BSc Chemistry

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 21/22 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  

This personalised learning unit allows students to choose three (CHEM30112) or six (CHEM30122) segments of advanced chemistry topics.

The over-arching aim of the personalised learning unit is to prepare students for a professional career in Chemistry by expanding core chemistry knowledge into advanced topics, to provide a wider and deeper understanding of particular areas of chemistry.

The key aims of each of the segments are:

Metals in Biology (I. Riddell) – This topic introduces the students to the contribution of metal ions in biology and medicine, providing a context for coordination chemistry beyond the laboratory and textbooks.

Contemporary f-Element Chemistry (D. Mills) - This topic introduces students to the use of molecular designs to achieve landmark advances in non-aqueous f-element synthetic chemistry.

Catalytic Asymmetric Reactions (P. Quayle) – This topic introduces students to the catalytic processes which are routinely used for the stereoselective synthesis of target molecules. This segment will build upon the use of stoichiometric, stereoselective processes, previously discussed in years one to three, for the synthesis of target molecules possessing one or more chiral centres.

Polymer Materials (P.M. Budd) – This topic enables students to understand how the macromolecular structure of a polymer influences its material properties, and hence the ways in which it may be used.

Applied Optical Spectroscopy (A. Horn) - This topic introduces students to methods and instrumentation in optical spectroscopy, including applications in surface, time-resolved and high-resolution spectroscopy.

Main Group Reagents in Synthesis (A.C. Regan) – This topic introduces students to the use of boron-, silicon-, sulfur- and selenium-containing reagents in organic synthesis.

Surface Analysis (A. Walton) - This topic introduces students to the fundamentals of surface science and the techniques used to gain atomic-scale understanding of surface chemistry.

Problem solving, analytical skills, time management.

Each topic includes asynchronous and synchronous sessions.

Lecturing staff will provide Office Hours during the course