Undergraduate Degrees

MChem Chemical Physics with a Year in Industry ( F191 )

UCAS Course Code:: F191
Duration:: 4 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Master of Chemistry
School of Study:: Chemistry
Brochure:: School of Chemistry Undergraduate Course Brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:: AAB including Chemistry and Mathematics

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Year In Industry
Requirements
Fees and Funding
Apply

We offer a distinctive and integrated approach to chemical physics by delivering the chemistry and physics teaching for this degree programme within a single department.

Chemical Physics has been an integral part of, and a major research theme in, the School since its foundation. All who teach on this degree course are professional research-active chemists and physicists. During their studies, students acquire a broad understanding of molecular science with an increasing focus on its interface with physics. Modules include core chemistry, which runs alongside an extensive grounding in appropriate mathematical techniques and relevant physics - ranging from atomic interactions right through to relativity. Studying in an internationally recognised centre of interdisciplinary research, students benefit from research-led teaching.

In the first two weeks of year 2 you will prepare a Curriculum Vitae and begin applying to a range of companies. The School liaises with a number of companies and will be able to provide up-to-date information. However, the onus is very much on the student to research and apply for their placements. We cannot guarantee any student a work placement, however we will offer our full support and guidance in this process. Students who have not successfully secured a work placement by the end of the second year will transfer onto the non-industry based Mchem biological and medicinal chemistry programme. The University Careers Centre holds information on how to apply and offers a free help service for writing CVs and advice on interview techniques. Companies will decide on appointments to placements over the following months. Although there is a lot of competition, it is our experience that most students will have found a placement within six months, although this depends on prevailing economic circumstances.

You will take up your industrial placement at the start of year 3.

A wide range of companies are participating in this scheme, including:

GlaxoSmithKline
Pfizer
AstraZeneca
British Sugar
Novartis
AkzoNobel.

Typical salaries are in the range of £13,000 - £15,000 per year.

Students are engaged in a wide range of projects related to the taught programme. Your assessment will be based on your industrial project, your report, a presentation on your report, and on your performance in a distance learning module.

The Course Directors will be happy to discuss your options at any time, provide information about companies and help with your decision making. The Director and other staff of the Careers Centre are also available to offer advice based on many years experience with industrial placement schemes.

Course Organiser:Dr. Chris Richards

Why choose us?

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
A warm, welcoming campus environment
Active student social scene within the school
At the forefront of interdisciplinary research

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
BONDING, STRUCTURE & PERIODICITY	CHE-1C3Y	20
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.
CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (A)	CHE-1C0Y	20
This 20 credit module comprises laboratory and related IT experiments/ modules relating to aspects of the core chemistry lecture modules.
CHEMISTRY OF CARBON-BASED COMPOUNDS	CHE-1C1Y	20
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.
ELEMENTS OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS	CHE-1H26	10
This course comprises a series of lectures on modern aspects of physics of particular interest in molecular scientists.
ENERGETICS AND SPECTROSCOPY	CHE-1C24	20
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.
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS 1	ENV-1A61	10
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.
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS II	ENV-1A62	10
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).
PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-1H25	10
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.

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
ASTROPHYSICS WITH ADVANCED TOPICS	SCI-2E01	10
This 10 credit module gives an overview of astrophysics through lectures and workshops. Assessment will involve some coursework and a coursetest. The module assumes previous study of either A level physics, CHE-1H63 Physical Principles, MTH-1C32 Mechanics and Modelling or an equivalent course. Topics covered will include some history of astrophysics, radiation, matter, gravitation, astrophysical measurements, spectroscopy, stars and some aspects of cosmology. Some of these topics will be taken to a more advanced level. The more advanced topics will include workshop examples and coursetest questions at level 2 standard.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LABORATORY	CHE-2H04	10
An experimentally-based module highlighting elements of physical chemistry/chemical physics, notably spectroscopy and quantum mechanics.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
CORE CHEMISTRY (DL)	CHE-3ICY	40
Students will study core level 3 chemistry through a series of distance learning assignments. This module is only available to MChem students on their year in industry.
PLACEMENT EVALUATION	CHE-3I9Y	40
Students will be evaluated against the goals of their work during industrial placement. This will include an assessment by both the industrial and UEA supervisor. This module is only available to MChem students on their year in industry.
PROJECT AT INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT	CHE-MI9Y	40
Students will prepare a report and presentation covering agreed aspects of their industrial placement work. The presentation will typically be given at UEA following the students' return. This module is only available to MChem students on their year in industry.

