UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Life SciencesDepartment of Chemical and Forensic SciencesProgramme/course title: Chemistry 4

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final award: / MChem; QAA Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications Level M
BSc (Honours); QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level H
Programme title: / Chemistry, Chemistry for Analysis, Chemistry for Drug Discovery, Chemistry for Forensic Science, Chemistry for Medicines Development
Programme Recognised by: / Royal Society of Chemistry
Duration: / MChem (4 yr, full time); BSc (3 yr, full time)
UCAS code:
Subject benchmark statement: / Chemistry
Date produced: / March 2008
Last updated : / July 2010

Introduction

The Chemistry-4 suite of programmes is an innovative, new approach to prepare graduates for application of their skills in the modern chemical environment. The programmes have been designed to respond to employer’s needs for the 21st century. The specialist pathways in the new programmes provide specific training for the practice of chemistry in major employment sectors.

The specialist pathways in the programme relate to key employment sectors for chemistry graduates: pharmaceutical, forensic, drug discovery/biotechnology and QC/analytical. Employer advice has encouraged us to establish sound fundamental basis to chemical training in the early years of the programme and you will establish the fundamentals of academic and practical chemistry in the first two years of the courses alongside some appreciation of your chosen area of specialism. From here, you can decide to specialise in a thematic pathway or undertake broader training into the 3rd Year. In the 4th Year, the incorporated Masters-level training focuses on deploying your training in real-world settings and you can choose to develop professional practice experience in an academic research setting or as a placement with a commercial organisation. Academic research experience involves working on your own project as part of a research team alongside post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers at the University. Work-based experience will involve working as an employee in industry, usually as part of a wider team. This allows you to enhance your CV and gain real experience of chemistry applications. In both situations you will build a personal development programme, match a diverse set of training opportunities to your needs including utilisation of some of Bradford’s short-course instrumental analytical training provision. The University will help you apply for placement opportunities and will closely monitor your time with the employer.

The programmes allow you considerable flexibility in the study pathway that you follow with the choice of specialism and the choice of research or commercial experience.

Programme Aims

The main aims of the BSc programme are:

A1 To develop an enthusiasm for chemistry and an appreciation of its application in different contexts

A2To provide opportunities for you to develop a systematic knowledge and understanding of the core principles of chemistry

A3To enable you to develop a core range of chemistry- related practical skills

A4To develop your ability to think critically and creatively

A5To provide you with opportunities to select areas of chemistry to develop in greater depth

A6To provide you with an opportunity to study to Masters level

A7To provide flexible study patterns in the choice of specialism which include Analysis, Drug Discovery, Forensic science and Medicines Development.

A8To equip you with subject and key skills necessary to facilitate transition to employment in both chemical and non-chemical employment or further study

A9To extend your comprehension of key chemical concepts and provide an in-depth understanding of a specialised area of chemistry

A10Provide a supportive educational environment, which meets the needs of students from a variety of backgrounds

A11Enable you to become an autonomous learner and prepare you for lifelong learning

In addition to A1-A9, the MChem programme aims include:

A12To enable you to develop the ability to carry out experiments independently and assess the significance of outcome

A13To develop your ability to adapt and apply methodology to the solution of unfamiliar problems

A14To instil a critical awareness of advances at the forefront of the chemical science discipline

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the BSc programme you should be able to:

B1Subject Knowledge and Skills

B1.1Be fully conversant with major aspects of chemical terminology

B1.2Demonstrate a knowledge of a range of organic and inorganic materials

B1.3Demonstrate an understanding of general synthetic pathways and, including related isolation, purification and characterisation techniques

B1.4Demonstrate an awareness of issues within chemistry that overlap with other related disciplines

B1.5Present scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences

In addition to B1.1-B1.5, on successful completion of the MChem programme you should be able to:

B1.6Demonstrate knowledge about the major issues at the frontiers of chemical research

B1.7Depending on the area of specialism studied, appraise, evaluate and where

appropriate demonstrate advanced skills in specialised areas of chemistry

B2Core Academic Skills

On successful completion of the BSc programme you should be able to:

B2.1Apply knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of familiar and unfamiliar nature

B2.2Recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution

B2.3Present scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences

B2.4Handle potentially hazardous material with due reference to COSSH protocols and regulations and risk assessment procedures

B2.5Carry out chemical synthetic procedures and isolate and purify the products

B2.6Operate modern instrumentation, interpret the data and understand the principles involved.

