The BSc Chemistry is a popular degree programme and is our most flexible option for those students wishing to choose from the vast array of modules available at UEA.
It is ideally suited to students wishing to study a more broadly-based chemistry degree. Students on the BSc programme will undertake a short research project in the third and final year.
The first year of the chemistry programmes will develop your scientific skills - building upon your A level subject knowledge in chemistry but will also include areas such as mathematics and physics for those students who have not taken A levels in these subjects.
During the first year there is also an emphasis on practical work, developing important analytical and problem solving skills which will prove invaluable throughout your degree.
The second year extends your knowledge in the core areas of chemistry and hones your practical skills.
The third year will offer you a detailed understanding of more advanced organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, with options selected from a diverse list including analytical, theoretical and materials chemistry modules, as well as biophysical and medicinal chemistry. For those students who wish, there is the option to continue development of mathematical skills. Modules are also available throughout the course which aim to develop the transferable skills required of professional scientists by employers, such as communication, team working and problem solving skills.
Whilst there is a large range of chemistry modules to select from within the BSc degree, students may also choose up to 40 credits from ‘alternative schools of study’, allowing you to explore your other interests, for example a foreign language, business and accounting, biological sciences or history.
For most programmes students have the option to switch from BSc to MChem (or vice versa) in Years 1 and 2.
Dr. Simon Lancaster
During your first week at UEA, our staff will welcome you and provide a full induction programme; we aim to help our students settle in as quickly as possible. At the School of Chemistry we believe in offering each student individual care and guidance.
On your arrival at UEA you will be assigned to an adviser who will provide both academic and pastoral guidance. You will normally have the same adviser throughout your degree. We maintain an ‘open door policy’ so that students can see their adviser (or other members of staff) at any mutually convenient time. Your adviser will guide you through your academic career and provide a sympathetic ear during difficult times. If you study abroad for a year you will also be assigned an adviser at your host institution.
The University has excellent provision of specialist support services. Whatever the issue, be it financial, personal, academic or administrative - the University’s Dean of Students Office and the Union of UEA Students’ support services have experienced and sympathetic people, support groups and advice centres to help you.
Top-rated research
Research is a key activity in any major academic institution. It offers scope for advanced thinking, helps attract the keenest minds, and ensures that the institution’s work is at the cutting edge of the discipline. Most importantly, the creativity, resourcefulness and authority fostered by first class research feeds directly into the quality of teaching at the University. UEA’s School of Chemistry has an enviable reputation for its long and distinguished tradition of high quality research. In the latest RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) the School was ranked among the top 20 Chemistry departments. Our research work is currently financed by a grant holding of over £11 million won competitively from sources including the National Research Councils, charitable trusts (including the Wellcome and Wolfson Trusts), industrial companies (especially from the pharmaceutical industry) and the European Union. We have over 70 postgraduate research students, many of whom completed their undergraduate studies at UEA.
Key research in the School includes Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biological and Biophysical Chemistry, Nanoscience, Biomedicinal Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.
Many of our core MChem degrees are accredited, and all other Chemistry programmes are recognised, by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the professional body for career chemists, or the Institute of Physics (IoP).
Reasons to choose us:
A top 20 research school (RAE 2008)
Research led, up-to-date teaching
The University has consistently been voted top five of English mainstream Universities for Student Satisfaction
Enthusiastic and friendly staff
Superb laboratory and IT facilities
Excellent academic and student support services
Varied and comprehensive range of degree programmes
This module is in part integrated with CHE-1C1Y. The first half of the module brings together fundamental concepts associated with the bonding and structure of inorganic and organic materials, including atomic structure, electron configurations, ionic and covalent bonding, and intermolecular forces. The second half of the module builds on the bonding and structural ideas to explain the structure of the Periodic Table. Trends, comparisons and contrasts will be drawn between the elements of the s/p block metals, non-metals and the transition metals. Spectroscopic and other experimental techniques are employed.
Compatible with CHE 1C3Y, or a free-standing module with workload greater than average for 20 credits. The module introduces bonding and hybridisation, conjugation and aromaticity, mechanism and functional groups; principles which are elucidated in topics: electrophilic substitution and addition, organometallic nucleophiles, polar multiple bonds, enolate, Claisen, and Mannich reactions, the Strecker synthesis, stereochemistry (enantiomers and diastereoisomers), SN1/SN2 and E1/E2 reactions, and epoxidation / 1,2-addition to alkenes. Finally, synthesis (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, alkyl halides, ethers, amines, ketones, carboxylic acids) and bio-organic chemistry are introduced.
This module considers the way in which chemical systems, in the form of gases, liquids, solids and solutions, are described in terms of their energetics and dynamics. Topics include simple phase equilibria, the kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics in a chemical context, electrochemical cells, and acid base and redox equilibria. The module also includes a series of lectures on the principles of spectroscopy applied to chemical systems, i.e. how light interacts with matter. Content overlaps with PHAN1HE1.
