MChem Chemistry Degree Course
Program Overview
The MChem Chemistry program at UCLan offers a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program emphasizes advanced topics in synthetic organic chemistry or materials/analytical chemistry, providing graduates with high employability in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental science. The program is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and features state-of-the-art laboratories and research opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MChem Chemistry degree is a four-year, full-time program offered at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). It is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and is the established mainstream route to becoming a professional chemist in the UK. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The course focuses on exploring how the world works through the lens of chemistry, covering topics such as the chemistry of materials, drugs, technology, pesticides, and more. Students will have opportunities to participate in research internships and work on innovative research projects in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Outline:
The MChem program is structured into four years:
- Year 1 and 2: Students follow a similar learning path to the BSc program, covering fundamental principles of chemistry, including physical chemistry, analytical science, organic synthesis, and laboratory techniques.
- Year 3 and 4: The course focuses on more advanced, master's level topics, with the option to specialize in either synthetic organic chemistry or materials/analytical chemistry.
Modules:
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Core Skills for Chemistry: Develops mathematical, laboratory, and communication skills.
- Introduction to Chemical Concepts: Covers fundamental principles of chemical concepts and various branches of chemistry.
- Synthesis and Analysis of Molecular Materials: Introduces organic synthesis, chemical compound analysis, and laboratory skills.
- New Frontiers in Chemistry: Explores green chemistry, waste minimization, medicinal chemistry, and nanochemistry.
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Laboratory Studies of Chemical Concepts: Supports theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience.
- Chemical Concepts: Physical Techniques: Covers thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, and structure determination.
- Chemical Concepts: Developing Molecular Materials: Focuses on organometallic compounds, asymmetric synthesis, and aromatic and carbonyl chemistry.
- Molecular and Separation Science: Develops understanding of analytical science and introduces group theory.
- Frontiers in Chemistry: Provides further understanding of green chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and nanochemistry.
Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Advanced Concepts In Chemistry: Explores advanced concepts in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
- Modern Advances in Molecular Chemistry: Presents advanced chemical concepts used in research.
- Professional Research Skills: Develops scientific communication, project management, and experimental design skills.
- Organic Synthetic Methods: Provides advanced understanding of organic chemistry, reactivity, and synthesis.
- Chemistry and Technology for the Modern World: Covers applied chemistry used in the chemical sector.
Year 4:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Advanced Structural and Surface Analysis: Develops knowledge of techniques for surface and elemental analysis of inorganic solids and advanced materials.
- Applications in Synthesis & Molecular Modelling: Focuses on natural and synthetic chemistry and molecular modelling in drug discovery.
- Advanced Inorganic and Materials Chemistry: Covers molecular symmetry, f-block elements, and their applications in various fields.
- MChem Chemistry Research Project: Focuses on independent study, research investigation, and presentation of findings.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a combination of coursework and examinations to assess student progress. Assessment methods may vary depending on the module, but typically include:
- Coursework: Assignments, reports, presentations, and practical work.
- Examinations: Written exams covering theoretical concepts and problem-solving skills.
Teaching:
The MChem program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and concepts.
- Seminars: Interactive discussions and presentations.
- Practical Sessions: Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, using advanced analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers, NMRs, and electron microscopes.
Careers:
Graduates of the MChem program are highly sought after by employers in various industries, including:
- Chemical Industry: Research and development, production, quality control, and technical sales.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Drug discovery, development, and manufacturing.
- Food and Drink Industry: Quality control, research, and product development.
- Environmental Science: Research, monitoring, and remediation.
- Forensic Science: Crime scene investigation and analysis.
- Biotechnology: Research and development of new technologies.
- Teaching: Secondary education and higher education.
Other:
- The program is based in the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at UCLan.
- Students have the opportunity to undertake a 48-week sandwich placement in industry or a 10-week paid internship in research laboratories.
- The program is known for its excellent facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories in the JB Firth Building.
- The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which enhance employability.
- The program is subject to ongoing review and development, and changes may be necessary to comply with accrediting body requirements or revisions to subject benchmarks.
UK
Full-time: £9,250 per year Sandwich year: £1,500 for the sandwich year Part-time: £1,540 per 20 credits
International
Full-time: £16,500 per year
