School of Chemistry: Study Abroad Modules
PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS TAKING AUTUMN SEMESTER MODULES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND JANUARY EXAMS IN ORDER TO ATTAIN CREDIT.
For more information visit the School of Chemistry website.
Full Year Modules
Semesters: Full Year
Length: 2 Semesters
Credits: 40
This module is taken by MChem students who spent their third year in industry or abroad. It consists of a supervised research project spread over two semesters, selected from a portfolio prepared by members of staff from their own research interests. The work will include new studies, a literature survey, and preparation of a project report which will be examined orally. Candidates will also present a mid-project research colloquium.
Teaching Methods:
Supervised Independent Investigation
Assessment:
Intellectual and/or Practical Contribution: 20%
Written Report: 40%
Oral Examination: 20%
Oral Presentation: 20%
Semesters: Full Year
Length: 2 Semesters
Credits: 60
This module consists of a supervised research project spread over two semesters, selected from a portfolio prepared by members of staff from their own research interests. The work will include new studies, a literature survey, and preparation of a project report which will be examined orally. Candidates will also present a mid-project research colloquium.
Teaching Methods:
Supervised Independent Investigation
Assessment:
Intellectual and/or Practical Contribution: 20%
Written Report: 40%
Oral Examination: 20%
Oral Presentation: 20%
Long Project for Exchange Students CH8401
Semesters: Full Year
Length: 2 Semesters
Credits: 120
This module is only available to exchange students. A student taking this module will gain experience of original research, and have the opportunity to put into safe practice the previous training in techniques and methods of chemistry, and to produce a dissertation to a professional standard including review of appropriate literature.
Teaching Methods:
Research Project
Assessment:
Final Report: 100%
Autumn Semester Modules
Ligand Influences, Structure, Reactivity CH2402
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module will extend work on co-ordination chemistry and include consideration of: metal centres from the f-block; the design of ligands, e.g. functionalised and un-functionalised N-heterocyclic carbenes, for use in specific applications, including selective catalysis; bonding aspects of the heavier transition metals, including the lanthanide contraction and relativistic core effects.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module considers the detailed description of solid state structure and properties based on analysis by diffraction and spectroscopic techniques and theoretical models using band theory.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Retrosynthetic Analysis and Biosynthesis CH2404
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to review the principles of organic synthesis, including retrosynthetic analysis and forward synthesis. It will describe advanced functional group interconversions and major C-C bond forming reactions, including ones involving organoboron chemistry with strategies to use the underlying principles to achieve synthesis of moderately complex targets, and will also aim to show relationships between the laboratory chemistry and processes in biological systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Chemical Biology IV: Current Techniques in Chemical Biology and Modern Applications CH2417
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module presents an overview of current analytical and synthetic techniques and their biophysical foundations in chemical biology research.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module aims to provide a detailed understanding of the fundamental principles of quantum chemistry and its application to organic reactions, the energy levels in transition metal complexes and the interpretation of their electronic spectra.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Mathematics for Chemists CHT103
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module introduces the background mathematical knowledge required for an MSc in a chemistry based subject. Mathematics covers topics in linear algebra, eigenvalue problems and differential equations. The course draws on examples in molecular modelling, chemical kinetics and data analysis to illustrate the concepts being discussed.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 70%
Class Test: 20%
Oral Examination: 10%
Training in Research Methods in Synthetic Chemistry CHT201
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This is a module of practical work, designed to familiarise the learners with research techniques necessary for experiments of a synthetic nature. The experiments are more extended and involved than at undergraduate level and include a range of advanced techniques and are appropriate to the professional or research chemist. The module aims to develop original thought and experience in the implementation of these techniques to modern problems and research, and to create an awareness of professional applications of information technology. The writing of reports in standard formats (e.g. RSC and ACS) and the techniques to apply literature searches to a particular problem and make a full risk assessment of new chemical procedures will be required. The module is intended to lead the student into the more independent research project later in the course.
Teaching Methods:
Laboratory Sessions
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Catalysis and Electrocatalysis CHT204
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module encompasses both modern catalytic processes and dynamic theory. Catalytic applications such as pollution control, energy conversion and in synthesis will be covered. Dynamics of real systems will be explored alongside theories which form a crucial base within chemistry.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry CHT206
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module shows how the concerted application of a collection of conceptual models and elementary reaction steps to problems in organic chemistry can provide a framework for understanding the bonding and reactivity of organic molecules.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Literature Review
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Retrosynthetic Analysis and Biosynthesis CHT208
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module will enable students to understand and apply chemical principles to current problems in synthesis. It will incorporate theory and practice in order to increase the learner's understanding of synthetic methods and organic reactions, as well as comparing and correlating different synthetic methodology to gain breadth of knowledge of the subject. The learner will be able to apply these principles to many different and relevant problems in research with examples from pharmaceutical design and biosynthesis.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Chemicals and the Environment CHT212
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module outlines ways in which chemicals impact on the environment and discusses how such impact can be ameliorated.