Option A Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
Students taking this module are required to have an A Level in Chemistry. Aim: introduction to forensic chemistry, sample and data gathering and interpretation. Objective: to familiarize students with critical thinking and evaluation of evidence. Content: history of forensic science, microscopy, glass refractive index, introduction to pattern recognition, forensic statistics and QA chain of custody issues. Teaching and learning methods: lectures, practicals and mentor groups (pbl). The students will be presented with a hypothetical criminal case on the UEA campus and during the duration of the module they will investigate simulated evidence material which addresses the taught basic science. To further the discussions in the mentor groups the students will have to research the literature and use the gathered information in the final report concerning the investigation of the supplied questioned material. The case report will have to be presented and defended in a mock court situation. Learning outcome: understanding of the basic requirements for forensic thinking, QA, pattern recognition, forensic statistics and microscopy. Preference will be given to FF41 (Forensic & Investigative Chemistry) and F1F4 students. Law Criminology students are invited to participate.
This module introduces the student to the fundamentals of DNA and biotechnology essential for an understanding of forensics technologies. Topics covered include: nucleic acid/chromosome structure, replication, mutation and repair; concepts of genetic inheritance; DNA manipulation and visualisation; DNA sequencing; DNA fingerprinting.
The module provides students without A-level Mathematics with the basic skills necessary for the appreciation of the more mathematical and quantitative aspects of chemistry. It includes an introduction to differential and integral calculus. It is not available to students with A-level Mathematics.
This module is designed for those students with good maths and a Grade C or above in 'A' level Mathematics. Topics include differentiation and integration, Taylor and Maclaurin series, complex numbers, vector algebra, partial differentiations. Previous knowledge of calculus is assumed.
This module is the second in a series of four mathematical modules for students across the Faculty of Science. It continues the basic calculus of ENV-1A61 into the study of ordinary differential equations that are used to mathematically model many different systems across the sciences, and the use of further integrals to calculate lengths of lines, surface areas, and volumes. Power series expansions are used to represent and simplify functions, and an introduction to complex numbers is given. There is a continuing emphasis on applied examples, and the use of numerical computing software (Matlab).
This module provides students without A-level Physics with an introduction to the basic physical principles necessary for a more complete understanding of chemistry and related subjects. It is not available to students with an A-level of grade C or above in Physics.
This module includes material aimed primarily at science students with 'A' level physics and mathematics who wish to study further physics. The material covered will expand on some of the topics from the 'A' level syllabus.
This unit comprises a broadly-based series of lectures on science, coupled with written activities based upon them. The twin objectives are to provide a contextual backdrop to the more focussed studies in other concurrent and subsequent units, and to engage students as participants in researching and presenting related information.
A follow-on module from CHE-1H93. The topics covered in CHE-1H93 will be used as a basis for assignments and exercises which will help to develop students' team working and presentational skills.
Compulsory Study (80 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
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.
Aim: Deepening of understanding of forensic chemistry. Content: Basic crystallography and mineralogy, application of vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to materials from fieldwork and other material of forensic interest (eg, fibres and paint). Deepening of knowledge in forensic statistics and interpretation. Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, practicals and mentor groups (PBL). To further the discussions in the mentor groups the students will have to research the literature and use the gathered information in the final report concerning the investigation of the supplied questioned material. Learning Outcome: Learn to apply acquired skills and produce a research report.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The unit aims to develop the skills required of professional scientists and valued by employers, which are communication, teamworking and group problem-solving skills. This unit concentrates on teamworking skills.
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.
Free Choice Study (20 credits)
Students will select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School
Compulsory Study (60 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 60 credits:
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.
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.
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.
Option A Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
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.
Aim: Deepening of understanding of forensic chemistry. Content: Basic crystallography and mineralogy, application of vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to materials from fieldwork and other material of forensic interest (eg, fibres and paint). Deepening of knowledge in forensic statistics and interpretation. Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, practicals and mentor groups (PBL). To further the discussions in the mentor groups the students will have to research the literature and use the gathered information in the final report concerning the investigation of the supplied questioned material. Learning Outcome: Learn to apply acquired skills and produce a research report.
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.
A supervised literature-based project, available only to students for degree courses in Chemistry, and visitors to the School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A supervised research project available only to students registered for degree courses in Chemistry, and visitors to the School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy.
Free Choice Study (20 credits)
Students will select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School
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
A Level:
ABB including Chemistry and a second science
International Baccalaureate:
32 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 5 and one other HL Science or Maths at grade 5
Scottish Highers:
AABBB including Higher Level Chemistry and a second science
Scottish Advanced Highers:
ABB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and a second science
Irish Leaving Certificate:
AABBBB including Chemistry and a second science at Higher Level
Access Course:
See below
HND:
Please contact institution for further information
European Baccalaureate:
Overall 75% to include Chemistry and a second science
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.
Special Entry Requirements
All applicants are required to have A2 Chemistry and one other A2 science from Physics, Mathematics and Biology, or equivalent.
Offers made to applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications will also include the requirement to pass a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.
Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees
We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.
International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
The BSc Chemistry is a popular degree programme and is our most flexible option for those students wishing to choose from the vast array of modules available at UEA.