MChem Chemistry with a Year Abroad

Key details

MCHEM CHEMISTRY WITH A YEAR ABROAD

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Chemistry

UCAS course code

F103

Entry Requirements

AAB

Duration (years)

Following the central structure of our MChem Chemistry, this course allows you to spend a year studying overseas. The year abroad will not only expose you to different research and teaching techniques, but will also give you the opportunity to be absorbed into university life within a different culture.

You can choose from a broad range of partner universities in North America, Europe, Australasia, or Asia, where you’ll study advanced level modules from the core subjects of Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, as well as elective modules to suit your interests, all under the guidance of the Year Abroad director or your academic advisor.

A Master’s in Chemistry is the degree you should choose if you aspire to becoming a professional chemist. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, our four-year Master’s course will give you the in-depth academic training you need to follow this career path.

A key benefit to our MChem course is the emphasis we place on laboratory-based teaching, and the development of practical skills. Your lab work will include synthesis of new compounds, characterisation of these compounds by spectroscopic methods, and the study of their individual properties.

In the final two years of your degree, you’ll tailor your study to specialise in the areas that reflect your interests and career aspirations. You’ll also undertake an individual research project.

About

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

Our course will provide academic training you need to become a professional chemist. 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). Our cutting-edge research in chemical sciences underpins our teaching – through lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practicals – ensuring your learning is at the forefront of scientific thought.

Making a choice between an MChem or BSc course can be difficult. You’ll be given advice before you begin studying and while you’re a student here. And, because of the common structure of our courses, you can transfer between the MChem and BSc in your first or second years.

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Course Reference Number: 1545269

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 employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Structure

Our Master’s in Chemistry programme will develop your existing knowledge and give you a detailed understanding of chemistry across a broad range of specialisms.

Due to the subject’s strong practical component, we place great emphasis on laboratory skill training. This could take the form of the synthesis of new compounds, the characterisation of these compounds by spectroscopic methods, or the study of their properties.

Throughout your four years, our modules will help you develop transferable skills in the areas of communication, team working and problem solving. Such skills are vital to professional scientists and prized by employers.

In your first year of study you’ll develop your scientific skills, building upon your existing knowledge. You’ll also study topics such as mathematics and physics, which will prove particularly beneficial if you have not taken A-levels in these subjects.

In year one we also place a distinct emphasis on practical work, encouraging you to develop important analytical and problem solving skills that will prove invaluable throughout your degree.

Teaching and Learning

Our teaching will combine lectures, small group seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Some of your lectures and practicals may take an active approach to learning, encouraging you to interact with your fellow students within the sessions.

Independent study

You will have plenty of opportunity for independent study throughout your degree programme as you complete coursework and prepare for exams. However your final year research project will truly exemplify your independent work, allowing you to get to grips with an aspect of chemistry that really interests you.

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Assessment for Year 1

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

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.

SKILLS FOR CHEMISTS

Code CHE-4050Y

Credits 20

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. The module also contains a broadly based series of lectures on science, coupled with activities based upon them. The twin objectives for this part of the module are to provide a contextual backdrop for the more focused studies in other concurrent and subsequent degree courses, and to engage students as participants in researching and presenting related information.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-4501Y

Credits 20

Introducing important concepts in analytical chemistry, this module covers a range of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques that underpin more complex instrumental analytical methodologies. Exploring these techniques, you will learn how to apply them to real-life analytical problems.

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

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

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.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

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.

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5501Y

Credits 20

The module covers the theory and practical application of some key instrumental techniques for chemical analysis. Molecular spectroscopy, chromatography and electroanalytical techniques are the important instrumental methods included. Laboratory practicals using these techniques will reinforce material covered in the lecture programme.

Optional B Modules

(40 credits)

MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5150Y

Credits 20

Medicinal chemistry is a highly interdisciplinary area and this module is designed to introduce a variety of topics in the field of medicinal chemistry. Some of the topics that will be discussed in a series of lectures include, Molecular and biomolecular interactions, Biomolecules: Proteins and nucleic acids, Phases of drug action, Pharmacokinetics, Proteins and receptors as drug targets, DNA as a drug target and development of antitumor agents.

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.

BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-5601Y

Credits 20

This module will equip you with an understanding of the principles and techniques used in contemporary biophysical chemistry. You will learn experimental techniques for measuring thermodynamic and kinetic properties of biological molecules. You will gain firm grounding in the physical principles describing those properties and their use to provide quantitative descriptions of those properties. Using predominantly examples from protein biochemistry you will explore three major themes; i) spectroscopic properties of biomolecules, ii) thermodynamic and kinetic properties of proteins and enzymes, and, iii) methods defining biomolecule size and mass. Through weekly seminars you will benefit from putting your knowledge into practice, communicating your ideas and growing your confidence in quantitative data analysis and problem solving. During laboratory based practical work, you will develop your skills in sample preparation together with the collection and interpretation of spectroscopic data. Your participation in this module will give you the knowledge to appreciate how, and why, biophysical chemistry contributes to advances in medicine, sustainable energy solutions and healthy ageing.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 4

We employ a range of assessment methods across our modules, evenly balanced between examinations and coursework.

