Postgraduate Taught Degrees

Graduate Diploma Chemical Sciences

Duration:: 1 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Graduate Diploma
School of Study:: Chemistry
Brochure:: Faculty of Science Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
Apply

Chemical scientists are increasingly in demand in many industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, electronics and aerospace sectors.

Chemistry underpins research and development in areas where the demands of contemporary research are such that training up to and beyond honours degree level is becoming increasingly necessary. The Graduate Diploma in Chemical Sciences is designed for students whose first degree does not fulfil the requirements for direct entry to further graduate study, such as an MSc or PhD programme in Chemistry.

The Graduate diploma course comprises a combination of lecture, laboratory and project modules. The modules available are drawn from the School’s extensive undergraduate teaching programme. The course content is tailored individually for you to build on your previous chemistry background in order to prepare you for further graduate study. You will have the opportunity to study organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biological chemistry modules within the School of Chemistry which has a long-standing tradition of training graduate students. The Graduate Diploma will also provide you with a wealth of transferable skills, meaning you will be well equipped to enter directly into a career if further graduate study is not for you. You will acquire excellent skills and training in problem solving, numeracy, communication, creativity, team working, time management and data analysis.

Course Structure: The programme is 45 weeks long. Students take typically five to six tested general and advanced level lecture courses (some with associated practical training) and often join one of the internationally recognised research teams in the School to undertake an original research project.

Course Organiser:Dr. Nick Le Brun

100% of research activity classified as internationally leading, excellent or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
The School has recently undergone a £9 million redevelopment programme involving upgrading laboratories and installing new equipment.
Research opportunities exist in all core areas, from theoretical chemistry to natural product biosynthesis, and energy materials to protein biochemistry.
A close relationship with other UEA science Schools and the Institutes of the Norwich Research Park (NRP) provides research opportunities in food and plant related science, health, chemical and structural biology, bioanalysis and biotechnology.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

