MChem Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry
• Structure & Bonding
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

• mathematical functions
• differentiation
• integration
• complex numbers
• matrices & vectors

You can select elective classes from the University if you have the appropriate entrance qualifications, there are places available, and the times do not clash with compulsory chemistry classes.

Subjects are available in Science, Engineering, Business, Arts & Humanities.

Chemistry students are provided with a list of classes where the timetable is suitable, although other options are also available. Students often choose a language class, or Introduction to Forensic Science as an elective.

This module covers the fundamental principles of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. It develops competence in the interpretation of spectra and your awareness of the role of spectroscopic techniques. It will also develop knowledge of reactions, including substitution and elimination, aromatic and alicyclic chemistry through understanding of mechanisms and appreciation of the role of reactivity in organic chemistry.

This class provides a broad knowledge of the important concepts in Thermodynamics, investigating the major features as applied to chemical systems. Topics include:

• the importance of reaction rates in chemical systems
• concepts of the electrode/solution interface
• equilibrium and electron transfer kinetics
• mass transport
• the composition & utilisation of fossil fuels with their environmental pollutants
• nuclear & renewable energy sources

Students have the option to spend third year studying abroad in a sister University in the European Union or the European Free Trade Area.

We're leading practitioners of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), designed to simplify and facilitate the planning and recognition of periods of study in other universities. Additional EU funding under the ERASMUS programme may be available to some students each year to supplement their SAAS grants. There will also be opportunities to spend third year at one of the premier universities in the USA or in Canada, but you will have to find some money towards the costs.

This class provides an understanding of intermolecular forces and their importance in defining key aspects of chemical behaviour and molecular organization. It introduces:

• surface chemistry and the common systems in which it plays a major role
• the electronic structure of atoms and molecules through the prism of quantum chemistry
• group theory and how it can be applied to the determination of the symmetry of molecules and their properties
• the principles of bonding in molecules as described by valence bond and molecular orbital theories

This class teaches modern NMR spectroscopy as it is applied to chemistry. It covers:

• skills for handling and interpreting NMR data for the purposes of chemical structure elucidation
• theoretical basis of the NMR experiment using the vector formalism
• reactivities of organic molecules
• organic syntheses using the disconnection approach
• synthesis and reactivities of electron-poor and electron-rich heterocyclic molecules

It provides an insight into the role of computational chemistry in chemical research and training in the use of modern computational chemistry software.

You'll conduct experiments in physical and applied chemistry and in chemistry relating to drug discovery, gaining practical experience of theoretic aspects of physical, applied and synthetic medicinal chemistry covered in lectures.

You'll develop laboratory skills, and skills in: physical chemistry and analytical observation; the use of statistical methods; synthetic medicinal chemistry and analysis; applications of spectroscopy and common instrumental techniques; and the writing of laboratory reports.

This class covers the fundamental analytical methods and advanced theories in chromatography, mass spectrometry and electroseparations.

It introduces the concept of experimental design and its application in analytical, forensic and preparative chemistry, and how to perform analytical calculations and interpret data. The analytical procedures used to identify substances controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, the Medicines Act 1968 and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

You're introduced to methods of clandestine synthesis and how drug profiling can identify the synthetic route used. The pharmacology of drugs of abuse and the various biological matrices used in drug screening will also be described.

• advanced & modern methods in organic synthesis
• synthesis of polymers
• molecular catalysis
• photochemistry  industrial catalysis

Subjects include:

• organic chemistry
• cage & cluster molecules
• environmental chemistry
• interpretative spectroscopy
• transition metal chemistry
• nanochemistry
• understanding molecules & materials

• advanced & modern methods in organic synthesis
• molecular catalysis
• photochemistry & industrial catalysis
• polymers: synthesis & chemical properties
• solid state chemistry
• advanced electrochemistry

Over the course of the year, you'll complete a practical research project relating to your chosen area of chemistry under the supervision of one of our experienced academics, leading to the production of a dissertation.