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.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.

This personalised learning unit allows students to choose three (CHEM30112) or six (CHEM30122) 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 topics are:

Metals in Biology (I. Riddell) – This topic introduces students to the use of molecular design to acheive landmark advances in non-aqueous f-element synthetic chemistry.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Solid State NMR: Principles and Applications (M.W. Anderson) - This segment enables students to

1. Introduce the fundamentals of NMR in the solid state as opposed to NMR in the liquid state.

2. Explain the mechanisms of line-broadening in the solid state.

3. Describe methodologies for narrowing lines in the solid state.

4. Highlight specific applications of solid state NMR.

Problem solving, analytical skills, time management.

Each topic includes asynchronous and synchronous sessions.

Lecturing staff will provide Office Hours during the course

After the exam marking has been completed students are provided feedback.

Specific reading material will be provided separately for each topic.