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Chemistry with Industrial Placement (MChem) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

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UCAS Code
F110

Qualification
Master of Chemistry (MChem)

Duration
4 years full-time

Start Date
27 September 2021

Department of Study
Department of Chemistry

Location of Study
University of Warwick


Chemistry is central to solving some of the most pressing problems facing humanity, including climate change, renewable energy, and eliminating hunger and disease. The analytical, numerical and logical reasoning skills that our courses develop mean that our graduates are in great demand across the entire spectrum of employment.


Course overview

If you are thinking about going into research or industry, this course will give you the opportunity to explore both options and find out what is right for you. You will study the same core course content as the Chemistry BSc and MChem programmes for Years One and Two, followed by a year-long industry placement in your third year. The placement will provide you with an opportunity to gain professional experience in an industrial environment**. Supported by our Student Opportunity (Careers) team, you’ll be fully involved in and responsible for finding a placement. This will ensure you are selecting a field that interests you, suits your strengths and enhances your career prospects. The day-to-day running of the placement will be defined by your industrial supervisor, designed to be of maximum benefit to both you and the company, and to encompass a wide variety of experience within the context of the placement.

You will return to Warwick for your fourth year, completing a research project and studying optional modules that allow you to explore areas of particular interest.

RSC accreditation is subject to appropriate choice of options in Years Two to Four.

** Acceptance onto the placement is subject to academic performance.


Course structure

We offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to transfer between Chemistry degree course at any time in the first two years as you develop your interests and future plans. What's more, you may receive a dual offer on application so can enter on a BSc route if you don’t do as well as you hoped in your examinations, and then transfer to an MChem later if you meet the progression requirement. (Please note, all course transfers for overseas students are subject to UK visa regulations.)

You will study a range of core modules in Years One and Two which provide a solid foundation in the subject.

In Year Three there are three core modules across all aspects of Chemistry which you will study by distance learning whilst on placement. The extended laboratory work of our standard MChem is replaced by the practical experience you gain in industry and your placement project.

In Year Four you will complete an individual investigative project on a topic that reflects your passion (worth 50% of the year’s mark) in collaboration with one of our academics, and you can select optional modules to support your research or broaden your knowledge.


How will I learn?

Lectures are the main way that the content and theory is delivered and all students taking a module attend the lectures at the same time. In Years One and Two lectures are supported by tutorials with small groups of approximately six to seven students. These sessions are integrated with lectures to reinforce key concepts. Workshops typically run in groups of 20-40 students and allow you to work with your peers to problem-solve with on-hand assistance from academic and teaching staff. Practical classes in our modern teaching laboratory classes are an integral part of any Chemistry student’s life, giving you the opportunity to put theory into practice. During your placement you will study the core content, worth 25% of the year by distance, to enable you to access fourth year optional modules. The distance learning is well supported, and you will have access to our virtual learning environment and lecture capture as well as regular contact with the Chemistry department.


Contact time

You should expect to attend around 10 lectures per week, one tutorial or workshop a week, and spend five to ten hours on supervised practical (mainly laboratory and computing) work. For each one-hour lecture, you should expect to put in a further one to two hours of private study.


How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via a combination of examinations and coursework such as laboratory reports, presentations, posters and essays to monitor your progress and provide you with regular feedback. A minimum of 25% of each year’s grade is generated from coursework. However the majority of your grades for your third year will come from assessed work components that demonstrate the competencies that you develop during your placement, such as report writing and presentation skills.

Your research project in Year Four will contribute 50% towards your final year grade and will be appraised by a combination of assessments which may include a dissertation, presentation and viva. The final degree classification is determined by Year One (5%), Year Two (20%), Year Three (30%) and Year Four (45%).


Study abroad

The course contains a required period of work experience in your third year which may include study in a research context or industrial setting overseas.


Work experience

Students in Chemistry are also supported through our Department of Student Opportunity to gain experience during vacation periods in other industry sectors including teaching, finance, data science, law, consultancy, marketing and IT/technology. We also have an Undergraduate Research Support Scheme which allows undergraduate students to work on an academic research project in Chemistry or another department during the summer vacation.

