- UCAS course code
- F109
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Chemistry (MChem)
MChem Chemistry
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F109 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 37 points overall with 7,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Computational Modelling Techniques
| Unit code | CHEM40241 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 4 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Offered by | Department of Chemistry |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Weeks 1–3: Introduction to data structures, programming and algorithms (Dr N A Burton, 3 (asynchronous) lectures + 3 two hour (synchronous) workshops)
Weeks 4–5, 7'': Linear algebra techniques in molecular structure (Dr N A Burton - with some asynchronous materials from Dr J J W McDouall, 3 (asynchronous) lectures + 3 two hours (synchronous) workshops)
Weeks 8-10: Numerical techniques for chemical data analysis, molecular modelling, kinetics and dynamics (Dr N A Burton, 3 (asynchronous) lectures + 3 two hour (synchronous) workshops)
Weeks 11-12: Numerical techniques in electronic structure theory (Dr N A Burton - with some asynchronous materials from Dr J J W McDouall, 3 (asynchronous) lectures + 2 two hours (synchronous) workshops)
''Lectures delivered in podcast format; Workshops assisted by Prof. P. Popelier and GTA.
Note, there are no scheduled lectures in week 6.
Pre/co-requisites
The course is accessible to students with no previous computer programming experience. Elementary concepts of programming will be introduced. The application of the ideas will be illustrated with examples drawn from a range of chemical problems.
Aims
The course aims to introduce some principles of scientific computational modelling in the chemical sciences. A range of modelling approaches, numerical algorithms and the generic concepts of computer programming will be introduced. Students will also develop practical modelling skills through the study of a range of examples using the common computational framework of MATLAB.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
- Knowledge of MATLAB syntax and the ability to write MATLAB scripts and functions.
- Understand the generic concepts involved in building an algorithm to solve a problem numerically.
- Familiarity with a few widely used numerical techniques of linear algebra and ODEs.
- Proficiency in decomposing (unseen) mathematical problems into numerical solutions.
Teaching and learning methods
- Lectures
- Practical workshops - scripted examples and problems using computer package (such as Matlab)
- Online support using Blackboard (self-study and self-assessment materials)
Transferable skills and personal qualities
• Knowledge of MATLAB syntax.
• Ability to write MATLAB scripts and functions.
• Understand the generic concepts involved in building algorithms.
• Familiarity with widely used numerical techniques.
• Ability to decompose unseen mathematical problems into numerical solutions.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Online support materials include workshop and self study exercises (formative assessments) that allow students to engage in problem solving activities.
General assistance and feedback from staff during weekly practical workshop sessions
Personal feedback on lecture material and workshop examples throughout the course.
Recommended reading
A Guide to MATLAB: For Beginners and Experienced Users, B.R Hunt; R.L. Lipsman, J.M. Rosenberg, K.R. Coombes, J.E. Osborn, G.J. Stuck; Cambridge University Press, 2006, online 1012; http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ebook.jsf?bid=CBO9780511791284
Matlab: A practical introduction to programming and problem solving, S. Attaway, Butterworth-Heinemann, 3rd Edition, 2013
Introduction to algorithms, T. H. Cormen, C. Leiserson, R. Rivest, C. Stein, MIT Press, 3rd Edition, 2009
Computational quantum chemistry: Molecular structure and properties in Silico (RSC Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Series), J. J. W. McDouall, RSC Publishing, 2013.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment practical exam | 2 |
| Lectures | 16 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 22 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 60 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Neil Burton | Unit coordinator |