BSc Chemical Physics

Key details

BSC CHEMICAL PHYSICS

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

FF31

Entry Requirements

BBB or ABC

Duration (years)

We have been teaching Chemical Physics at UEA for almost 50 years; today some of the most adventurous scientific activity can be found in this field.

Exciting and intellectually challenging, our BSc degree will introduce you to topics across the full scope of the subject, such as the fabrication and properties of nanoparticles, laser systems and their applications, microsensors, computational modelling and photonics.

You will benefit from our interdisciplinary and coherent approach, which brings together chemistry, physics and mathematics.

We are a leading centre for chemistry research in the UK, with 98% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). The School of Chemistry’s research themes are light and energy, the chemistry of materials and catalysis, and the chemistry of life processes. These themes influence and run throughout our taught programmes, ensuring you learn at the forefront of research in the field.

About

From the materials we make, to the medicines we take, chemistry shapes our interactions with the world around us. So understanding how chemicals interact at a molecular level is not only fascinating, it’s also of critical importance.

This course is for you if you possess an inherent curiosity about the world around you, are fascinated by the way chemicals interact and have a desire to understand their impact on every aspect of our lives, from our health and wellbeing to our economy.

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Course Reference Number: 1545377

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

We will test your learning through a variety of methods to reflect the range of learning outcomes. These include practical reports, data handling, project work, dissertations, course tests and examinations.

Compulsory Modules

CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Code CHE-4001Y

Credits 20

You will be laboratory based to cover experimental aspects of the 'core' chemistry courses, Chemistry of Carbon-based Compounds, Bonding, Structure and Periodicity, Light, Atoms and Materials and Analytical Chemistry. You will use spreadsheets for analysing and presenting data, which is also covered in this module.

CHEMISTRY OF CARBON-BASED COMPOUNDS

Code CHE-4101Y

Credits 20

After a shared introduction to atomic structure and periodicity, you will be introduced to the concepts of bonding and hybridisation, conjugation and aromaticity, the mechanistic description of organic reactions, the organic functional groups, the shapes of molecules and stereochemical issues including the concepts of enantiomers, diastereoisomers and racemates.

BONDING, STRUCTURE & PERIODICITY

Code CHE-4301Y

Credits 20

After a shared introduction to chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure and chemical principles, this module will provide you with an introduction to the structures, properties and reactivities of molecules and ionic solids. The first few lectures of this module are integrated with the module ‘Chemistry of Carbon Based Compounds’ and is supported and illustrated by the bonding, structure and periodicity experiments of the first year practical modules, Chemistry Laboratory A or Research Skills in Biochemistry. The latter part will concentrate more on fundamental aspects of inorganic Chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between chemical bonding and the structures and properties of molecules.

LIGHT, ATOMS AND MOLECULES

Code CHE-4202Y

Credits 20

This module introduces students to the major areas of classical physical chemistry: chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, and electrolyte solutions as well as spectroscopy. Chemical kinetics will consider the kinetic theory of gases and the rate of processes, in particular either in the gas phase or in solution. The appropriate theoretical basis for understanding rate measurements will be developed during the course, which will include considerations of the order of reaction, the Arrhenius equation and determination of rate constants. Thermodynamics deals with energy relationships in large assemblies, that is those systems which contain sufficient numbers of molecules for 'bulk' properties to be exhibited and which, are in a state of equilibrium. Properties discussed will include the heat content or enthalpy (H), heat capacity (Cp, Cv), internal energy (U), heat and work. The First Law of Thermodynamics will be introduced and its significance explained. It is very important that scientists have an understanding of the behaviour of ions in solution, which includes conductivity and ionic mobility. The interaction of radiation with matter is termed spectroscopy. Three main topics will be discussed: (i) ultraviolet/visible (UV / Vis) spectroscopy, in which electrons are moved from one orbital to another orbital; (ii) infrared (vibrational) spectroscopy, a technique which provides important information on the variety of bond types that a molecule can possess; (iii) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), which allows 'molecular skeletons' to be identified.

MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS A

Code ENV-4015Y

Credits 20

You will cover differentiation, integration, vectors, partial differentiation, ordinary differential equations, further integrals, power series expansions, complex numbers and statistical methods as part of this module. 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 those across the Faculty of Science that provide a solid undergraduate mathematical training. The follow-on modules are Mathematics for Scientists B and C. Recommended if you have grade A*-C at A-level Mathematics, or equivalent.