Teaching Methods:
Guided Self Study
Assessment:
Written Assignments: 100%
Biocatalysts I: Modern Approaches to Biocatalysts CHT214
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module will bring the students up to speed on the state-of-the-art in modern enzyme and nucleic acid chemistry. Students will be shown the current methods of biotechnology – namely methods for the production and manipulation of proteins and DNA in different systems for applications spanning research, green manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals. Problems with these techniques will be discussed and strategies for their solution will be developed. Chemical, evolutionary and computational techniques for the modification and optimisation of protein catalysts will be introduced. Use and advantages of biocatalysts from unconventional sources such as extremophiles will also be presented.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Key Skills in Catalysis CHT215
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module is the introductory module for the MSc in Catalysis and is intended mostly as revision material for students but also to bring them up to speed on all three branches of catalysis (heterogeneous, homogeneous and biocatalysis) so that they can then proceed to more advanced work in each of these areas.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Preparation and Evaluation of Heterogeneous Catalysts CHT219
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module describes the preparation, characterisation and testing of heterogeneous catalysts. The course will cover different methods of catalyst preparation, different characterisation techniques and catalyst testing procedures.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Mechanism and Ligand Design in Homogenous Catalysts CHT221
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module describes the use of metal complexes in homogeneous catalysis, and will cover the deduction of mechanism from experimental data, identification of the important steps common to most catalytic cycles and subsequent methods for improving reactivity/selectivity through appropriate ligand design. Common ligand types and catalysts will be discussed highlighting advantages and disadvantages of the homogeneous approach.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Introduction to Quantum and Statistical Mechanics CHT307
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module introduces the fundamental concepts in quantum and statistical mechanics that underpin the field of molecular modelling. Starting from solution of the Schrödinger equation for model systems, quantum mechanical aspects of atomic and molecular electronic structure will be explored, with particular reference to the Pauli Principle and Variation theorem. Statistical mechanics will be based around the definition of partition functions, and will employ such definitions in discussion of thermodynamics and kinetics. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on how such concepts translate into the practicalities of molecular simulation.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 50%
Coursework: 50%
Exploring Selected Applications in Molecular Modelling CHT314
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module consists of a selection of introductory hands-on assignments that expose students to the range of computational methods that can be applied to diverse chemical problems, from the structure and property of molecules to chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and reactivity.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 90%
Oral Examination: 10%
Spring Semester Modules
Multinuclear Metal and Metalloid Systems CH2405
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to review the principles of organic synthesis, including retrosynthetic analysis and forward synthesis. It will describe advanced functional group interconversions and major C-C bond forming reactions, including ones involving organoboron chemistry with strategies to use the underlying principles to achieve synthesis of moderately complex targets, and will also aim to show relationships between the laboratory chemistry and processes in biological systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module presents the key theoretical concepts in electron transfer phenomena, describes the nature of the activated states that exist during electron transfer in inorganic and biological systems, and reviews the fundamentals of electron transfer between coordination compounds.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Heterocycles in Synthesis and Life CH2407
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module presents the key theoretical concepts in electron transfer phenomena, describes the nature of the activated states that exist during electron transfer in inorganic and biological systems, and reviews the fundamentals of electron transfer between coordination compounds.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Techniques of Physical Organic Chemistry CH2416
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module outlines the techniques of physical organic chemistry that can be used to determine mechanisms of organic reactions and properties of intermediates, even when they may not be directly observable.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Microscopic to Macroscopic Phenomena CH2419
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module aims to give students an in-depth appreciation of the statistical basis of thermodynamics and of its application to equilibriums, chemical kinetics and phase phenomena.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Modelling of Biological Macromolecules CHT108
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module will set out methods for modelling the structure and function of biological macromolecules, especially proteins and enzymes. Recent advances in the field of bio-informatics will give context. Prediction of structure from first principles, or from structural homologues, will be set out, and the variety of biologically-oriented molecular mechanics force fields introduced. These will then be expanded upon with hybrid QM/MM methods for protein function, especially enzymatic reactions, where specific problems associated with proteins will be discussed.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Class Test: 40%
Oral Examination: 10%
Applications to Materials Science CHT109
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
The Applications of Computational Chemistry to Materials Science module introduces the use of simulation for periodic systems. The background ideas of solid state chemistry, such as the band structure for electronic states, are introduced using tight binding theory. This is then extended to a discussion of modern techniques to treat the electronic structure of solids with examples including periodic density functional theory. Atomistic potentials for calculations on solid state structures are also discussed with examples drawn from ionic and semi-ionic materials.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Class Test: 40%