Compulsory Study (90 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 90 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 1	CHE-MF11	20
This module is compulsory for all final year M-level students. It provides M-level coverage in selected topics of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Students are required to have taken CHE-3C11, or CHE-3C21 and CHE-3C32, or CHE-3ICY or CHE-3A0Y.
ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 2	CHE-MF22	20
This module is compulsory for all final year M-level students. It provides M-level coverage in selected topics of biological chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry and nanoscale chemistry. In addition this module contains an element of revision of material taught in years 1-3. Students are required to have taken CHE-3C11, CHE-3C21 and CHE-3C32, or CHE-3ICY or CHE-3A0Y.
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.
RESEARCH PROJECT	CHE-M49Y	40
This module is only available to students on MChem with a year in industry.

Option A Study (30 credits)

Students will select 30 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.
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.
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 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.
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SCIENTISTS II	CHE-3H94	10
This module aims to develop the skills required of professional scientists. These skills are highly valued by the Royal Society of Chemistry and employers. Skills developed will include oral and written communication, team working and problem-solving. Exercises will be based in a chemical science context and will include aspects of sustainability, ethics and environmental impact. This module is only available for MChem and MNatsci students.
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.

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.

Year In Industry

Completion of a Year in Industry programme will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience, putting you one step ahead of other students. This exciting degree programme provides you with this opportunity.

There is no greater asset in today’s competitive job market than relevant work experience. A Year in Industry will give you first-hand knowledge of not only the mechanics of how your chosen field operates but it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector as you seal valuable contacts and insight. These courses will also enhance your studies as theory is transformed into reality in a context governed by very real, time and financial constraints.

Our Industrial Links

A wide range of companies participate in this scheme, including: GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Infineum, Xennia, Napp and British Sugar to name but a few. Students are engaged in a large range of projects: in organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals, analysis, physical chemistry, materials chemistry and environmental and forensic chemistry.

Financial Benefits

A big attraction to this type of course, apart from the enhanced career prospects, is that students spending a year in industry as part of their degree will only pay £900 tuition fees for that year (2012 figures). There is also a realistic chance of being paid by the placement provider during the year which is a great way to help fund your continued studies. For the latest on financial arrangements for our Year in Industry students please visit the UEA Finance webpage.

How it Works

The Year in Industry degree programmes are four years in length with the work placement taking place during your third year. They are a minimum of nine months full-time employment and a maximum of 14 months.

Throughout the work placement, you keep in close contact with an assigned mentor at UEA who will also visit you at least once during the year. You keep a regularly updated work diary, so that your mentor will be able to ensure you are fulfilling all of the necessary learning objectives. Some introductory sessions are provided prior to commencing the work placement to help you gain the most from your year in industry, and you will enroll on a Work Based Learning module during you final year back at UEA.

We expect students to seek their own work placements and in the first two weeks of your second year you will be asked to write a curriculum vitae and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field of chemistry, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.

Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and students will be expected to source these placements themselves. The Faculty of Science will provide support for students trying to obtain a placement in preparation for the year in Industry placements and students are expected to make use of any help offered within the Faculty/School as well as the Careers Centre.

If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent three-year degree programme without a Year in Industry.

“I have secured an industrial placement as a medicinal chemist at the pharmaceutical company Novartis for next year. During this year I will earn a decent salary as well as complete distance learning modules which count towards my MChem. This year should help me decide which area of research I would like to work in once graduating, or if I would prefer to do a PhD first. It will also look excellent on my CV, as I will have a year of experience in an industrial environment, learning some of the essential skills needed for the work place.”

Helen Newson
MChem Biological and Medicinal Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Entry Requirements

A Level:: AAB including Chemistry and Mathematics
International Baccalaureate:: 33 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 6 and HL Maths at grade 6
Scottish Highers:: AAAAB including Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics
Scottish Advanced Highers:: AAB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics
Irish Leaving Certificate:: AAAABB in Irish Leaving Certificate including Chemistry and Mathematics at Higher Level
Access Course:: See below
HND:: Please contact institution for further information
European Baccalaureate:: Overall 80% to include Chemistry and Mathematics

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

We ask all our applicants to have A2-level or equivalent Chemistry and Mathematics.

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.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in Chemistry and 12 Level 3 credits in Mathematics.

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.

Year in Industry Fees

For Home/EU students opting for Year in Industry the tuition fee is currently £1,250. The Year in Industry tuition fee will be subject to an annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year in Industry and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

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:

Undergraduate Admissions Office

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

request a copy of our latest prospectus and subject brochures
get access to exclusive information personalised to your interests
keep up to date with news and events at UEA.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International webpages.