ELECTROMAGNETISM, OPTICS, RELATIVITY AND QUANTUM MECHANICS

Code PHY-4001Y

Credits 20

This module gives an introduction to important topics in physics, with particular, but not exclusive, relevance to chemical and molecular physics. Areas covered include optics, electrostatics and magnetism and special relativity. The module may be taken by any science students who wish to study physics beyond A Level.

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Important Information

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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5101A

Credits 20

This course builds on Chemistry of Carbon-based Compounds (the first year organic chemistry course). You will cover four main topics. The first 'aromaticity' includes benzenoid and hetero-aromatic systems. The second major topic is the organic chemistry of carbonyl compounds. Spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds is reviewed and the final major topic is 'stereochemistry and mechanisms'. This covers conformational aspects of acyclic and cyclic compounds. Stereoelectronic effects, Neighbouring Group Participation (NGP), Baldwin’s rules, Cram’s rule and cycloaddition reactions are then discussed.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

Code CHE-5201Y

Credits 20

The module covers a number of areas of modern physical chemistry which are essential to a proper understanding of the behaviour of chemical systems. These include the second law of thermodynamics and entropy, qunatum mechanics, the thermodynamics of solutions and chemical kinetics of complex reactions. The module includes laboratory work. Due to the laboratory-based content on this module students must have completed at least one Level 4 module containing laboratory work.

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5301B

Credits 20

In this module, you’ll study the structure, bonding and reactivity patterns of inorganic compounds. The module is a prerequisite for the 3rd level inorganic course Inorganic Compounds: Structure and Functions. You’ll cover the electronic structure, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes (ligand field theory), the chemistry of main group clusters, polymers and oligomers, the structures and reactivities of main group and transition metal organometallics, and the application of spectroscopic methods (primarily NMR, MS and IR) to inorganic compounds. You’ll have laboratory classes linked to the lecture topics and so you will need to have completed either of the level 4 practical modules, Chemistry Laboratory (A) or Research Skills in Biochemistry.

MATERIALS AND POLYMER CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5350Y

Credits 20

Specialist materials dominate the modern world, and it is our ability as chemists to control their properties. Understanding and controlling material properties is the central theme of this module. In this module you will learn about two key classes of material: polymers and inorganic solids. You'll gain a firm grounding in the specialist methods used to characterise these materials. This will enable you to appreciate the unique properties of these materials, and how they can be controlled. In the practical element of the module, you'll gain skills in synthesising and characterising polymers and inorganic solids. In the polymers thread, you'll begin by gaining an appreciation of the role they play in society and why they are unique. You'll then encounter methods we can use to understand the properties of polymers, and how we can control them. You'll also explore the wide range of mechanisms that can be used to make organic polymers. In the thread focussed on inorganic materials, you'll explore the ionic model for inorganic solids, before gaining an appreciation of the synthesis and characterisation methods that allow access to these materials. You'll then explore the variety of properties that solids can exhibit, including semiconduction and magnetism. This lecture-based content is complemented by the practical component of the course, where you'll gain hands-on experience in both synthesis and characterisation.

QUANTUM THEORY AND SYMMETRY

Code CHE-5250Y

Credits 20

You’ll cover the foundation and basics of quantum theory and symmetry, starting with features of the quantum world and including elements of quantum chemistry, group theory, computer-based methods for calculating molecular wavefunctions, quantum information, and the quantum nature of light. The subject matter paves the way for applications to a variety of chemical and physical systems – in particular, processes and properties involving the electronic structure of atoms and molecules.