The industrial placement replaces Year Three of study and aims to provide students in developing a range of interactive skills, as well as gaining professional experience in an industrial environment. The actual day-to-day running of the placement will be defined by the industrial supervisor but will be designed to be of maximum benefit to both you and the company, ensuring that your professional development will encompass as wide a variety of experience as possible in the context of the placement.

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAA to include Chemistry and one of the following: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geology, Statistics or Computer Science.
  • You must also achieve a pass in the science practical assessment (if applicable).

IB:

  • 38 to include 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and 5 in a second science subject at Higher Level (either Biology, Physics, Mathematics ‘Analysis and Approaches’, Mathematics ‘Applications and Interpretation’, or Computer Science)

BTEC:

  • We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside A level Chemistry

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.


International Students

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

Find out more about international entry requirements.


Contextual data and differential offers

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).


Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.


Taking a gap year

Applications for deferred entry welcomed.


Interviews

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Year One

Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

You will begin your studies by gaining a solid understanding of chemical bonding and interatomic interactions, and how they determine the structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds. You will later apply your understanding to the chemistry of transition metal complexes, Bronsted and Lewis acidity, and the redox properties of main group compounds. You will examine fundamental aspects of crystal field theory and develop your practical skills in using the models studied in light of their industrial applications and use in materials science.

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

You will start this foundation module by acquiring a sure grasp of the structures, properties and reactions of organic molecules. You will expand your knowledge of different types of compounds, discover methods for creating molecules, and be able to describe bonding in organic compounds to predict the reactivity of molecules. You will apply your understanding to the synthesis and chemistry of key functional groups and to the structure, properties and reactivities of biologically important molecules and organic macromolecules.

Introduction to Physical Chemistry

You will develop your understanding of core concepts in physical chemistry: quantum mechanics, kinetics, thermodynamics and spectroscopy. You will learn how the laws of quantum mechanics can be used to predict the properties of atoms and molecules, how the kinetic rate laws of multistep chemical processes emerge from elementary reaction steps, how thermodynamics can be used to predict the properties of gases, and how light interacts with matter.

Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills I

You can study the theory of chemistry, but the laboratory is where science comes alive. You will put your chemistry knowledge to work with experiments that familiarise you with scientific instrumentation and data collection, and conduct analyses using databases and software. Later, you will use these techniques to create compounds, investigate concepts and prove theories. You will also have opportunities to combine established techniques, equipping you with the understanding and practical competence needed to develop your own research methods and problem-solving techniques.


Year Two

Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills II

In this module, you will experience more hands-on investigation, synthesis and analysis as the skills you have developed allow you to conduct more complicated multistep syntheses, learn advanced techniques and take more control and ownership of your work. By the end, you will be able to plan experiments, set up and monitor instrumentation and record your results, and characterise and assess reactions using spectroscopy alongside other sophisticated techniques. You will also learn to process and present your results in statistical, graphical and written form.

Selective Organic Synthesis

Having already developed a foundation understanding of organic chemistry you will now broaden your knowledge of the range of synthetic routes available to design molecules. You will examine a variety of methods for forming different bond types and functional groups and consider the factors influencing the choice of reagents and reaction conditions. You will use your knowledge to form your own strategies to design organic synthesis routes to target molecules.

Mechanistic and Biological Chemistry

In this module you will look at the features of organic molecules that affect the reactions that they can undergo. You will develop the ability to use structures and information about rates to predict reactions and identify the mechanisms of organic reactions. You will use your knowledge of the structures and reactivity of small molecules and apply these to the Chemistry of carbohydrates, proteins and enzymes. During the module you will also gain an understanding of the drug discovery process.

Transition Metal Chemistry

You will develop a formal understanding of bonding in transition metal complexes, as a platform for understanding the reactivity and spectroscopy of such complexes, and acquire a systematic knowledge of organometallic chemistry through exploring some of the conceptual links between organic and inorganic. You will be able to analyse the successes and limitations of different methods and demonstrate your understanding of the eighteen electron rule and its exceptions.

Materials and Polymers

Materials and Polymers are used in all applications from functional to structural applications. They turn molecules into useful devices and items, or are extended arrays of connected atoms that have unique properties as solids. This module will give you an understanding of how materials can be made and how they can be characterised. This will let you appreciate how materials can be designed for use in energy, healthcare, electronics, personal care and other applications.

