Chemistry

In your first year, you will be introduced to the various strands of chemistry, and we will start to think about the ways in which chemistry contributes to our economy and the world around us.

Core modules

Structure and Function

Learn about the bonding and structure in organic molecules and functional group chemistry, with an emphasis on reactivity and mechanism.

Inorganic Bonding and Solid-State Materials

Learn the fundamental concepts of theoretical and practical chemistry as well as aspects such as inorganic complexation reactions, indicator theory and acid-base systems.

Physical States of Matter

Study physical chemistry including the kinetic theory of gases, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, phase equilibria and distillation processes.

Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Analysis

Learn basic chemical principles including chromatography, applied optical spectroscopy, statistical tests, electroanalytical techniques, and appropriate specialist methods.

Professional Development

Engage with real-life examples of how chemistry works, and understand the influence of social, economic or environmental factors on the way chemical sciences operate.

Introduction to Specialist Areas of Chemistry

These include the biological chemistry of drugs, polymeric materials and environmental issues.

This year we will be exploring more advanced concepts and you'll have the opportunity to take a short placement to get you thinking about the world of work. You'll also choose a specialist area for further study.

Core modules

Organic Chemistry

Learn more advanced concepts in synthetic organic chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms and reactivity, as well as advanced structural analysis through organic spectroscopic techniques.

Inorganic Chemistry

Develop the concepts introduced in Year One and learn about structural chemistry in relation to chemical behaviour, functionality, reactivity and identification of inorganic molecules.

Physical Chemistry

Learn about the basic principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.

Analytical Chemistry

Builds on Year One with a focus on interfering sample matrices, quantitative and qualitative identification of multicomponent samples and measurements under non-ideal conditions.

Professional Practice

Get prepared for the world of work through a short placement. You'll be able to apply and observe, analyse and evaluate a range of vocationally relevant processes and attitudes.

Optional modules

Choose one from:

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Introduces you to the processes involved in drug discovery and the steps taken by the medicinal chemist to take a lead compound and develop a drug for the market.

Modern Day Materials

Develop an awareness of the impact of advanced materials science on modern-day life through a series of lectures and laboratory demonstrations on the applications of carbon and composite materials.

Chemical Technology

This module brings chemistry into reality starting with the introduction of both fundamental and practical knowledge of applied chemistry in commercial applications and taking it through to the industrial environment.

Applied Instrumental Analysis

Develop an understanding of how modern analytical instrumentation and radiochemical techniques are used to solve real-world problems in areas such as research, industry and the regulatory sectors.

Optional year-long work placement.  If you are not taking a placement you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

We're moving on to advanced topics and you'll start to work more independently, carrying out research for your final year project. You'll have more input in deciding which modules you study this year, depending on your own interests and career aspirations.

Core modules

Advanced Chemistry

Study advanced topics across the spectrum of chemistry including heterocyclic chemistry, reaction mechanisms at metal centres, and molecular self-assembly and polymer chemistry in solution.

Project

Develop plans and carry out a substantial independent research project of publishable quality. Understand the principles of analytical work and the limitations of experimental design.

Optional modules

Choose two from:

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Study a range of topics including bioinorganic chemistry, magnetochemistry, and the chemistry of lanthanides and actinides, to name a few.

Advanced Organic Chemistry

Builds on previous concepts presented in organic chemistry, and introduces you to concepts of total synthesis, asymmetric synthesis and advanced theories in pericyclic reactions.

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Study the principles of surface and colloid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and concepts of heat and mass transfer associated with industrial processes.

Choose one from:

Advanced Chemical Analysis

Develop through advanced topics in the theory and practice of chemical analysis, including method development from first principles through to final presentation, method validation, and group work.

Chemotherapeutics

Study the biological processes involved in disease proliferation and the use of chemotherapeutic agents as a treatment.

Nano and Green Chemistry

Develop an appreciation of cutting-edge progress in nanomaterials and green chemistry, their use in domestic and engineering applications and the theory and practice of green chemistry.

Communicating Science and Technology

An opportunity for you to gain valuable transferable skills working as a â€کstudent-tutor' with teachers in local schools or to work on a community-based project.