COURSE SEARCH
MChem Chemistry with Nanotechnology
The University of Hull - Physical Sciences
- Request Info | View Institute
Course Summary
- Type: MChem
- Location: Kingston upon Hull
- Duration: 4 Years
- Deadline: Ongoing
Course Description
OverviewNanotechnology is a new area of materials science that is revolutionising the development of novel designer technology. It is concerned with manipulation at the nanometre scale (from 1 to 10 nanometres, where 1nm is about the length of three gold atoms) to develop and characterise materials with very special properties. These materials ?nd potential and actual applications in many technological areas such as electronics, dispersions and coatings, sensors, liquid crystals, ceramics and biotechnology.
The design, development, characterisation and application of smart and clean materials is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary activity which has enormous economic, social and environmental bene?ts and o?ers worldwide employment opportunities.
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. The remaining 20% of the course are mainly specialist modules relating to areas relevant to nanotechnology and understanding materials at the atomic level. The environmental impact of chemistry and the need to develop clean and green technology are introduced, as well as the resurgence of interest in materials with nanoscale devices such as carbon nanotubes, surfactants and sensors.
The third year
Students pursue a variety of advanced topics in materials science such as lasers, magnetic devices for information storage, the development of liquid crystals for displays and biotechnology. The practical work includes hands-on experience of advanced synthetic and spectroscopic techniques. In the second semester, students conduct a research project which takes the form of a group project that will foster communication, project development and leadership skills of the type used in industrial research project. All students present their research results to the department. Presentation, communication, computer, internet, information retrieval and problem-solving skills – essential for all careers, scientific or otherwise – are thus integrated within the courses.
The fourth year
All students follow advanced, specialist modules in nanotechnology, including up-to-the-minute coverage of the most recent developments and hot areas both in industry and in the universities and the wish list of potential smart materials that will change the way we live in the 21st century. Throughout the year, students develop a research project, normally in the nanotechnology research groups in the department, employing the same methodology used in an industrial or academic setting. In the ?rst semester, students develop an understanding of the context, potential bene?ts 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. Unique Selling Points
- A friendly and approachable environment for students with an open door policy and an active Chemistry Society.
- You will be taught by staff who are world leading and engaging in a wide range of research including the development of new materials such as liquid crystals and light emitting systems, lab-on-a-chip technology, drug design, surfactants and colloids.
- High student contact hours with active learning in laboratory classes and seminars.
- Well equipped with recently refurbished laboratories for teaching and research with a wide range of specialist instrumentation and facilities, where you will be conducting your project at the forefront of the subject.
- One of the best employability rates after graduation
- Consistently highly rated in a wide range of league tables. Since the National Student Survey was introduced the department has consistently performed well above 90%.
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.
