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School of Chemistry Undergraduate Course Brochure (PDF)
MChem Chemistry with a Year in North America
UCAS Course Code
F103
Attendance
Full Time
Award
Degree of Master of Chemistry
School of Study
Typical A-Level Offer
AAB including Chemistry and one other science
Course Organiser
Prof Andy Cammidge
The flagship chemistry degree is our MChem Chemistry programme. This four year degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, provides students with excellent academic training across all aspects of chemistry and is recommended for those students wishing to pursue a career in the chemical industry or working in a research environment, such as a university or pharmaceutical industry laboratory.
The MChem Chemistry with a Year in North America expects you to spend Year 3 wither at your host university or on a placement. To take a year abroad, students must maintain a good standard of academic performance during the first two years of the degree programme.
Going to a university in another country will allow you to experience other cultures and by studying in other chemistry departments, you will broaden your academic and personal horizons.
We now have over 30 years experience of offering degrees with a year abroad and it has proved very popular with UEA students. Most students find the experience rewarding and enjoyable. The school also hosts a number of exchange students each year enjoying their study in Norwich.
In placing you at your overseas university we take into account your field of interest and do our best to place you at the university of your choice. The costs involved to you include transport to and from your overseas destination and living costs, including medical insurance.
We have a number of reciprocal exchange arrangements in the United States of America and Canada. We are always reviewing the universities we have exchanges with. Those currently involved in the exchange programme are the Universities of British Columbia (Vancouver) and Calgary (Alberta) in Canada and the universities of California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Colorado in the USA.
Students on a North American exchange programme will be expected to pay 50% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad and we will pay the North American university.
School of Chemistry Undergraduate Course Brochure (PDF)
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
UniStats Information
Compulsory Study (100 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 100 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BONDING, STRUCTURE and PERIODICITY The first six lectures of this module are integrated with CHE-4101Y. 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. | CHE-4301Y | 20 |
| CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (A) This 20 credit module comprises laboratory and related IT experiments/ modules relating to aspects of the core chemistry lecture modules. | CHE-4001Y | 20 |
| CHEMISTRY OF CARBON-BASED COMPOUNDS Compatible with CHE-4301Y, or a free-standing module with workload greater than average for 20 credits. The first six lectures of this module are integrated with CHE-4301Y. The module then 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, organic synthesis (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, alkyl halides, ethers, amines, ketones, carboxylic acids) and the identification of organic structures by spectroscopy are described. | CHE-4101Y | 20 |
| ENERGETICS AND SPECTROSCOPY 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. | CHE-4201Y | 20 |
| SKILLS FOR CHEMISTS This module will include: Mathematical skills relevant to the understanding of chemical concepts; Statistics as applied to experimental chemistry; Error propagation in physical chemistry and Physical principles through applied mathematics. Aims of this module are to bring students' understanding of mathematical ideas and physics to a sufficient level to study core physical chemistry in later stages | CHE-4050Y | 20 |
Option A Study (20 credits)
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FORENSIC CHEMISTRY - COLLECTION AND COMPARISON History of forensic science, forensic collection and recovery methods, anti-contamination precautions, microscopy, glass refractive index, introduction to pattern recognition including footwear; introduction to Drugs analysis; forensic statistics and QA chain of custody issues. The second half 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. Teaching and learning methods: lectures, practicals and mentor groups (pbl). Presentation of a case study. | CHE-4701Y | 20 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS A THIS MODULE CAN NOT BE TAKEN WITH ENV-4003Y. This module in designed for students with A2 or AS level mathematics. It covers differentiation, integration, vectors, partial differentiation, ordinary differential equations, further integrals, power series expansions, complex numbers, and statistical methods. In addition to the theoretical background, there is an emphasis on applied examples. Previous knowledge of calculus is assumed. This module is the first in a series of three maths modules for students across the Faculty of Science, that provide a solid undergraduate mathematical training. The modules that follow at Level 2 are Mathematics for Scientists B and C. This module is assessed by formative assessments and coursework / examination. | ENV-4002Y | 20 |
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY This module comprises a broadly-based series of lectures on science, particularly chemistry, 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 modules, and to engage students as participants in researching and presenting related information. The topics in semester 1 will be used as a basis for assignments and exercises which will help to develop students' team-working and presentational skills. | CHE-4090Y | 20 |
| TOPICS IN PHYSICS The material covered will expand on some of the topics from the 'A' level syllabus, such as optics and electromagnetism. It will also cover some modern physics such as special relativity. Topics include molecular motion, the electrical properties of matter, intermolecular forces and their role in determining bulk properties of matter, and an introduction to nanoscience and nanotechnology. | CHE-4801Y | 20 |