Electrons in Molecules and Solids

You will develop in-depth knowledge of symmetry and group theory and its role in molecular structure and bonding, and interpretation of electronic and vibrational spectra. You will develop an understanding of how photo-excited molecules undergo relaxation through radiative and non-radiative decay processes. You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of solid state chemistry that relates to crystal structure, chemical bonding in solids and the electronic properties of solids. This will enable you to determine how quantum and statistical mechanics applied to solid materials can be used to derive various condensed matter properties, including electrical conduction and opto-electronic characteristics.

Statistical Mechanics and Electrochemistry

In this module you will study and then bring together concepts from electrochemistry and statistical mechanics. You will be able to make connections between these two fields, thus unravelling why things in chemistry are the way they are - with important reverberations across biochemistry (e.g. nerve signalling, vision) and materials science (e.g. design of novel materials, such as nanowires and nanoparticles). You will be able to apply the theoretical foundations of the physical chemistry to systems of practical relevance such as ionic species in aqueous solutions (think table salt dissolved in water!).


Year Three

Industrial Placement Project

This module will support your academic progress when you undertake a 12-month placement in industry or research. You will gain valuable experience of chemistry in an industrial setting, carrying out independent work and developing your transferable skills. You will improve your academic skills by writing a report on a topic related to the work you carry out in industry.

Advanced Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic and Physical)

You will study the advanced topics of molecular modelling and interfacial chemistry, and develop your knowledge of the properties of surfaces and interfaces, and methods for characterising them. A significant aspect is demonstrating the importance of surface processes and the borders of chemical engineering, biomedical science, materials science and physics. You will learn basic concepts in molecular dynamics simulations, including periodic boundaries, integration algorithms and thermodynamic ensembles. You will gain experience in using computation to interpret experimental data, using contemporary examples, and understand the application of research results in industry.

Year Four

Research Project and Methodology

You will carry out an extended research project under the supervision of an academic in an area reflecting your interests. You will become competent in original research practice, including evaluating literature, designing practical or computational experiments, analysing and assessing your results and drawing conclusions to set against the current field. You will learn to present your findings in discussion and debate, and to complete report-writing to a high standard.


Examples of Year Three/Four optional modules/options for current students:

  • Synthetic Chemistry I (Organic)
  • Synthetic Chemistry II (Metallo-organic)
  • Synthetic Chemistry III (Macromolecular Chemistry)
  • Electrochemistry and Nanotechnology
  • Advanced Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
  • Advanced Chemical Biology
  • Advanced Biophysical Chemistry
  • Innovation 101

Tuition fees

Find out more about fees and funding


Additional course costs

There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

Your career

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including:

  • Amazon
  • Deloitte
  • HMRC
  • Ovo Energy
  • Public Health England
  • Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Unilever
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals

They have pursued roles such as:

  • Business and financial project management professionals
  • Chemical scientists
  • Laboratory technicians
  • Management consultants and business analysts
  • Researchers
  • Sales accounts
  • Business development managers

Helping you find the right career

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Careers in Science
  • Career Options with Chemistry
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Graduate Jobs and Further Study Options - Making decisions for Chemistry students
  • Finding experience to boost your CV for Chemistry students
  • Synthesise Your Career Year One Employability Module
  • SME Careers Events – e.g. British Coatings Federation Careers Evening
  • Career Options with Chemistry Presentation and Networking Evening

Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

Maëlys, current student

"What I enjoy the most about studying Chemistry is that it's the perfect balance between theory and hands-on practice. You can really get to see how what you’ve learnt about in lectures translates in the labs. Lecturers also tend to give more and more examples based on what’s being done in the industry so you can grasp how those concepts affect the world around you and it gives an idea of what you could be doing later on in life.

I think that the department of Chemistry is one of the best-run, most efficient and supportive departments at Warwick. If you have any administrative question the undergraduate office can always provide answers and if you’re struggling with the material the lecturers are always helpful. They're all ready to help you out after a lecture, in tutorials, via email, or if you stop by their office.

The best advice I can give to other students is to go and talk to your lecturers because you'll always end up getting more out of the material.”

Maëlys | MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry with International Placement graduate

This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.