Our methods include literature reviews, exams, essays, course tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, and seminar presentations.

Compulsory Modules

YEAR-LONG RESEARCH PROJECT

Code CHE-7001Y

Credits 60

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

Optional A Modules

(60 credits)

ADVANCED TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

Code CHE-7101Y

Credits 20

Organic chemistry differs from most other areas of science in that we study what we create using the power of synthesis. In this context this module on advanced organic chemistry is the study of supermolecules – catalysts and supramolecular structures – and the methods and principles required to understand how these work. The topics are related closely to the research interests of the lecturers involved, and we hope that our enthusiasm for, and specialist knowledge of, the subjects covered will create an interesting and rewarding course that extends beyond organic chemistry to several other areas of science. In the Autumn semester the topic is asymmetric synthesis and catalysis, a discipline that is increasingly utilised in organic chemistry. In Part A the principles of asymmetric catalysis will be introduced and exemplified using metal catalysis, organo catalysis and enzyme catalysis. Such is the importance of catalysis to life that this part will include an investigation into asymmetric catalytic reactions of relevance to the origins of life. In Part B we review other methods of asymmetric synthesis, such as the use of chiral auxiliaries, and the use of asymmetric methodology for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and natural products of relevance to drug discovery programmes. In the Spring semester Part C will cover how the mechanism of an organic reaction, including a catalysed reaction, may be determined. This physical organic chemistry component of the course will provide a detailed insight into techniques and principles of use in several other areas of chemical science. Finally, in Part D, supramolecular structure will be discussed, including methods of synthesis, together with the application of these molecules in areas including materials chemistry.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICAL AND NANOCHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7201Y

Credits 20

How big is a nanoparticle? What special properties do nanomaterials possess? Can we monitor chemical reactions with fast laser techniques? These are fundamental questions in this module of advanced topics in nanochemistry and physical chemistry. This module aims to present you with material that is not necessarily covered in standard textbooks, but rich references will be listed within lecture slides. You’ll gain a firm grounding in synthesis methods, characterisation techniques, and concepts in nanoscience and nanotechnology and modern physical chemistry. The module provides M level coverage in selected topics of nanochemistry and physical chemistry and follows on from the respective third-year modules. You’ll begin with an overview of the module and introductory to the history and development of the discipline. The material will be presented in two lecture blocks, covering (i) advanced synthesis of nanomaterials and related considerations, functionalisation and characterisations, single molecule methods in biophysical chemistry, and nanoparticles in nanomedicine; (ii) physical chemistry and reaction kinetics, molecular photophysics and spectroscopy. There are two course tests in this module with the first one in nanochemistry at the end of semester 1, and the second in physical chemistry at the beginning of semester 2. A series of seminar-style sessions will be integrated into the teaching programme and all materials presented in this module will be assessed in the final examination.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7301Y

Credits 20

This module is an option for all final year students on our integrated Master’s degree. It builds on previous modules to present commercially relevant cutting edge science. You will learn how to tailor homogeneous catalysis to control the properties and value of commodity polymers. You will be able to describe the applications and suggest solutions to challenges in dehydrocoupling. You will be able to design novel combinations and explain the remarkable catalytic and stoichiometric reactivity of frustrated Lewis pairs. You will spectroscopically characterise and interpret multi-nuclear NMR. Your knowledge of the unique chemistry of gold complexes will equip you to explain the versatility of gold to treat cancer and prepare novel OLEDs.

TOPICS IN ADVANCED BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-7601Y

Credits 20

You will develop your knowledge on important biophysical concepts and methods that are widely employed in Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry. There are two main areas upon which you will focus: The first being biological systems covering key areas such as the role of metal-containing proteins; biocatalysis, membrane proteins, including transport across biological membranes and modern developments in chemical biology. The second part of the module develops further your understanding of key biophysical characterisation tools used in chemical and structural biology. You will develop on the spectroscopic/structural theme covered in the B.Sc. course by providing an in depth, specialist view of selected key biophysical methods at the forefront of research. These include (i) high resolution crystallographic techniques and x-ray spectroscopic techniques (ii) magnetic resonance techniques (both advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods); (iii) advanced optical techniques (eg MCD and Mößbauer), (iv) Computational approaches (eg molecular dynamics) for structure determination and structure-function studies as well as understanding and determining protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB or ABB with an A in the Extended Project, including Chemistry. Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element.

BTEC

DDD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science). Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services, BTEC Business Administration and BTEC Forensic Science.

Scottish highers

AAAAA including grade A in Chemistry.

Scottish highers advanced

BBC including Chemistry.

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Chemistry.

Access course

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Chemistry.

European Baccalaureate

80% overall including 70% in Chemistry.

International Baccalaureate

33 points including Higher Level 5 in Chemistry.

GCSE offer

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

Additional entry requirements

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 complete 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:

Chemistry with a Foundation Year

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

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences

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, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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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.

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Course Reference Number: 1545269

MChem CHEMISTRY WITH A YEAR ABROAD