Compulsory Study (80 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 80 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 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. | CHE-5301B | 20 |
| MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND ENERGY LEVELS 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 and 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 which are widely used in chemical analysis. | CHE-5202Y | 20 |
| ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 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. | CHE-5101A | 20 |
| PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I 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. | CHE-5201Y | 20 |
Option A Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY This module explores the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of biological systems and the methodologies used to define them. Using predominantly examples from protein biochemistry, these topics will be discussed within three major themes: 1) Binding, activation and transfer in biological systems, 2) Enzyme catalysis, and 3) Macromolecular size, shape and structure determination. The concluding lectures will explore protein disorder, folding and structure to illustrate how biophysicists integrate concepts and methods from each of these themes when addressing a specific research topic. | CHE-5601Y | 20 |
| FORENSIC CHEMISTRY - ANALYSIS Module Summary Aim: Following on from CHE-4701Y, where the emphasis was on collection of evidence, this module introduces more in-depth forensic chemistry, looking at the way evidence gathered at a crime scene may be analysed in the laboratory. The objective is to familiarise students with critical thinking and evaluation of evidence, build a model for case assessment and interpretation and thus increase understanding of the role of the Expert Witness in court. It is open to students on FF41 and other chemistry courses where CHE-5701Y is a core or optional module. Content: The module will deepen the knowledge of forensic statistics and cover basic detection and recovery techniques for body fluids; fingerprint development and recovery; advanced microscopy and spectroscopy and their application to fibres, paint and other particulates; the use of elemental analysis in forensic science; and questioned document examination including counterfeiting. Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, practicals and mentor groups (PBL- problem based learning). The students will be divided into groups and each group will then investigate a hypothetical criminal case using simulated evidence material. As part of this students will write an expert witness statement which will be presented and defended in a mock court. Learning Outcomes: Students will learn to apply acquired skills, work as part of a team and to produce an expert witness report, using literature and experimental data to inform their analysis. The âmock courtâ will be aimed at developing the individualâs presentation skills in a challenging environment. Students should gain further confidence in the use of statistics to analyse data, test hypotheses and draw conclusions from them. | CHE-5701Y | 20 |
| INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY This module begins with underpinning aspects of instrumental analysis such as signals, noise, detectors, data smoothing etc. and then progresses through instrumentation, sample preparation and techniques related to the key analytical techniques of atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electroanalytical chemistry and chromatography. The module includes laboratory sessions where students can work with common instruments and practice key skills in calibration, sample preparation and measurement and data analysis. As well as the formal assessment, there will also be formative assessment through compulsory multiple-choice tests and associated feedback workshops. | CHE-5501Y | 20 |
| MATERIALS AND POLYMER CHEMISTRY An introduction to the basic principles of polymer synthesis is presented, together with a discussion of their physical properties. Speciality polymers are discussed. Materials chemistry is developed further with the introduction of inorganic structures and the concept of ferroelectric properties together with powder x-ray diffraction as applied to cubic crystals. Ion conductivity and basic band theory are also discussed. Semiconductivity is introduced and related to the band description of these materials. The experiments in this laboratory class involve the synthesis and evaluation of inorganic and organic materials. | CHE-5350Y | 20 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS A THIS MODULE CAN NOT BE TAKEN WITH ENV-4003Y. This module in designed for students with A2 or AS level mathematics. It covers differentiation, integration, vectors, partial differentiation, ordinary differential equations, further integrals, power series expansions, complex numbers, and statistical methods. In addition to the theoretical background, there is an emphasis on applied examples. Previous knowledge of calculus is assumed. This module is the first in a series of three maths modules for students across the Faculty of Science, that provide a solid undergraduate mathematical training. The modules that follow at Level 2 are Mathematics for Scientists B and C. This module is assessed by formative assessments and coursework / examination. | ENV-4002Y | 20 |
| MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 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 'introductory' seminars relevant to BIO and CHEM students on underlying principles. | CHE-5150Y | 20 |
| QUANTUM MECHANICS AND SYMMETRY Some of the major themes of quantum mechanics are introduced and developed. These include: the foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum principles, atomic structure, simple harmonic motion, angular momentum, symmetry and group theory, simple molecular orbital theory, approximation methods, and an introduction to modern computational methods. | CHE-5250Y | 20 |
Note: Students will be required to follow a programme of study at an approved university, the content of which must be approved in advance by the course director. The equivalent of CHE-6101Y, CHE-6201Y and CHE-6301Y must be taken as part of CHE-6024Y.
