Chemistry MCHEM

Overview

Chemistry research discoveries improve lives and solve global problems. Chemists investigate the interactions of atoms and molecules and create entirely new substances.
Developed in consultation with employers, our uniquely structured four-year MChem programme will give you knowledge and skills that will equip you for research, or careers contributing to areas as diverse as archaeology and interplanetary exploration.
The course was developed in consultation with employers. It will be presented to the Royal Society of Chemistry at the first opportunity in 2013/14, so that graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Membership.

Course duration
Full-time: 4 years
Part-time: 10 years
With placement year 5 years

UCAS code F101
Course content

Course structure

Our MChem combines an in-depth knowledge of traditional chemistry with specialist and transferable skills, with a particular focus on research. Theoretical lectures, interactive workshops and practical laboratory classes lead you from fundamental concepts to advanced specialist options in the final year. One sixth of each year is an application of chemistry chosen by you (for example geochemistry, biochemistry or informatics) to complement your interests and career options.
You gain hands-on experience of techniques including chromatography, spectroscopy and electro-analysis in specialist laboratories in the new Huxley building. Modern spectrometry and microscopy are also covered. Computer-based sessions using specialist chemistry software and our peer-assisted study scheme (PASS) further support your learning. Your progress is ensured using a variety of assessments and examinations with a focus on solving real-world problems. Feedback helps you develop as a chemist and self-evaluation activities and tutor-based support enhance your employability. We encourage you to develop your skills through a work placement year, supported by a dedicated tutor.
All of your lecturers are experts and you will conduct research under their supervision in years 3 and 4. Research projects have included nanotechnology, artificial ion channels and the chemistry underlying human ageing. You will learn from the wider research community through lectures from visiting experts and our seminar programme. Our students often publish their research project findings in leading journals and present at international conferences.

Syllabus

Year 1
Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry: theory and practicals
Analytical Chemistry: theory and practicals
Mathematical Skills
Transferable and Chemistry Skills
Applied option
Year 2
Intermediate Chemistry: theory and practicals
Intermediate Analysis: theory and practicals
Statistics
Chemical Methodology: molecular modelling and information retrieval
Transferable and employability skills
Applied option
Optional placement year
Year 3
Advanced Chemistry: theory and practicals
Advanced Analysis: theory and workshops
Specialist chemistry options
Applied option
Group research project
Year 4
Recent developments in chemistry research
Specialist chemistry options
Applied option
Individual research project.
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
AAB. Must include chemistry at A-level.
BTEC
DDD.
International Baccalaureate:
36 points, specified subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 30 credits at distinction and 15 at merit or above. Must include 12 credits in chemistry.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Location

Location Moulsecoomb
Career opportunities

As an MChem graduate you will leave us with knowledge and skills that equip you for research and professional careers in chemistry. Our graduates have been awarded PhD studentships at top UK universities and work in a wide variety of local and global companies (GSK, Southern Water, Novartis).
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This new course may be subject to change.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

MChem [P3CF001]

UK/EU 9,000 GBP
Island Students 9,000 GBP
International 12,900 GBP

When on a placement (sandwich) year, students pay a reduced fee in the placement year of this course. This is currently £750 for Home and Island Students and £1,760 for International students. This fee is likely to increase with inflation.