International Relations and Chemistry

International Relations

Many of the key questions in today's world concern the way in which states, peoples and religions relate to each other. How and why do they become opponents, or allies? What causes conflict and war and how can they be prevented or resolved? These are the topics with which the study of International Relations is concerned. By looking at current affairs, at history and at the various theories and explanations offered to account for global developments, the discipline of International Relations offers the chance to engage with issues of crucial importance to today's and tomorrow's world. The skills and knowledge acquired are valuable for careers in the global economy and various other careers in the international arena.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the most vigorous, evolving and challenging science of all, with wide and diverse applications. It lies at the heart of the most technological developments and is important in all walks of life. Chemists contribute enormously to a great variety of areas - from the wealth-creating manufacturing industries such as oil, chemical and mining companies, to the high technology areas of pharmaceuticals, micro-electronics, fibres, and ceramics. Many chemists work in consumer based industries such as food and brewing or in service industries such as health and water treatment. Alternatively, chemistry graduates choose to utilise their acquired skills within areas like business, commerce, journalism and many more. The list is as endless as are the opportunities open to chemistry graduates. This course is designed to stimulate an interest in chemistry, develop knowledge and skills, and provide a practical grounding which has proven to be very attractive to potential employers.

To provide a thorough theoretical and practical training in the fundamental principles and practices of Chemistry. We recognise the need for practising chemists to possess strong tactile and manipulative skills, and therefore we focus on the development of subject confidence and competence through 'hands-on' experience. Our novel areas of research allow us to place special emphasis on and introduce you to exciting elements like Speciality Polymers, Biopolymers, Liquid-crystals and Electro active Organic and Inorganic Materials. A research project in the final year helps develop initiative, independence of thought, self-reliance, and team-work skills and fosters the ability to reason and communicate your ideas with confidence.

Key benefits

International Relations

At Aston, International Relations can be studied in combination with a range of other subjects including Business, Biology, Chemistry, French, German, Spanish and Sociology. .

Studying is in an international environment where students are taught by staff with a wide range of international interests and subjects.

Chemistry

The Chemistry course at Aston University offers training in a wide number of chemical techniques and key information on their technological implications. You will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment to analyse and design chemical systems. You will be able to study specialist topics that extend and amplify main core chemistry subject areas and, wherever possible, overlap with the other degree combinations. The Chemistry degree at Aston University is a challenging and very useful degree, which is very powerful when paired with career-orientated combinations such as business, language and other scientific subjects. There is also an optional sandwich work placement year in industry or commerce which will further enhance your career opportunities.

As Chemistry is a practical-based science subject, we place strong emphasis on the acquisition and development of laboratory skills. From the beginning of the academic year you will gain 'hands-on' experience in laboratory classes.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science have achieved a coveted 5 rating in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, which is carried out by the Higher Education Funding Council every 4 years, and provides ratings of research quality across all disciplines throughout the university system, using a standard scale from 1 to 5.

Aston University has a reputation for undertaking cutting edge research involving real life problem solving whilst advancing scientific knowledge. The focus of work is on the inter-disciplinary nature of engineering and applied sciences, technologies and their interactions. The strengths of Aston's Research in the School of Engineering and Applied Science allow it to further develop the industrial links and collaborative partnerships, helping with the practical transfer of technology from Academia to industry. This also ensures that graduates have access to state of the art research and technical expertise from staff, teaching them real-life skills and enhancing the student's employability prospects.

All students studying on a chemistry combined honours course will have the opportunity (pending a successful interview) to study for a BSc Combined Honours with Science Education degree. On successful graduation you will have an Honours degree in two subjects together with Qualified Teacher Status. Please note that this course is delivered in collaboration with Newman University College in Birmingham who will provide the teaching elements of the course.

