Modern Language MSci, Chemistry with a

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.

Core modules (60 credits in each year) are taken by all students enrolled on both single honours and major/minor degree programmes and cover those fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry that we deem essential. Year 1 also includes a self-paced maths course.

You will also take 20 credits of language modules in Years 1–3 which are delivered by staff in the University’s the Department of Modern Languages. The remaining 40 credits comprise 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.

You study just chemistry in Year 4, taking 60 credits of taught material from a selection of modules pitched at the cutting edge of the subject. A major research project accounts for the remaining 60 credits.

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. The remaining 20 credits is your chosen modern language.

Those of you who do not have A-level maths or equivalent – don’t worry! We provide a self-paced introductory maths course in Semester 1, which will bring you up to speed with the common mathematical techniques needed for chemistry. All students take this course, 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

In addition you must select ONE language module, examples listed below:

• IWLP Mandarin Level 1 - 20 credits
• IWLP Japanese Level 1 - 20 credits
• French Module according to IWLP - 20 credits
• German Module according to IWLP - 20 credits
• Spanish Module according to IWLP - 20 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 modules in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and the associated laboratory work, you will continue to develop your language skills.

• 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

In addition you must select ONE language module, examples listed below:

• IWLP Mandarin Level 2 - 20 credits
• IWLP Japanese Level 2 - 20 credits
• French Module according to IWLP - 20 credits
• German Module according to IWLP - 20 credits
• Spanish Module according to IWLP - 20 credits

Students may proceed with the MSci programme providing a minimum of 220 credits have been accumulated by the end of Stage 2 and an Overall Stage 2 mark of greater than 60% has been obtained, normally to include passes in core chemistry exams.

In Year 3, core chemistry modules in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are accompanied by advanced classes in your chosen modern language. Two modules of advanced laboratory work and project skills training will prepare you for the major research project that you will undertake in your fourth year.

• Inorganic Chemistry IIIa - 10 credits
• Inorganic Chemistry IIIb - 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry IIIa - 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry IIIb - 10 credits
• Physical Chemistry IIIa - 10 credits
• Physical Chemistry IIIb - 10 credits
• Year 3 Research Methodology I - 20 credits
• Year 3 Research Methodology II - 20 credits

In addition you must select ONE language module, examples listed below:

• IWLP Mandarin Level 3 - 20 credits
• IWLP Japanese Level 3 - 20 credits
• French Module according to IWLP - 20 credits
• German Module according to IWLP - 20 credits
• Spanish Module according to IWLP - 20 credits

You will study just chemistry in this, your final, year during which, significant flexibility allows you to specialise in a particular sub-discipline should you wish. You will choose from a range of courses that reflect the state-of-the-art of the discipline, which not only allows us to showcase the cutting-edge research interests of the School but also ensures that you are aware of the latest challenges in this rapidly advancing subject.

In addition to 60 credits of taught chemistry 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.