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Course Summary

Course Description

Overview

Nanotechnology 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.

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. 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 – 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 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 first 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.

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.

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