Chemistry 2012
"I would definitely recommend Surrey as a good place for Chemistry, especially if you would like to have a more 'personal' approach to your study."
Gillian Lord
As a student studying contemporary chemistry, you will work in a stimulating, exciting and fast-moving discipline using cutting-edge technology. Consider how the future sustainable generation of electrical energy is dependent upon chemistry at the atomic level in batteries and fuel cells, which in turn rely on the designer chemistry of polymers and oxides. Also think how computational chemistry is adding to our knowledge in the construction of designer molecules.
We offer you a stimulating and varied approach to the study of chemistry with a real focus on ‘hands-on’ practical work and research activity. You will benefit greatly from studying one of our highly regarded degree programmes, success in which will lead to excellent employment prospects.
YouTube: meet some of our Chemistry students
Factfile
| Minimum Entry Requirements | MChem: A level grades AAB BSc: A level grades AAB If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year. All applicants should also adhere to the University's General Entrance Requirements. |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Chemistry required. Medicinal Chemistry only: AS or A level Biology preferred. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. If you are an international student and you are concerned that your English is not to the required standard, you may benefit from our International Foundation Year. Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | Higher grades refer to MChem programmes BTEC National Diploma - DDD A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. |
| Selection Process | Offers are made in terms of grades. We usually invite candidates for interview. We invite suitable candidates to visit the University to find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. |
| Professional Recognition | BSc degree programmes are recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the continued accreditation of MChem degree programmes is currently pending confirmation from the RSC. Graduation leads to admission to the Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC) professional grade. The Chemistry with Forensic Investigation programme has been accepted into corporate membership of the Forensic Science Society. |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Chemistry | F100 | 3/4 years |
| BSc (Hons) Chemistry | F103 | 4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Investigation | F1FK | 3/4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry | F150 | 3/4* years |
MChem Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| MChem Chemistry | F110 | 4* years |
| MChem Chemistry with Forensic Investigation | F1F4 | 4* years |
| MChem Medicinal Chemistry | F121 | 4* years |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Chemistry | F100 | 3/4 years |
| BSc (Hons) Chemistry | F103 | 4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Investigation | F1FK | 3/4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry | F150 | 3/4* years |
MChem Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| MChem Chemistry | F110 | 4* years |
| MChem Chemistry with Forensic Investigation | F1F4 | 4* years |
| MChem Medicinal Chemistry | F121 | 4* years |
Our Degrees
We nurture and encourage talented scientists by teaching the basic skills in chemistry and providing you with the freedom to translate your ideas into practice. You will benefit from our degrees if you are fascinated by science at the molecular level, curious about cutting-edge concepts, motivated by having in-built flexibility in your learning programme and stimulated by mixing with like-minded people.
We provide a range of programmes that are both intellectually challenging and enjoyable, positioned in this fast-moving area of science. Our modular degree programmes allow you the flexibility to study your own areas of interest or to specialise on one of our ‘niche’ programmes.
You will be encouraged to participate in genuine research activities and as a result develop a free-thinking rationale. This approach resulted in one of our students winning the prestigious national Science, Engineering and Technology UK ‘Best Chemistry Student of the Year’ Award.
As a result of the salaried professional training year, you will become expert in problem solving and communication, be versatile and creative and have acquired management and leadership skills. Even if you do not follow a career in science, you will be highly sought after in the industrial sector, government and education as we are renowned for producing capable, independent and employable graduates.
MChem / BSc Chemistry
Many students take our four-year MChem programme. We place strong emphasis on modern, practical chemistry allied to core theory as it offers you wider opportunities in your choice of specialisation after graduating.
You will acquire a detailed knowledge of chemistry and other topics related to your specific degree programme and will develop a range of skills which are integrated into the academic experience. These skills are essential for a graduate in the twenty-first century and include:
• Using information technology effectively
• Communication (written, interpersonal and presentation)
• Planning, organising and time management
• Problem solving
• Self-reliance, initiative and teamwork
An integral component of the four-year MChem programme is the salaried professional training during your third year. Spending this year in industry, you will gain considerably in scientific maturity which frequently leads to an improved final-year performance. Assessment of the year contributes to your degree classification. The experience helps to make you well rounded, knowledgeable and eminently employable. We have an outstanding record for placing our students in graduate-level jobs.