B2.7Employ skills in the monitoring, by observation and measurement, of chemical properties, events or changes, and the systematic and reliable recording and documentation

B2.8Operate standard chemical instrumentation such as that used for structural investigations andseparation.

B2.9Interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements in terms of their significance and the theory underlying them.

In addition to B2.1-B2.10, on successful completion of the MChem programme you should be able to:

2.10Plan, design and execute practical investigations, from the problem recognitions stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings

B2.11Select appropriate techniques and procedures, independently interpret conflicting and uncertain results generated both in your experimental work and appraisal of results and findings

B3Personal & Key Skills

On successful completion of the BSc programme you should be able to:

B3.1Communicate orally and in writing

B3.2 Employ problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information

B3.3Employ numerical and mathematical skills, including such aspects as error analysis order-of-magnitude estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation

B3.4Use appropriate information retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including information retrieval through online computer searches

B3.5Use interpersonal skills, relating to the ability to interact with other people and to engage in team working

B3.6Use time management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working

B3.7Employ skills needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional nature

In addition to B3.1-B3.7, on successful completion of the MChem programme you should be able to:

B3.8Employ problem-solving skills including the demonstration of self-direction and originality

B3.9Communicate and interact with professionals from other disciplines

B3.11Exercise initiative and personal responsibility

B3.12Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations

B3.13Employ independent learning, required for continuing professional development

Curriculum

The table overleaf lists all the modules taught as part of the degree. The curriculum is designed to provide for a core programme through core modules and options. Professional skills are embedded in the curriculum. Irrespective of option choices in prescribed programmes, the final year provides you with an opportunity to investigate a topic or topics of your own choice through a practical research project. Development of a broad range of professional and transferable skills will assist your progression from the university to your chosen career or further study, and to provide a basis for continuing lifelong learning. Except for those acquired through placement experience, the attributes of knowledge and understanding, discipline skills and personal transferable skills outlined above are acquired through study of the core components of the course.

On the MChem (Industrial Studies) course, you may undertake a year of industrial placement in Stage 4. The MChem is supported through visits of academic tutors to the workplace and includes assessment in 120 credits. It is quite clear that students who complete a placement not only gain valuable experience, but also often enhance their career.

On the MChem (research) course you will spend all four years of the course in full time academic study. This route is particularly suited to students who aspire to a career in a research environment; indeed as part of your Stage 4 studies you will undertake a significant, 60 credit research project of your own choosing over the entire second semester.

They are four pathways to Chemistry of which you will choose one. These routes involve specialisation in year 3 and permit further study in Analytics, Forensic Science, Medicines Design and Drug Discovery. Your final year project will be chosen from a list of topics which will be associated with your specialism.

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements are made each year. More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit.

