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MChem Chemistry (Industrial Option)
The University of Hull - Physical Sciences
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Course Summary
- Type: MChem
- Location: Kingston upon Hull
- Duration: 4 Years
- Deadline: Ongoing
Course Description
OverviewChemistry is a core science that covers an exciting and diverse range of subject areas. Analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, forensic science and toxicology, theoretical and computational chemistry, and many others make up the mosaic of speciality areas that comprise our discipline. The MChem Chemistry course with industrial experience gives a broad, balanced presentation of modern chemistry while being sufficiently flexible to allow individual interests and preferences to develop through the pursuit of various specialisms.
A year in industry makes the degree truly vocational. In addition to the financial rewards, it imparts skills, experience and knowledge which can give you a valuable head start in your career. Students apply for their own places, but we provide ample guidance and assistance. We have very strong links with industry at local, national and European levels, and we have a member of staff who is dedicated to matching students to the right placements in industry.
We have an excellent record of securing valuable industrial placements. In recent years, students have enjoyed placements throughout the UK and Europe, including positions with Smith & Nephew and BP Chemicals in Hull, Glaxo Wellcome, Pfizer, Metropolitan Police Forensic Laboratories, L’Ore?al in Paris, Zeneca in Lyon, Henkel in Du?sseldorf, and Wacker Chemie in Burghausen.
Course structure
The first two years
Core modules account for 80% of each course. These include theoretical and practical aspects of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and transferable skills such as communication, group working, computing and information technology. Optional modules account for the remaining 20% and cover a wide range of topics to extend and develop your knowledge and interests. They include areas designed to widen your expertise, such as biology, physics and support in mathematics, and new topics designed to widen your interests, such as forensic science, internet programming, environmental and pharmaceutical science and even the history and philosophy of science.
The third year – industrial placement
Students spend this year in industry gaining valuable skills and experience – and a salary. The industrial placement is usually organised during the second year and taken during Year 3. The industrial year is fully assessed and counts towards your final degree result; it therefore requires the successful completion of academic assignments, a continuous log and a final report.
The fourth year
All students follow advanced, specialist modules reflecting up-to-the-minute topics drawn from the most significant recent international developments in chemistry and related subjects. These give students the knowledge and expertise needed to become professional scientists and the skills needed to pursue and lead research in a university or industrial setting.
Throughout the year, students develop a research project in one of the many internationally recognised research groups in the department, employing the same methodology used in an industrial or academic setting. In the first semester, students develop an understanding of the context, potential benefits and worldwide knowledge-base of their chosen research area, using databases and internet-based resources. Most of the laboratory work for the project is carried out in the second semester. All students present their research results to the department, write an extended dissertation detailing their results and conclusions and construct a website to present their work. For almost all students, the research project proves to be the most rewarding and enjoyable part of their degree, and this is reflected in the large percentage who continue to pursue their interests in research careers.
The department-wide research base means that projects can be offered in – among others – analytical, drug design, forensic, nanotechnology, computing and educational areas.
Study information
The academic year at Hull is split into two semesters: the first starts in late September and the second finishes in June, with vacations at Christmas and Easter. Each semester consists of a teaching period followed by a period of assessment.
Each course is made up of modules, taught through a variety of lectures and workshops, small-group seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes. Typically, students will have 10 hours of lectures per week, up to 4 hours a week of tutorial-workshops and from 7 to 16 hours a week in the laboratory. Assessment is through a combination of examinations and continually assessed coursework. These assessments are focused around the laboratory (35%), coursework (15%) and examination (50%). All practical work is continuously assessed. The final-year research project is assessed continuously and through a final report and presentation.
Credits are earned from the successful completion of each module, and all modules count towards the final degree. The module and credit system allows greater flexibility within our courses and between the many different universities that operate the same system.
Entry requirements
Students with a wide range of qualifications have very successfully studied for a chemistry degree at Hull. Our entry requirements range between 280 and 300 points (with at least a B in Chemistry) at A level or equivalent, depending on the range of subjects offered and the UCAS personal statements, but offers may vary in individual cases and circumstances.
The University encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We consider applicants on the basis of academic qualifications (see above) and/or on the basis of other relevant knowledge and skills. In Chemistry we have a particularly strong record of success with mature students, whose applications are always warmly welcomed.
