25 September 2023

Amended content:

MAIN TEXT AT TOP OF DEGREE WEBSITE

Old:

In this degree, you will undertake a one-year-long industrial placement in Year Three (in the UK or overseas), performing research at a project partner site, away from the university. This will give you invaluable experience of research in the real-world before you return to Warwick to complete Year Four.

The fourth year of this MChem degree builds on the experience previous years by enabling students to undertake a significant research project, working with an academic group to help solve important real-world problems drawn from the wide spectrum of the chemical sciences.

New:

In this degree, you will undertake a one-year-long industrial placement (in the UK or overseas), performing research at a project partner site, away from the university. This will give you invaluable experience of research in the real-world – offering valuable networking opportunities, supporting your ongoing scientific development, and giving you a new insight into how chemists impact on society.

COURSE OVERVIEW

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You will study at Warwick for your first two years, then apply your understanding through an industrial placement in your third year (acceptance of the placement is subject to academic performance).

New:

This degree merges extensive study at Warwick with a one-year-long industrial placement, giving you an opportunity to apply your understanding in a real-world setting.

Removed:

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.

MODULES

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In Year Three you will spend a year on a placement in the industry (acceptance onto the placement is subject to academic performance). There will also be 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 the industry and your placement project.

New:

As part of this degree, you will spend a year on a placement with an industrial partner (acceptance onto the placement is subject to academic performance). In addition, you will take some optional modules, reflecting your research interests, by distance learning whilst on placement.

Removed:

Your final MChem year gives you the opportunity to further your skills set while actively making a real difference by working on a research project. Under the supervision of our internationally recognised academic staff, you might, for example: discover a significant improvement in solar cell technology, develop an electrochemical sensor for pharmaceutical analysis, a novel compound for cryopreservation of cells, a renewable polymer made from vegetables, an improved catalyst or an antibacterial agent extracted from plants.

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Year One

Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

Here, you will build a solid understanding of chemical bonding and interatomic interactions, and how they determine the structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds. You will 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.

Read more about the Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2022/23 year of study).

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

You will start this module by developing a keen understanding of the structures, properties and reactions of organic molecules. You will expand your knowledge of different types of organic compounds, discover methods for creating new 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.

Read more about the Introduction to Organic Chemistry moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2022/23 year of study).

Introduction to Physical Chemistry

You will develop a firm grounding in 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 observed 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.

Read more about the Introduction to Physical Chemistry moduleLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2022/23 year of study).

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Year One

Chemical Change

The rate (kinetics) and energetics (thermodynamics) of chemical reactions are of central importance in all aspects of chemistry. By considering the energetics of a system it tells us if a process can happen, whilst the kinetics tell us how quickly. Many industrial processes rely on a thorough understanding of chemical change. This module will introduce the student to the fundamentals of chemical change at a level suitable for a Year 1 student.

Read more about the Chemical Change module, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study)

Molecules and Materials Across the Periodic Table

This module applies fundamental concepts on structure and bonding to molecules and more complex structures in the form of real-world materials. Spanning solid-state materials, transition-metal complexes, macromolecules and soft materials, this module gives students the necessary tools to understand the structure and properties of molecules as a function of atomic properties, bonding and geometry.

Read more about the Molecules and Materials Across the Periodic Table module, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study)

Carbon and the Chemistry of Life

This module describes the fundamentals of the chemistry of carbon and how it applies to chemical biology as part of the chemistry of life. The module expands student knowledge of chemical bonding, structure, reactivity, mechanism, and the names of simple functional groups. New concepts within the module apply an understanding of organic chemistry to the synthesis and chemistry of a variety of functional groups, how this can be monitored by key analytical techniques, and how this applies in a biological context as part of the chemistry of life.

Read more about the Carbon and the Chemistry of Life module, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study)

Beyond Science: Collaborative Student-Led Challenges (CSLC) [Optional Module]

This module equips students with essential skills and guidance to select and collaboratively tackle real-world research challenges. Developed in partnership with current students, A-level students, and secondary school teachers, and informed by data from the Royal Society of Chemistry, students will delve into research principles and tools while fostering a growth mindset with mentors from across the University. Throughout the course, they will actively engage in creating, completing, presenting, and reflecting upon their group project, enhancing their teamwork, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Read more about the Beyond Science module, including methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study)

ASSESSMENT TAB

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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.

New:

Throughout our degrees, we use a mixture of different assessment types, including written examinations, oral examinations, group and individual project work, poster events, and more.

Old:

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.

New:

Your industrial project will contribute towards your final grades, and will be appraised by a combination of assessments which may include a dissertation, presentation and viva.

Added:

Note: the weighting of different years might be subject to change (under discussion).

TEACHING TAB

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During your placement you will study the core Year Three content (worth 25% of the year) by distance-learning, to enable you to access Year Four 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.

New:

During your placement you will study optional modules by distance-learning. 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.

CAREERS TAB

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The industrial placementLink opens in a new window 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.

New:

The industrial placement supports 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.