25 September 2023

Amended content regarding overview and modules:

Old:

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.

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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.

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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.

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New:

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)