Year 1

Option A Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY	CHE-3H24	10
This unit provides a detailed account of more advanced and specialised methods of vibrational spectroscopy. It introduces the theory and practice of using chemometric approaches to make sense of large and complex analytical data sets, with reference to problems in food science and food analysis. It concludes with a section on the design, operation and use of chemical sensors and biosensors.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY	CHE-2F7Y	20
The unit is an introduction to aspects of physical chemistry relevant to biology. Topics include: protein structure and stability,interatomic and intermolecular forces and their influence on biomoloecluar structure, X-ray crystallography, electronic, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopies, hydrodynamic techniques, ligand binding to macromolecules, and enzyme kinetics. The coursework involves practical laboratory work and course tests. Students are required to have taken on of the laboratory units CHE-1C0Y, CHE-1E0Y or CHE-1H0Y in addition to the PP/PS units above, before taking this unit.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LABORATORY	CHE-2H04	10
An experimentally-based module highlighting elements of physical chemistry/chemical physics, notably spectroscopy and quantum mechanics.
FORENSIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION III	CHE-3H57	10
Before taking this module you must have passed CHE-2H57. Aim: Introduction to forensic toxicology and biology with emphasis on mass spectrometry and related techniques. Objective: Train in practical aspects of using mass spectrometry for forensic toxicology and biology and data manipulation and interpretation. Content: Mass spectrometry relevant for analysis of forensic materials (eg, drugs, doping). Consolidating knowledge in forensic statistics and interpretation. Professional report writing. Teaching and learning methods: Lectures, lab sessions and mentor groups (PBL). The students will be presented with a hypothetical criminal case and will investigate simulated evidence material. Learning outcome: Ability to apply acquired techniques confidently and write professional reports. Reserved for students on FF41.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY	CHE-2C32	20
The central theme of the module is the chemistry of the p and d block elements: structure and bonding, coordination complexes and the organometallic chemistry of main group and transition metals. The module includes laboratory work. Students are required to have taken one of the laboratory module CHE-1C0Y, CHE-1E0Y or CHE-1H0Y as well as CHE-1C3Y before taking this module.
INORGANIC COMPOUNDS: STRUCTURE & FUNCTION	CHE-3C32	20
This module concentrates on two important themes in contemporary inorganic chemistry: transition metal clusters and homogeneous catalysis. The structure and bonding in these compounds will be discussed as well as applications in materials chemistry and synthesis. There will also be a series of workshops on the subjects presented.
INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY	CHE-2F52	20
The module covers the theory and practical application of instrumentation and techniques for chemical analysis. Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electroanalytical chemistry and chromatography are the important instrumental techniques included. The module includes laboratory work. Students are required to have taken one of the laboratory modules CHE-1C0Y, CHE-1H0Y or CHE-1E0Y in addition to the PP/PS modules above, before taking this module.
LITERATURE-BASED PROJECT	CHE-3K0Y	20
A supervised literature-based project, available only to students for degree courses in Chemistry, and visitors to the School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy.
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY	CHE-2F8Y	20
This module is concerned with the broad aspects of medicinal chemistry, from the discovery of lead compounds and the recognition of biological activity, to the production of pharmaceuticals. Biological activity is discussed in terms of metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and structure-activity relationships (SAR). Drug targets and their exploitation in drug therapies are also discussed. The medicinal chemistry content of this module contains aspects of both chemistry and biology. Therefore the course is started with a series of chemistry 'introductory' seminars relevant to BIO students and a series of biology seminars are provided containing underlying principles relevant to CHEM students.
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND ENERGY LEVELS	CHE-2F4Y	20
Quantum mechanics, one of the key scientific ideas of the 20th century, has had a wide impact in chemistry. In the first part of the module you will be introduced to the language & methods of quantum mechanics. In the second part, the close relation between spectroscopic measurements of small molecules and quantum theory will be discussed. Further methods of spectroscopy will then be introduced, beginning with the most widely used of all techniques in structure determination, NMR spectroscopy. This will be followed by a discussion of molecular electronic spectra and vibrational spectroscopy, both of which are widely used in chemical analysis.
NATURAL PRODUCTS AND DRUGS A	CHE-3H16	10
The module examines examples of biogenesis, chemical synthesis, and biological action, of selected products and pharmaceutical chemicals. The emphasis is on the organic chemistry of these topics, not enzymology and pharmacology. Even though CHE-2F8Y is listed as a Pre-requisite it can be alternatively taken at the same time as this module.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY	CHE-2C11	20
The topics covered in the module include an introduction to organic synthesis, carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, aromaticity, heterocyclic chemistry, and stereochemistry and mechanism. The module includes laboratory work. Students are required to have taken one of the laboratory modules CHE-1C0Y, CHE-1H0Y or CHE-1E0Y as well as CHE-1C1Y before taking this module.
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES	CHE-3C11	20
This unit provides most of the core description of heterocyclic chemistry in the organic chemistry lecture programme in CHE, surveying the synthesis and reactivity of pi-deficient and pi- excessive heterocycles. This level-3 course also continues the discussion of organic synthesis, building on the introduction to carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, synthesis design and retrosynthetic planning presented in earlier years. The course includes an introduction to stereoselective synthesis and transition metal mediated bond-formation procedures - topics which can be taken on further in a level-4 option course.
ORGANIC MOLECULES: REACTIVITY & FUNCTION	CHE-3H13	10
The unit examines the role of the substituents on reactivity of aromatic compounds and its quantification using the Hammett equation. A consideration of organic radicals and organic photochemistry is followed by a discussion of the reactivity of pi electron rich molecules, exploring their reactivity to light and heat through consideration of current approaches such as Frontier Molecular Orbital theory. The use of these and other organic compounds in areas such as optical switches and photochromic devises as discussed.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - CHEMICAL PHYSICS	CHE-3H46	10
The module consists of topics covering important areas of modern physical chemistry and chemical physics. The material will blend together experimental and theoretical aspects of condensed phase, isolated molecule and materials chemistry.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I	CHE-2C2Y	20
The module covers a number of the fundamental areas of physical chemistry which are essential for a proper understanding of the behaviour of chemical systems. These include chemical kinetics, the second law of thermodynamics, thermodynamics and properties of solutions and surface chemistry/catalysis. The module includes laboratory work. Students are required to have taken one of the laboratory modules CHE-1C0Y, CHE-1E0Y or CHE-1H0Y as well as CHE-1C24 before taking this module .
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II	CHE-3C21	20
The unit covers fundamental material in Physical Chemistry including statistical thermodynamics, plus specialist topics such as lasers and photochemistry, polymers in solution, self-assembly and colloidal systems.
POLYMER & MATERIALS CHEMISTRY	CHE-2H11	10
This introductory unit in organic and inorganic materials chemistry describes the synthesis and the mechanism of formation of various types of polymers and macromolecular compounds. Their physical and chemical properties are discussed along with their applications. Under inorganic materials common crystal structures are described and related to the electrical properties. Band theory is introduced to explain electronic conductivity in metals and semiconductors. The module CHE-2H03 offers optional related practical work, and can be taken at the same time if required.
POLYMERS & MATERIALS LABORATORY	CHE-2H03	10
The experiments in this laboratory are project in nature, involving the synthesis and evaluation of inorganic and organic materials. The module is recommended for students taking level 2 core chemistry modules and should preferably be taken with CHE-2H11. Students are required to have taken one of the laboratory modules CHE-1C0Y, CHE-1E0Y or CHE-1H0Y, as well as CHE-1C1Y and CHE-1C3Y, before taking this module.
PROTEIN ENGINEERING	CHE-3H84	10
This unit builds on CHE-3H81 Protein Structure and Chemistry, covering how protein structures can be altered by biological and chemical procedures, and the principles underlying the design of proteins for specific tasks. Examples of engineered proteins designed for particular industrial and medical uses are considered.
PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND CHEMISTRY	CHE-3H81	10
This module provides an introduction to the diversity of protein structure , their properties and to interactions between proteins and metal ions. Lectures cover protein structure, protein electrostatics, stability and folding, molecular modelling, the chemical principles of protein-metal interactions, spectroscopic techniques for studying protein metal centres and techniques used in protein structure determination. The module is taught in the first part of semester one.
QUANTUM MECHANICS AND SYMMETRY	CHE-2H45	10
Some of the major themes of quantum mechanics are introduced and developed. These include: quantum principles, atomic structure, simple harmonic motion, angular momentum, symmetry, simple molecular orbital theory and approximation methods.
RESEARCH PROJECT	CHE-3C0Y	30
A supervised research project available only to students registered for degree courses in Chemistry, and visitors to the School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy.

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree Subject:: This programme is open to students with a first degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or an appropriate, related joint discipline.

Entry Requirement

This programme is open to students with an honours degree (or equivalent) in a science subject.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 (minimum 18 in listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees 2013/14

UK/EU £5,000
International £15,400

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online, or by downloading the application form.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.