Code
/ Name / Credit / Level / Sem / Chemistry / Analysis / Drug Discovery / Forensic Science / Pharma
Development
Stage 1
CT1003D / Fundamentals of Chemical Bonding, Structure and Reactivity / 20 / 1 / 1 / core / core / core / core / core
CT6006L / Energy and Matter / 20 / 1 / 1 + 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT6007T / Experimental Applications: Fundamental Techniques / 30 / 1 / 1 / core / core / core / core / core
CT6005M / Functional Groups and Transformations / 10 / 1 / 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT6008T / Experimental Applications: Characterisation / 30 / 1 / 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT1506M / Electronic Structure & Spectroscopy / 10 / 1 / 2 / option / core / - / - / -
BM2019M / Biochemistry / 10 / 1 / 2 / option / - / core / - / -
CT6002M / Introduction to the Principles of Forensic Science / 10 / 1 / 2 / option / - / - / core / -
PH1007M / Principles of Drug Action / 10 / 1 / 2 / option / - / - / - / core
Stage 2
CT3014M / Synthesis and Design / 10 / 2 / 1 / core / core / core / core / core
CT3012T / Experimental App: Synthesis, Separation & Purification / 30 / 2 / 1 / core / core / core / core / core
CT3015L / Supramolecular Chemistry and Modern Materials / 20 / 2 / 1+2 / core / core / core / core / core
EN2002L / Data Collection and Analysis / 20 / 2 / 1+2 / option / core / - / - / -
BM1111M / Cell Biology / 10 / 2 / 1 / option / - / core / - / -
CT2015L / Forensic Examination & Analysis of Physical Evidence / 20 / 2 / 1+2 / option / - / - / core / -
PH2223M / Physical Chemistry of Nanoscience / 10 / 2 / 1 / option / - / - / - / core
CT2018M / States of Matter / 10 / 2 / 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT3016T / Experimental Application: Synthesis and Structure / 30 / 2 / 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT6007M / Toxicology / 10 / 2 / 2 / option / - / core / - / -
PH2224M / Production of Solid Dosage Forms / 10 / 2 / 2 / option / - / - / - / core
Stage 3
CT3506T / Experimental Appl: Strategies in Synthetic Chemistry* / 30 / 3 / 1 / option A / option A / option A / option A / option A
CT3507T / Experimental Appl: Chemical Computation & Prediction* / 30 / 3 / 1 / option A / option A / option A / option A / option A
CT3028M / Advanced Analytical Spectroscopy / 10 / 3 / 1 / option / core / option / core / core
CT3011M / Organometallic Chemistry / 10 / 3 / 1 / core / option / option / option / -
CR3002D / Fundamentals of Drug Discovery / 20 / 3 / 1 / option / - / core / - / -
CT3039L / Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence / 20 / 3 / 1+2 / - / option / - / core / -
CT3041L / Analysis of Controlled Substances (linked) / 20 / 3 / 1+2 / option / option / - / option / -
AR5304M / Forensic Anthropology / 10 / 3 / 1 / - / - / - / option / -
PH3305D / Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Development / 20 / 3 / 1 / option / - / - / - / core
CT3504T / Research Project / 30 / 3 / 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT3007M / Biological Organic Chemistry / 10 / 3 / 2 / core / option / core / core / core
CR4013D / Case Studies in Drug Discovery / 20 / M / 2 / - / - / option / - / -
PH8010M / Drug Regulations & Quality Assurance / 3 / 2 / 10 / - / - / - / - / Option
PH4025D / Pharmaceutical Product Innovation / 20 / M / 2 / - / - / - / - / Option
LIF4002M / Elemental Analysis / M / 2 / 10 / option / option / option / option / Option
LIF4006M / Mass Spectrometry / M / 2 / 10 / option / option / option / option / Option
LIF4001M / Electron Microscopy / M / 2 / 10 / option / option / option / option / Option
LIF4010M / Thermal Analysis / M / 2 / 10 / option / option / option / option / Option
Stage 4 / MChem Industrial & Research Pathways
CT4011M / Scientific Project Management / 10 / M / 1 / core / core / core / core / Core
LIF4008L / Professional Development / 20 / M / 1 + 2 / core / core / core / core / core
LFXXXXM / Short Instrumental Course * / 10 / M / 1 / core / core / core / core / core
LFXXXXM / Short Instrumental Course * / 10 / M / 1 / core / core / core / core / core
LFXXXXM / Short Instrumental Course * / 10 / M / 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CT4009Z / Research Project / 60 / M / 1 + 2 / core / core / core / core / core
CTXXXXZ / Placement Project / 60 / M / 1 + 2 / core / core / core / core / core

* Students can only choose one option A

* Short Instrumental course = 9 short courses to choose from, students will choose modules which are tailored towards their particular pathway

*choose only 20 level M credits in Stage 3

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

The programme articulates with the Teaching and Learning strategies of the University. As you progress through the course you will be exposed to a variety of teaching methods designed to develop the learning outcomes and to cater for different preferences for learning. A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules is employed throughout the programme. These methods progressively focus on student-centred approaches to learning. Thus you will be expected to take increasing responsibility for your learning as you progress through the course. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continuing professional development.

Outcomes B1.1 to B1.7 will be developed in a number of modules, through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed Web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. In addition individual project/dissertation work will further help you to develop outcomes B1.5 and B1.7.

You will demonstrate your achievement via written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations.

The development of outcomes B2.1 to B2.11 will be through involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). They will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations.

Key skills are embedded throughout the curriculum.

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link:

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.

A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 280 UCAS points (equivalent to BBC)with at least 100 points in Chemistry. However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.

Learning Resources

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.

Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.

Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

Student Support and Guidance

Course Team

Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.

The Hub, Student Support Centre

The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.

The teams located within The Hub:

  • Accommodation
  • Admissions
  • Education Liaison
  • Enquiries
  • Student Administration and Support
  • Bursaries and Financial Support
  • Finance and Credit Control Group
  • Payzone
  • Records and Tuition Fees
  • International Office
  • Customer Service Team


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