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| YEAR IN NORTH AMERICA Students undertake a full academic year of approved study at a specified university in the USA or Canada. | CHE-6024Y | 120 |
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 1 This 20 credit module is compulsory for all final year M level students, except for those on FF41 and F152/3/4. It is classed as a taught postgraduate module: this implies that it can be flexible in some aspects of assessment and aims to present material that is not necessarily covered in standard textbooks. The lectures will cover (i) organic synthesis and asymmetric catalysis, (ii) homogeneous catalysis, with emphasis on stereoselectivity and polymerisation reactions, and (iii) advanced spectroscopy. The module follows on from the respective 3rd year modules. Teaching support of the module is provided in the form of a number of compulsory, formative pieces of coursework which may include an element of peer assessment. This will include a synoptic element in the form of oral student presentations on selected year 1 and year 2 revision topics. | CHE-7901A | 20 |
| ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 2 This module is compulsory for most final year M-Level Students. It is classed as a taught postgraduate module; this implies that it can be flexible in some aspects of assessment and aims to present material that is not necessarily covered in standard textbooks. It provides masters level coverage in selected topics of biological chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry and nanoscale chemistry. In addition to the formal taught content, teaching support of the module is provided in the form of a number of compulsory, formative pieces of coursework which may include elements of peer assessment and group feedback. It will include a synoptic element in the form of oral student presentations on selected year 1 and year 2 revision topics. | CHE-7903B | 20 |
| ADVANCED TOPICS CHEMISTRY 3 | CHE-7014A | 20 |
| YEAR-LONG RESEARCH PROJECT A supervised research project only available to MChem students. | CHE-7001Y | 60 |
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 Abroad
With our Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Physics degree programmes, we offer you the option of spending a year abroad in North America.
Going to a university in another country will allow you to experience other cultures and by studying in other chemistry departments, you will broaden your academic and personal horizons.
We now have over 30 years experience of offering degrees with a year abroad and it has proved very popular with UEA students. Most students find the experience rewarding and enjoyable. The school also hosts a number of exchange students each year enjoying their study in Norwich.
To take a year abroad, students must maintain a good standard of academic performance during the first two years of the degree programme. In placing you at your overseas university we take into account your field of interest and do our best to place you at the university of your choice. The costs involved to you include transport to and from your overseas destination and living costs, including medical insurance.
North America
We have a number of reciprocal exchange arrangements in the United States of America and Canada. We are always reviewing the universities we have exchanges with. Those currently involved in the exchange programme are the Universities of British Columbia (Vancouver) and Calgary (Alberta) in Canada and the universities of California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Colorado in the USA.
Students on a North American exchange programme will be expected to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad and we will pay the North American university.
Entry Requirements
- A Level:
- AAB including Chemistry and one other science
- International Baccalaureate:
- 33 points to include HL Chemistry at grade 6 and one other HL Science or Maths at grade 6
- Scottish Highers:
- AAAAB including Higher Level Chemistry and one other science
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- AAB including Advanced Higher Level Chemistry and one other science
- Irish Leaving Certificate:
- AAAABB including Chemistry and one other science at Higher Level
- Access Course:
- See below
- HND:
- Please contact institution for further information
- European Baccalaureate:
- Overall 80% to include Chemistry and one other science
Entry Requirement
2014
Typical A level offer: AAB including Chemistry and one other Science or Mathematics, or ABBB including Chemistry and one other Science or Mathematics (must include an A grade in science or Mathematics)
Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 33 points including HL Chemistry at 6 and one other HL Science or Mathematics at 6
All equivalent qualifications considered, please contact the university for further information
Students should also have GCSE English (grade C) and Mathematics (grade B)
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.
ACCESS: Pass Access to Higher Education Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3 to include 12 credits of Chemistry.
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 Abroad Fees
For Home/EU students opting for a Year Abroad the tuition fee is currently £1,350. The Year Abroad 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 Abroad 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 School of Chemistry has 3 £1,000 year one scholarships available for 2013 entry. The Scholarship deadline is 15th March 2013. Please contact the Admissions office at che.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for more information.
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
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