to reach their full potential.


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.

Students will have feedback delivered online and through provision of tutorial questions and answer sessions and other formative exercises such as mock lab reports. Students will also receive feedback on formative coursework assessments.

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.

Course aims

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. This approach will enable students to feel a sense of belonging at London Met and encourage student engagement with their learning and the opportunities offered by the University. It will also give students opportunities to share experiences whilst encouraging reflection on individual values, developing understanding of their response to wider world issues.

Course learning outcomes

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.
11.Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Chemistry (2019)

Assessment strategy

Assessment and feedback are key means through which to engage students in processes that support their development, success and employability, while connecting with their own identities, experiences and cultural capital. The assessment strategy is aligned with those of the School of Human Sciences and the ESJF.


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.


All assessments are second marked by an appropriate member of staff and discussions are held if any discrepancies are highlighted. Once agreed, samples are verified by an external examiner who completes the quality control loop.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

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.

Course specific regulations

All modules are core unless stated. 1st year; CY4071, CY4056, CY4081, CY4063. 2nd year; CY4051, CY4070, CY4061, CY4080. 3rd year; CY5070, CY5072, CY5080, CY5082. 4th year; CY5051, CY5071, CY5062, CY5081. 5th year; CY6053, CY6071, CY6063, CY6081. 6th Year; CY6P01, CY6059, CY6061 (option), CY6062 (default option), CY6084 (option) BE6W67 (option)

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

Modules required for interim awards

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

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

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 CY4080 – Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling and at level 5, CY5062 Spectroscopic Methods. At level 6, CY6P01 Research 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 project competencies section provides students with the opportunities to reflect on their learning, this is also included in the Graduation Statement as part of their PDP submission. The end task is to complete a “mock” job application including CV, cover letter and personal statement.

The option exists for students to undertake an additional 30 credit module CY6W04 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 can also take a 15 credit work placement module BE6W67 which mirrors CY6W04 but is shorter in length.

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.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

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

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

In line with the University Careers Education Framework (CEF), careers, employability and enterprise information and guidance is provided to students in a timely manner, to facilitate students taking maximum advantage of extra-curricular opportunities and help to develop, student self-awareness, self-belief and confidence to achieve realistic career goals.


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.

Career opportunities

You’ll leave this course ready to pursue a career in the high-technology, science-based industries.

Our chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences graduates have gone on to careers as research technicians, science teachers, clinical trials assistants, pharmacy technicians, sterile specialists and product development technologists at companies such as Batelle UK, St Pancras Clinical Research, Teva and Unilever.

Entry requirements

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

  • a minimum of 112 points from A levels including a C in Chemistry, or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

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 our Chemistry (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) or Sciences (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

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

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes F100 (Chemistry): 100%
Route code CHEMST

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BE4055 Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sci... Core 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
CY4051 General Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
CY4056 Foundations of Physics Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
CY4061 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CY4070 Introduction to Laboratory Skills Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
CY4071 Fundamental Chemical Concepts Core 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
CY4080 Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
CY4081 Key Principles in Chemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR MON AM

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CY5051 Quantitative Analysis Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
CY5062 Spectroscopic Methods Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
CY5070 Organic Unsaturated Molecules Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
CY5071 Coordination and solution chemistry of d and f ... Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
CY5072 Kinetics and Surface Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
CY5080 Organic Ring Systems Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
CY5081 Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
CY5082 Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CY6053 Advanced Organic Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
CY6059 Advanced Physical Chemistry Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
CY6063 Medicinal Chemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CY6071 Advanced Inorganic Techniques Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
CY6081 Topics in Inorganic Chemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
CY6P01 Research Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
BE6W67 Work Placement (for Life Sciences) Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  
CY6061 Advanced Bioanalytical Science Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
CY6084 Programming for Science Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
CY6W04 Sandwich Placement Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR NA  
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA