- UCAS course code
- F150
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
A flexible course with a wide range of modules taught by chemists, pharmacists, biologists and medicinal chemists.
Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F150 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £36,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances. For information about scholarships/bursaries/sponsorship please see our undergraduate fees pages and visit the Department website .
Course unit details:
Introductory Chemistry
| Unit code | CHEM10101 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 30 |
| Unit level | Level 1 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Week 1: Introduction to Chemistry at Manchester
Dr A K Brisdon and Dr F Mair
- To encourage reflection on prior learning and to aggregate existing knowledge.
- To provide an introduction to the ethos of university-level learning and teaching.
Weeks 2-5
Dr A K Brisdon and Dr F Mair
- Atomic orbitals and simple wavefunctions
- Introduction to molecular orbitals
- Valence bond approaches to molecular structure
- Application of MO and VB theory
The module then splits into two streams: “Shape and Reactivity” and “States of Matter”
Shape and Reactivity
Weeks 7-11
Dr C. Poree
- Molecular shape
- Stereoisomerism
- Fundamentals of chemical reactivity
States of Matter
Weeks 7-12
Prof. M. Anderson
- Interatomic and intermolecular forces
- Gases and liquids
- Solids
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM10520 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory | |
| Practical Chemistry | CHEM10600 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
A-level Chemistry or equivalent qualification.
Basic numeracy and literacy (to GCSE or equivalent) standard.
Basic laboratory experience, including an awareness of units and errors.
Aims
To provide an introduction to the fundamental principles underlying all chemical phenomena, to engage prior knowledge and understanding, to introduce new concepts and establish a sound basis for further units of study.
This unit will include aspects of structure, bonding, molecular shape and reactivity, the distribution of energy in microscopic and macroscopic terms, and an introduction to the important physical parameters which describe the states of matter (solid, liquid and gaseous phases).
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
Predict the shape, structure and bonding of small molecules, complexes and compounds based on orbitals and electron density.
Interpret the states of different kinds of matter based on the consideration of the molecular or atomic structure of the constituents and simple interatomic and intermolecular interaction potentials between the constituent species
Transferable skills and personal qualities
The following transferable skills will need to be used by students in order to complete this unit successfully:
- Problem solving – the application of problem solving skills to analyse given data, propose solutions to authentic chemical problems and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Communication skills – the ability to effectively and concisely convey answers using the appropriate chemical terminology/technical language, through discussion with peers, oral presentations and written work.
- Teamworking skills – Through discussion of authentic chemical problems in workshops, tutorials and PASS sessions.
- Numeracy and mathematical skills – the ability to handle and manipulate data using simple algebra, functions and calculus, the ability to correctly handle and convert data in different scientific units;
- Investigative Skills – to be able to read and extract key information from scholarly texts, given information and the internet, and to be able to assess/critique the quality of the information sourced.
- Analytical skills – the ability to interpret and critically evaluate data (and information).
- Time management/organisational skills – the development of an ability to work to schedules and meet deadlines by working efficiently and effectively.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
General
The course is delivered in a way which allows students to regularly receive feedback on their work through a variety of teaching activities. This is achieved through i) a significant amount of content being delivered as worked problems in lecture, and ii) through regular workshops each week of the course and during tutorials. These sessions allow for provision of formative feedback through material which is designed to help guide students in their own conceptualization and approach to solving problems.
Workshops
Workshops offer opportunities for both facilitator and peer feedback by:
Providing opportunities for students to work with and master concepts introduced in lectures, and apply these concepts to unseen material.
Encouraging development of thinking skills (with a focus on critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and application, rather than simple reproduction of knowledge/process)
Providing opportunities for teamwork and collaboration (and the development of skills associated with this) and including time for students to reflect upon their own learning.
Tutorials
Weekly tutorials in Semester 1 provide opportunities for more personalised tutor feedback on submitted work and topics discussed and for informal peer feedback in a collaborative, small-group environment.
E-learning
CHEM10101 is supported by a set of weekly online quizzes which provide an opportunity for students to evaluate their own progress during the module.
Recommended reading
J. Keeler and P. Wothers, Chemical Structure and Reactivity: An Integrated Approach (2nd edition), OUP, Oxford, 2013 (ISBN 978-0199604135).
P. Atkins and J. de Paula, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry (10th edition), OUP, Oxford, 2014 (ISBN 978-0199697403).
J. Clayden, N. Greeves and S. Warren, Organic Chemistry (2nd edition), OUP, Oxford, 2012 (ISBN 978-0199270293).
C. Housecroft and A. G. Sharpe, Inorganic Chemistry (4th edition), Pearson, 2012 (ISBN 978-0273742753)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 2 |
| Lectures | 200 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 90 |
| Tutorials | 10 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 216 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Alan Brisdon | Unit coordinator |