Oral Examination: 10%
Biosynthetic Approach to Natural Products CHT207
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module discusses the activity of enzymes. It illustrates how fundamentals of chemical structure and reaction mechanisms can be applied to the detailed understanding of complex biological systems. Topics include protein synthesis with involved processes, need for additional functional groups that are not available in amino acid side chains, cofactors. Enzymatic reaction mechanisms involving cofactors for redox reactions, one-carbon transfer reactions and hydrolysis. This will lead to the connection of multiple enzymatic reactions in metabolic pathways and show the chemical consequences in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics of linked reactions.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Heterocycles in Synthesis and Life CHT209
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module illustrates the relevance and importance of chemistry in understanding fundamental biological processes. The synthesis of heteroaromatic molecules, including pyrroles, furans, thiophenes, pyridines, indoles, thiazoles and oxazoles and the interaction of heteroaromatic species with nucleophiles, electrophiles, acids and bases are discussed in depth in order to allow learners to correlate the contrasting behaviour of these systems. The principles behind Baldwin’s rules are presented, extended to the synthesis of saturated heterocycles and applied in approaches towards alkaloids.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Techniques in Physical Organic Chemistry CHT210
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module outlines the techniques of physical organic chemistry that can be used to determine mechanisms of organic reactions and properties of intermediates, even when these intermediates may not be directly observable.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Current Techniques in Chemical Biology and Modern Applications CHT211
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module presents an overview of current analytical and synthetic techniques and their biophysical foundations in chemical biology research.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module discusses the principles of green chemistry and the application of these principles in the development of greener products and processes.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module discusses the basis of drug design, synthesis, screening and activity. The module will illustrate the biological targets of drugs and the principles of medicinal chemistry with specific examples and case studies. Students will develop an awareness of the whole drug discovery process from target and lead development through to clinical trials and regulation. Examples will include drugs for estrogen dependent cancers, type 2 diabetes, contraception, cholesterol homeostasis and fatty acid metabolism. The impact of the genome project on drug discovery and the development of modern high through-put solution phase and solid phase synthetic techniques will be introduced.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module trains students in searching, retrieving, managing and subsequent analysis and discussion of current scientific literature in a specialised area of research. The module will develop written communication skills through the preparation of a written report in one of the standard formats (e.g. RSC and ACS). The module will also develop oral communication skills. Specialised chemical topics provide the main themes.
Teaching Methods:
Workshops
Supervised Research Project
Assessment:
Written Report: 50%
Oral Presentation: 50%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 20
This module provides students with the opportunity to work in small teams. They will be given a reaction and must use their knowledge and the literature to design the best catalyst they can come up with for this reaction that will work within certain design constraints. The study will be assessed by the production of a detailed report and by an oral presentation given by the team.
Teaching Methods:
Group Project
Assessment:
Written Report: 50%
Oral Presentation: 50%
Homogenous Catalysts in Industry CHT222
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module describes the use of metal complexes as homogeneous catalysts in industry. The course covers important systems currently employed for the manufacture of both bulk and fine chemicals and includes discussion of the catalytic cycles. Economic aspects of homogeneous catalysis in industry are addressed with emphasis on the cost-effectiveness of any given system. The process of industrialisation of catalysts from small laboratory scale to manufacturing scale is included in addition to problems associated with the use of soluble metal catalysts and methods for resolving such problems. Likely future targets are identified and discussed.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Biocatalysis II: Industrial Applications of Biocatalysts CHT223
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module describes the uses that biological catalysts are put to in an industrial context and also how they may be used in the future. Both whole cell and isolated enzyme systems will be described and the pros and cons of biocatalysis versus both traditional chemical transformation and other catalytic systems will be considered. Enzyme structure, mechanism and kinetics will be examined plus the use of essential cofactors and recycling. All of these factors will be used to show how they influence the feasibility of a reaction on an industrial scale and reactor design.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Practical Catalytic Chemistry CHT225
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
This module trains students to use a variety of research methods and techniques applicable to catalysis, thus equipping them with a range of skills, which they can apply to modern laboratory and industrial scale research. The module will comprise practical work in each of the three delineated areas of catalysis – namely heterogeneous catalysis, homogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Many key processes in biology are enabled by metal ions such as calcium, iron, copper and zinc. In this module the biological functions of a wide range of elements are examined with a particular focus upon the functions of metal ions and their catalytic roles in biology. The module will correlate the fundamental coordination chemistry of metal ions to the wide range of redox, Lewis acidic and structural roles they play in biological structures.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%