If you prefer, we also offer a traditional BSc (Honours) degree. This programme gives you a thorough grounding in chemistry, together with training in communication skills, teamwork and leadership abilities. It also allows maximum flexibility in your choice of modules. If desired, you may transfer to the MChem programme during the first year after demonstrating sufficient academic progress.
MChem / BSc Chemistry with Forensic Investigation
The crucial attributes of a forensic chemist are an alert and enquiring mind, keen problem-solving ability and excellent presentation skills, all supported by a secure knowledge of chemical and analytical techniques. With an emphasis on scientific communication and strong professional connections, we are uniquely placed to provide opportunities to develop these requirements. Invaluable interaction with the professional world is provided by our popular and well-established, industry-linked, Analytical Club.
You will supplement the core Chemistry programme with specialist modules covering topics in forensic chemistry, forensic evidence, crime scene investigation, the toxicology of drugs (including performance- enhancing drugs) and DNA profiling.
The programme features delivery by experts in their field and innovative teaching methods which include problem solving using ‘real’ case studies. You will be given a thorough analytical grounding using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Both the professional training year and the final-year research project will provide you with an opportunity to exploit these areas of expertise and will place you in a strong position when competing with other graduates in the job market.
Many students prefer to do their forensics as a BSc programme, which offers the opportunity to complete your studies in three years. You will do the same forensics modules as the MChem programme but without the requirement for Level M Chemistry in your fourth year. The BSc can be taken as a four-year option by including a professional training year to widen your skill set and enhance your future employment prospects.
MChem / BSc Medicinal Chemistry
This programme teaches the basics of medicinal chemistry to enable you to enter the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, and it is taught in conjunction with our specialist biochemists. It deals with the principles of chemistry, synthesis and the experimental techniques needed to handle very small quantities of materials.
Integrated training in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry will be given, including basic cell biochemistry, biological signalling systems, molecular biology, antibiotics, design and delivery of medicines. To enhance your knowledge of medicinal chemistry, your third-year placement in industry will be a medicinal chemistry placement in the pharmaceutical sector. Your final-year project can also be in this area.
The BSc offers the opportunity for students to combine Chemistry with Biology. You will do the same medicinal chemistry courses as the MChem without the Level M modules in the fourth year. Students taking this programme can choose to finish in three years or extend to four years with a professional training year.
Other degrees you may be interested in:
Biochemistry
Biomedical Science
Chemical Engineering
Food Science
Microbiology
Nutrition and Dietetics
Programme
Programme Overview
At each level you will study for the equivalent of 120 credits (approximately eight modules), with core Chemistry modules comprising five of the eight. The additional three modules provide you with choice and flexibility to study areas in which you are particularly interested.
The widest range of options is available on the Chemistry MChem or BSc programmes. If you are studying one of our specialist pathways, you will undertake specific modules in these areas.
At Level 1 you will be given a broad base of knowledge and skills providing an essential grounding in chemical theory and techniques.
During Level 2 you will explore chemistry in greater depth and will apply theories to more complex scenarios such as group problem solving and research collaboration. A specific focus is placed on preparing for your professional training year. You will undertake key skills modules that will support you on this placement and in your future employment.
At Level 3 the core taught modules you will study vary depending on your specialist pathway. The largest single component of the year is the research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff, when you will explore a research area in which you are especially interested.
Programme Structure
Level 1
Core Chemistry modules include:
- Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Physical Chemistry
- Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry 1
- Transferable and Quantitative Skills 1
- Transferable and Quantitative Skills 2
Optional modules include:
- Fundamentals of Forensic Science
- Chemistry of the Environment
- Industrial Chemistry
- Physiology*
Level 2
Core Chemistry modules include:
- Intermediate Organic Chemistry
- Intermediate Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Structure, Bonding and Reactivity
- Analytical Chemistry 2
- Spectroscopy
- World of Work
Optional modules include:
- Computer-aided Drug Design
- Forensic Chemistry**
- Chemistry and Technology of Modern Materials
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology*
Level P
- Research Training Experience
Distance Learning modules (MChem only) include:
- Spectroscopic Analysis of Organic Compounds
- Aspects of Physical Chemistry
- Structure and Spectroscopy in Inorganic Chemistry
- Professional and Industrial Skills for Career Development
Level 3
- Research Project
Core BSc modules include:
- Topics in Organic Chemistry
- Topics in Physical Chemistry
- Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
Optional modules include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Materials and Nanochemistry
- Polymer Materials and Nanochemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry*
- Forensic Toxicology**
- Computer-aided Drug Design
Core MChem modules include:
- Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
- Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
- Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
Optional modules include:
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Advanced Inorganic Materials and Nanochemistry
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanochemistry
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry*
- Advanced Computer-aided Drug Design
*Compulsory for Medicinal Chemistry students
**Compulsory for Forensic Investigation students
Professional Training
Our programmes provide you with the opportunity to undertake a salaried professional training placement with an industrial leader in the UK or overseas. We place great emphasis on ensuring that you have a successful placement that will involve a high level of personal responsibility.