HEAT, ATOMS AND SOLIDS

Code PHY-5004Y

Credits 20

Exploring fundamental aspects of thermodynamics and condensed matter physics, you’ll be introduced to ideas about the electronic structure based on the free-electron Sommerfeld and band theories, along with the concept of phonons and their contribution to the heat capacity of a solid. Also you’ll consider the structure, bonding and properties of solids, in particular electronic conductivity and magnetism, as well as atomic structure and atomic spectroscopy, and Entropy in terms of a macroscopic Carnot cycle and the statistical approach. Two important distributions of particles will be treated; Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac. Changes of state, 1st and 2nd order phase transitions and the Clausius–Clapeyron equation will be described.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

CHEMICAL PHYSICS - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-6250Y

Credits 20

The module will consist of topics covering important areas of modern physical chemistry and chemical physics. The material will blend together experimental and theoretical aspects of photonics, condensed phase dynamics in molecular and macromolecular fluids and quantum and classical simulations.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

Code CHE-6201Y

Credits 20

The module covers a selection of advanced topics in Physical Chemistry including statistical thermodynamics, reaction mechanisms and theories of reaction rates, photochemistry, electrochemistry and diffraction techniques.

INORGANIC COMPOUNDS: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Code CHE-6301Y

Credits 20

This module concentrates on two important themes in contemporary inorganic chemistry: (i) the role of transition metals in homogeneous catalysis; (ii) the correlation between the structures of transition metal complexes and their electronic and magnetic properties. The structure and bonding in these compounds will be discussed as well as their applications in synthesis. There will be a series of problem-solving workshops interspersed with the lectures.

Optional A Modules

(20-40 credits)

RESEARCH PROJECT

Code CHE-6001Y

Credits 40

A supervised research project available only to students registered for the BSc programme.

LITERATURE-BASED PROJECT

Code CHE-6002Y

Credits 20

A supervised literature-based project available only to students registered for the BSc programme.

Optional B Modules

(20-40 credits)

ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES

Code CHE-6101Y

Credits 20

You will cover several key topics required to plan the synthesis of organic compounds, and to understand the properties displayed by organic compounds. The first topic is on synthesis planning, strategy and analysis, supported by a study of further important oxidation and reduction reactions. The second topic is on the various types of pericyclic reactions and understanding the stereochemistry displayed by an analysis of frontier orbitals. The third topic is on the use of organometallic compounds in synthesis with a particular emphasis on the use of transition metal based catalysts. The fourth topic is the synthesis of chiral non-racemic compounds, and describes the use of chiral pool compounds and methods for the amplification of chiral information, including asymmettric reductions and oxidations.The final topic is on physical organic chemistry and includes aspects of radical chemistry.

ENERGY MATERIALS

Code CHE-6350Y

Credits 20

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the developing landscape and challenges in the broad area of energy generation and transduction. It has a particular emphasis on the science that underpins emerging technologies related to the hydrogen economy, photovoltaics and biological or solar fuels. Necessarily it encompasses cross-discipline aspects of chemistry, physics materials and biological science with the students gaining knowledge of how these disciplines interplay in the design and construction of new devices for energy harvesting and utilisation.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

BBB or ABC to include Chemistry and Mathematics, or BBC including Chemistry and Mathematics with an A in the Extended Project

BTEC

DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science), alongside Grade B in A-Level Maths. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services, BTEC Business Administration or BTEC Forensic Science

Scottish highers

AABBB including Chemistry and Mathematics

Scottish highers advanced

CCC including Chemistry and Mathematics

Irish leaving certificate

2 subjects at H2 and 4 subjects at H3, including Chemistry and Mathematics

Access course

Pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits of Chemistry and 12 Level 3 credits in Mathematics

European Baccalaureate

70% overall, to include at least 70% in Chemistry and Mathematics

International Baccalaureate

31 points to include HL 5 in Chemistry and Mathematics

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of rade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Applicants without traditional A-Levels e.g. those with Access or BTEC qualifications may be asked to completed a Chemistry Test at the University during the summer. Information concerning the content of the Chemistry Test will be made available to such applicants.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.

If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering

Alternative Qualifications

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher Levels in addition to A-Levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

English for University Study at INTO UEA

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

Apply

UEA Award

Develop your skills, build a strong CV and focus your extra-curricular activities while studying with our employer-valued UEA award.

LEARN MORE >

Radio blips and blasts

Watch our lecturer Dr Robert Ferdman talk about the discovery of pulsars and how they help us understand the University at his London Lecture.

WATCH >

Ask a Student

This is your chance to ask UEA's students about UEA, university life, Norwich and anything else you would like an answer to.

JUST ASK >

Course Reference Number: 1545377

BSc CHEMICAL PHYSICS