Chemistry with Industrial Experience MSci

120 credits of taught material are delivered each year, in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits. In the first two years, you will take 60 credits of core chemistry courses, covering the fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry that we deem essential.

The remaining 60 credits in the first two years comprise maths and data analysis modules in Year 1 and optional material in later years, along with laboratory modules (with embedded communications and employability skills) designed to support these core courses, allowing you to develop your practical skills and techniques as well as consolidate the associated theory from your lectures.

In Year 3, your industrial work placement accounts for 80 credits and this is assessed through a variety of methods, including a report and presentation. In addition, you will undertake 30 credits of core Year 3 material, delivered as distance-learning modules, which will ensure that you return to Birmingham with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully rejoin your MSci cohort for the fourth year. A 10-credit intensive lab course taken at the end of the year prepares you for your academic research project in Year 4. In this third year spent in industry, you will be subject to reduced tuition fees. Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

You return to Birmingham for your final year.

In Year 1, you will take core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, all of which are supported by two additional modules comprising an extensive laboratory work programme. Your remaining 20 credits will give you a solid grounding in the maths and data analysis techniques you will need during your degree.

Those of you who do not have A-level maths or equivalent – don’t worry! In the introductory maths module in Semester 1 you can learn at your own pace, supported by lectures and workshops to bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry. All students take this module, whether they have A-level maths or not, since not all A-level maths syllabuses cover the same material.

In Semester 2, additional mathematics is embedded in the physical chemistry module, as you begin to apply your mathematical skills to chemical problems. All of the maths material is delivered by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you are equipped with those skills you need to tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.

• Inorganic Chemistry I - 20 credits
• Organic Chemistry 1a - 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry 1b - 10 credits
• Physical Chemistry I - 20 credits
• Practical Chemistry Ia1 - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry Ia2 - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry Ib1 - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry Ib2 - 10 credits
• Fundamental Mathematics for Chemists - 10 credits
• Innovative Approaches to Data Analysis and Presentation - 10 credits

In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a combination of lectures and practicals to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, you will also take two chemistry options modules, choosing from a range of courses, which include analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and biological chemistry.

You will also work closely with the Course Director and College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Careers Team, who will provide advice on putting together your CV, making applications, and good interview technique, all of which will maximise your chances of securing the industrial placement you want.

• Inorganic Chemistry IIa - 10 credits
• Inorganic Chemistry IIb - 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry IIa - 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry IIb - 10 credits
• Physical Chemistry IIa - 10 credits
• Physical Chemistry IIb - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry IIa1 - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry IIa2 - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry IIb1 - 10 credits
• Practical Chemistry IIb2 - 10 credits
• Year 2 Chemistry Options A – 10 credits
• Year 2 Chemistry Options B – 10 credits

Progression to Stage 3 of the Chemistry with Industrial Experience degree programme requires an Overall Year 2 Mark of greater than 60%, normally to include passes in all three core chemistry exams at Stage 2. Progression to stage 3 of the Chemistry with Industrial Experience requires the student to have been offered and have accepted a placement position which has been approved by the School of Chemistry.

Whilst you are out on your industrial placement, you will maintain frequent contact with Birmingham Chemistry via your academic supervisor, who has been assigned to support you during your placement and will visit you on site to monitor your progress and check on your welfare. You will write a report on your work and present your results to your peers and other members of the School in a research symposium.

In order that you can return to Birmingham with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully rejoin your MSci cohort for the fourth year, you will also undertake 30 credits of distance-learning modules covering core Year 3 material in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

In addition, once you return to Birmingham from your industrial placement, you will undertake an intensive lab course, which will provide you with a valuable opportunity to hone your lab skills ready to undertaken your final year research project.

• Industrial Project - 80 credits
• Inorganic Chemistry CIE - 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry CIE - 10 credits
• Physical Chemistry CIE - 10 credits
• Intensive Practical Chemistry - 10 credits

Returning to Birmingham for your fourth and final year, you will find significant flexibility, as you choose 60 credits of taught modules from a range of courses pitched at the cutting edge of the discipline.

In addition to 60 credits of taught modules, you will join one of the School’s research groups, and become a member of the Research School as you undertake a major research project (worth the remaining 60 credits). You will work closely with your project supervisor to tailor your project to your particular interests and ensure you develop those research skills that you feel will be most beneficial to you after completing your degree.

• Masters Research Project - 60 credits

Select 60 credits of optional modules, examples listed below:

• Materials Chemistry - 10 credits
• Applications of Supramolecular Chemistry - 10 credits
• Synthesis of Natural Products - 10 credits
• Clusters, Surfaces and Interfaces - 10 credits
• Bio-inorganic Chemistry - 10 credits
• Modern Methods for Molecular Synthesis - 10 credits
• Soft matter - 10 credits
• Statistical Mechanics, Symmetry and Spectroscopy - 10 credits
• Advanced Sustainable Polymeric and Advanced Molecular Materials - 10 credits

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.