BSc (Honours)/MChem Chemistry
UCAS code
F100Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time, plus one year to MSci (optional)At a glance
Study chemistry and learn how to apply its principles to real world problems. Internationally renowned researchers on your teaching team ensure that the course content and lab skills you learn are at the cutting edge of the science. And the opportunity to gain a placement with major industry names like AstraZeneca gives you the chance to gain experience and build your CV.
Key points
• Develop your practical skills and techniques using industry standard equipment.
• Learn from active researchers and well-known academics in the field.
• Gain industry experience by applying for a placement at a major company like GlaxoSmithKline.
• Develop attributes valued by employers such as the ability to communicate and problem solve.
What is chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of the reactions and properties of matter. It is often described as 'the central science' as it links with aspects of biology, physics, materials science and statistics. Chemistry is used to develop new compounds, such as pharmaceuticals or advanced materials, as well as analysis and quality control.
About this course
Develop your practical laboratory skills and build knowledge of chemistry that is relevant to the real world. As a student on this course you investigate biological, environmental and materials chemistry in our specialist labs, in addition to more traditional topics.
Your practical studies are carried out in specialist laboratories that use the same type of equipment found in industry. You learn the latest techniques and use modern, state-of-the-art instrumentation in all aspects of chemistry, which helps you to develop into an effective, safe, employable and practical scientist.
Most of our teaching staff are active in research and some are well-known academics. Professor Malcolm Clench leads an internationally renowned research group using MALDI-mass spectrometry to investigate the distribution of drugs in biological tissue and responses to treatment. Both Professor Clench and fellow lecturer Dr Simona Francese have featured on BBC programmes as experts in their field. This expertise and engagement with research allows us to feed the latest scientific developments directly into your course.
Once you have gained skills in chemistry, you get the opportunity to apply what you’ve learnt with a one-year placement at a national or multinational firm such as • GlaxoSmithKline • AstraZeneca • Quotient Bioresearch • ReckittBenckiser • Sheffield Assay Office • Covance • Merck, Germany.
You can apply for a placement in the UK or take the opportunity to work overseas in Europe, America or further afield. On a paid placement, you can earn up to £17,000 a year.
In the final year of study, one third of your time is spent on a research project where you use skills and knowledge gained in the earlier parts of your course to investigate a specific topic. Example project titles include • gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of skin metabolites • speciation of chromium by MALDI-mass spectrometry • new testosterone derivatives as potential molecular vehicles for delivery of drug moieties to hormone-sensitive targets.
As well as gaining subject specific knowledge, you develop transferable skills such as • teamwork • communication • numeracy • problem solving. These skills make you attractive to a wide range of future employers in and outside of the scientific industries.
The optional transfer to the MChem qualification is suitable for students who achieve good results during years one and two.
Key areas of study
The course emphasises analytical science and provides a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of • modern organic chemistry • inorganic chemistry • physical chemistry.
Associated careers
A degree in chemistry can lead to a career in many aspects of science including • analytical scientist • research and pharmaceutical development • regulatory affairs • teaching. Non-scientific roles include • IT • accountancy • marketing.
Previous chemistry graduates have gone on to work as
• biological monitors for the Health and Safety Laboratory
• validation chemist for Waters Ltd
• managing director of Olmec Advanced Materials
Many graduates also choose to progress to specialist postgraduate courses or carry out research for a PhD to enhance their qualifications.
Course content
Year one modules
• principles of chemistry and analytical science • fundamentals of organic chemistry • practical and professional skills 1 • chemistry in context • introduction to medicinal and molecular chemistry
Year two modules
• analytical and bioanalytical science • organic and biological chemistry • molecules and matter change • chemistry and society • practical and professional skills 2
Year three
• optional work placement - leading to academic assessment via final year professional studies module
Final year core modules
• professional studies • advanced organic synthesis and spectroscopy • medicinal chemistry and drug development • research project
Final year options
advanced analytical science • chemistry and analysis at surfaces
MSci year (optional)
• research methods and statistics • research projects
Assessment
• examinations • coursework • written assignments • tests • group work • practical work
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent, such as Level 2 adult literacy/numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 communication/application of number) and science, plus one of the following
• 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels including 80 points in chemistry. We do not accept general studies A level.
• successful completion of our Extended Degree in Biosciences or equivalent
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.
You need to demonstrate an ability to
• study academic subjects at degree level
• debate topics and issues
• draw on conclusions from written material
• study independently as well as a member of a group
• use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
• successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations
This is normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
2013 entry requirements
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent, such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus one of the following
• 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels including 80 points in chemistry. We do not accept general studies A level.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,880 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk