Chemistry, MChem (Hons)

Program Overview

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The MChem degree at Swansea University is a four-year program that expands on the BSc Chemistry, offering increased depth in major topic areas. The program's unique aspect is a substantial research project incorporated into a research group, providing students with hands-on experience and the potential for publishable work. The program is taught by world-class lecturers who are active researchers, and graduates are prepared for a range of stimulating opportunities in fields such as new medicine discovery, environmental sciences, and research and development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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About the MChem Degree:

• A four-year degree that expands on the three-year BSc Chemistry, offering increased depth in major topic areas.
• The MChem's unique aspect is a substantial research project incorporated into a research group.
This project interacts with the wider research environment and has the potential to result in publishable work.

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry
• The Chemistry student society is the only one in the UK affiliated with the American Chemical Society
• Ranked:
• 1st in the UK for Teaching*, Learning opportunities*, Assessment and Feedback*, Academic Support*, Organization and Management*, and Student Voice*
• 4th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024)
• 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Guardian University Guide 2024)
• 7th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2024)
• Top 251-300 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• 97.9% of research publications are world-leading and internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021)
• The Chemistry program attracts students worldwide.
• Facilities include sector-leading teaching laboratories and analytical facilities built in partnership with industry.
• Learning experiences are shaped by inspirational and internationally renowned academics, including Professor Simon Bott, who has received eight awards for instructional teaching at the University of Houston.

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Outline:

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Program Content and Structure:

• A flexible degree structure allows students to study abroad, work in industry locally, nationally, or overseas for a year.
• Students are taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and discussion groups, supported by practical classes.
• Core modules align with the university's current pioneering research in natural products, materials engineering, and medicine.
• The Chemistry curriculum is informed by modern industry needs and constantly updated to ensure students are taught relevant material with wider applications.
• A "flipped" teaching method enables students to watch video lectures before classroom meetings, leading to more engaged interactions.
Pre-lab simulations allow them to practice laboratory skills independently.

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Course Schedule and Modules:

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Year 1 (Level 4)

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Compulsory Modules:

• Chemical Thinking
• Structure and Bonding 1
• Chemical Reactions 1
• Structure and Bonding 2
• Chemical Reactions 2
• Chemical Practice

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Year 2 (Level 5)

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Compulsory Modules:

• Further Inorganic Chemistry
• Further Physical Chemistry
• Further Organic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Professional Development and Career Planning
• Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
• Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

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Year 3 (Level 6)

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Compulsory Modules:

• Advanced Topics in Organic, Biological, and Medicinal Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
• Advanced Topics in Physical, Instrumental, and Analytical Chemistry
• Advanced Laboratory Experience
• Integrated Topics in Chemistry

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Year 4 (Level 7)

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Compulsory Modules:

• MChem Research Project
• Advanced Integrated Topics in Chemistry Part 1
• Scientific innovation and entrepreneurship

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Discussion groups
• Practical classes
• Virtual labs
• Simulated Learning Environments

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by world-class lecturers who are active researchers.
• The lecturers' research activities contribute to improving the world, such as developing affordable, clean energy and innovative methods for delivering insulin to diabetes patients.

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Unique Approaches:

• A "flipped" teaching method enables students to watch video lectures before classroom meetings, leading to more engaged interactions.
• Pre-lab simulations allow students to practice laboratory skills independently.

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Careers:

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Career Paths and Opportunities:

• Graduates are prepared for a range of stimulating opportunities, including careers in:
• New Medicine Discovery
• Environmental Sciences
• Renewable Energy
• Analytical and Forensic Science
• Research and development in Academia or Industry

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Professional Body Accreditation:

• The course is in the process of accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK: £9,000
• International: £21,200
Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.