The placements are research-based, allowing you to extend and enhance your practical abilities and sharpen your leadership, communication and teamwork skills. All this enables you to relate chemical knowledge to the solution of real problems. In the competitive world of graduate employment, companies are more likely to consider applicants who have had previous professional experience. Employers may sponsor the final year of your study and many offer our students employment upon graduation.
Companies that participate in our scheme include: BP Oil, GlaxoSmithKline, Hitachi Chemicals (Japan), Perkin Elmer, Dow Europe SA (Germany/ Switzerland), RJ Hill Laboratories (New Zealand), CSIRO (Australia), Forensic Science Service, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and 3M.
Why Surrey?
Key reasons to study Chemistry 2012 at Surrey
- More than 60 per cent of research rated internationally excellent or world-leading in the latest Research Assessment Exercise
- A pioneering professional training year with many international opportunities including New Zealand, USA, Japan and Canada
- State-of-the-art teaching laboratories, including a new inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer
- Participation in leading research activities including fuel cell and nanotechnology research
- Modern and relevant modular degree programmes with a wide variety of optional modules
- Dedicated approach to teaching and developing practical laboratory skills
- Outstanding graduate employment prospects
- A vibrant and socially active student Chemistry Society (ChemSoc)
Careers
Top for Jobs
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
- GlaxoSmithKline – Quality Assurance Scientist
- Novartis – Scientific Associate
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies – Electrophysiologist
- Royal Society of Chemistry – Assistant Editor
Career Opportunities
Over the last decade our employment figures have been amongst the best in the UK, with impressive salaries being paid. We place 85 per cent of our graduates into graduate-level jobs, compared with the national average of 66 per cent. While many of you will enter the chemical industry, as positions often follow naturally from successful professional training, others will continue studying (MSc or PhD). Our graduates are very successful, not only in the industrial sector but also in finance, government and education.
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Teaching
On our programmes you will experience a variety of teaching methods including project-based laboratory work, tutorials, problem-solving classes and assessed coursework alongside lectures and seminars. The Scientific Communication module develops oral presentation, graphic presentation, teamwork and leadership skills.
Each week you will spend up to 24 hours in lectures, practical classes and tutorials. This will provide you with the opportunity to explore topics in small group tutorials and utilise computer-assisted learning packages to enrich your understanding. Personal study time is primarily taken up with coursework and practical assignments.
Facilities
The laboratories in which you will undertake practical work have recently been refurbished with modern equipment. Our commitment to the development of your practical skills means that you will spend a great deal of time utilising these facilities. For your research project at Level 3, you will work within our research laboratories alongside active researchers.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by written examination, coursework or a combination of both. Level 1 marks do not count towards the final degree classification but they do determine whether you are able to proceed to Level 2. You are required to achieve 60 per cent on assessments in Levels 1 and 2 to continue on the MChem programmes. Students achieving less than this will continue their studies on the BSc programme.
Marks towards the final degree classification of our MChem programmes are accrued from Level 2 assessment (25 per cent), Level P assessment (35 per cent) and Level 3 assessment (40 per cent).
Marks towards the final degree classification of our BSc programmes are accrued from Level 2 assessment (35 per cent) and Level 3 assessment (65 per cent). A professional training year may be taken in the BSc programme, but this does not contribute to the degree classification.
Academic Support
You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme and to advise on option and career choices, helping you get the most from your studies. You will also be paired with a student from the year of study above you. They will provide a peer-based form of support, advising on options and study skills, allowing you to benefit from their recent experience on the programme.