Chemistry (MChem)

The course structure is very flexible with all Cardiff's Chemistry degree programmes sharing a common first and second year. Transfer to the MChem Chemistry with a year in industry, or MChem Chemistry with a year abroad programmes is possible at the end of year one or two.

The four-year MChem Chemistry programme builds on the strong platform of the common first two years by exploring particular areas in greater detail in years three and four. This gives you an in-depth knowledge as a sound basis for research and further study in your chosen specialist field.

The programme has met the Royal Society of Chemistry requirements for accreditation. This means you can gain the title Chartered Chemist (CChem), when you have had the necessary further experience in a relevant job after graduation.

My ambition was to work in the Pharmaceutical industry; therefore as an undergraduate, I wanted to gain valuable professional experience that came with the application of science in a real working environment. This would give me an edge on other students when applying for jobs after graduation.

Tom Edwards, MChem with a Year in Industry Year one

The first year ensures that you have a thorough basis for further study by consolidation and extension of previous experience in all aspects of the subject. There are five core chemistry modules based around the three principal areas of the subject, but also including coverage of key skills for chemists.

These are complemented by a range of optional modules, which are reviewed and updated regularly.

These allow you to exercise choice over your studies and extend your breadth of experience.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsIntroduction To The Solid State and Applications of SpectroscopyCH310420 creditsFoundations of Physical ChemistryCH310120 creditsFoundations of Inorganic ChemistryCH310220 creditsFoundations of Organic ChemistryCH310320 creditsTechniques and Methods in ChemistryCH310510 creditsYear two

The second year of the programme is where the main development of core material occurs. All modules are core and cover rigorously and in detail central material across all of the main areas of chemistry. They include:

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsApplications of Molecular SpectroscopyCH320220 creditsSymmetry, Spectroscopy and Quantum MechanicsCH320420 creditsKey Skills For ChemistsCH320610 creditsChemical Biology II: Introduction To Enzyme and Nucleic AcidCH321610 creditsOrganic Chemistry of Multiply Bonded SystemsCH320320 creditsReactivity and Properties of The Elements and Their CompoundsCH320120 creditsThermodynamics and KineticsCH320520 creditsYear three

The sound basis provided over years one and two is consolidated in the final year with core modules.

You will also be able to choose from optional modules that reflect the research strengths of the School.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsAdvanced Physical ChemistryCH330420 creditsApplication of Research MethodsCH230620 creditsTraining in Research MethodsCH230120 creditsAdvanced Organometallic and Coordination ChemistryCH330220 creditsAdvanced Organic ChemistryCH330320 creditsOptional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsCatalysis and ElectrocatalysisCH231010 creditsChemical Biology III: Biosynthetic Approach To Natural ProductsCH231710 creditsBioinorganic ChemistryCH330810 creditsAdvanced Spectroscopy and DiffractionCH330710 creditsYear four

A substantial year-long research project in an area of your choosing provides the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the skills you have acquired, in the form of research at the forefront of knowledge. There are no compulsory theory modules at this level: you will be able to select optional modules to match your interests.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsProjectCH340160 creditsOptional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsFrontiers in Ligand Design and Coordination ChemistryCH340210 creditsBio-imaging Applications of Coordination ChemistryCH340310 creditsAsymmetric Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals and Natural ProductsCH340410 creditsAdvanced Techniques in Organic and Biological ChemistryCH340510 creditsMolecular ModellingCH340610 creditsAdvanced MaterialsCH340710 creditsModern Catalytic ProcessesCH340810 creditsChemistry at Phase BoundariesCH340910 creditsAdvanced Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Principles and ApplicationsCH341010 credits The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.