Teaching and assessment

International Relations

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• lectures, tutorials and seminars

• exercises and case studies

• group and individual project work

• use of our extensive computing facilities

• corporate investigation and analysis

Students will be assessed in individual modules by end-of-semester (January & May/June) examinations and by assignments conducted and submitted

Chemistry

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• lectures, tutorials and seminars

• Chemistry laboratories

• use of our extensive computing facilities

• corporate investigation and analysis

Students will be assessed in individual modules by end-of-semester (January & May/June) examinations and by assignments conducted and submitted

Personal development

International Relations

The placement year at Aston University has an enviable reputation. This year provides the opportunity to develop professional skills by spending a year in paid employment.

Students will be strongly encouraged to seek a placement abroad, although this is not compulsory. Placements are also available in the UK. Students will be carefully prepared for their placement year during their first two years at Aston, with excellent support both before and throughout the placement year. The school of Languages and Social Sciences has a full-time placements officer who will assist with finding and obtaining a suitable placement and provide individual support to plan and organise this exciting and rewarding year. Placements in recent years have included positions in the European Parliament as assistants to MEPs and with various European business organisations, as well as working in UK-based institutions working on European issues and programmes.

Aston has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK. The courses ensure that students gain academic knowledge as well as developing a wide range of skills that are valued by employers. Aston's International Relations graduates are articulate and intellectually sophisticated; they are able to discuss in informed, analytical and critical ways the most important issues facing Europe and the world beyond.

Skills developed by the study of International Relations may be put to good use in a variety of professions in the public and private sector, both nationally and internationally.

Chemistry

As a School of Engineering & Applied Science undergraduate student, you have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice, whilst gaining valuable and professional experience by choosing to do a placement. This year will enhance your graduate employment prospects and will enable you to make a sound career decision.

You will be given a lot of support and advice on finding a suitable placement and our tutors will keep in touch with you to ensure it is a success. Many employers return year after year to employ our placement students. The application process for finding a placement job is a lot like applying for a real graduate job, excellent experience in itself.

If you work for a company you can expect to be paid a salary (the average across the University is £11-12,000 per year) but this is not always the case for students working in the public sector. The vast majority of placements are paid however, contributing to your finances as well as your CV.

Aston University has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK. Our Chemistry graduates have the ability to gather information, conduct research, analyse and evaluate data. They can develop ideas and prepare reports, and have a capacity for calculating, computing and applying formulas. Our Chemistry graduates have additional qualities, which are invaluable in the work place such as effective interpersonal, communication, writing and presentation skills.

They have the ability to co-ordinate work with others and also work independently. These skills will ensure that our graduates are continually among some of the most employable in the country.

In addition all students studying on a chemistry combined honours course will have the opportunity (pending a successful interview) to study for a BSc Combined Honours with Science Education degree. On successful graduation you will have an Honours degree in two subjects together with Qualified Teacher Status enabling you to practice as a fully qualified teacher. Please note that this course is delivered in collaboration with Newman University College in Birmingham who will provide the teaching elements of the course.

Career prospects

International Relations

Skills developed by the study of International Relations may be put to good use in a variety of professions in the public and private sector, both nationally and internationally.

Chemistry

A Combined Honours degree in Chemistry leads to all sorts of job opportunities, not just in Chemistry, but in a wide variety of areas. As Chemistry is so central to other sciences, chemists find opportunities in industries relating to pharmaceuticals, food & drink processing, agriculture, forensic science, medicine, electronics, and many more. The skills obtained on this course are highly sought after by employers and will undoubtedly provide you with an excellent basis for any number of challenging and rewarding careers. These careers can range from journalism, law, teaching and accountancy, to retail management, business administration, sales and marketing.

Objectives

Our Aims

Many of the key questions in today’s world concern the way in which states, peoples and religions relate to each other. How and why do they become enemies or allies? What causes conflict and war and how can they be prevented or resolved? These are the topics with which the study of International relations is concerned. By looking at current affairs, at history, and at the various theories and explanations offered to account for global developments, the discipline of International Relations offers the chance to engage with issues of crucial importance to today’s and tomorrow’s world. The skills and knowledge acquired are valuable for careers in the global economy.