Chemistry Programme Handbook 2009/10

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Handbook Part I - General Information

Teaching, Learning, Assessment

1. Aims and Learning Outcomes

The Chemistry degree programmes aim to:

• provide education and training in chemistry using a modular structure that allows a high degree of flexibility and choice;
• provide guidance and support to encourage students to achieve their full academic potential and gain access to a wide range of careers.

Degree programmes in Chemistry are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.  Graduates are eligible for membership of The Royal Society of Chemistry – the professional society for chemists in Britain.  At BSc level, bachelor accreditation gives you access to qualified membership of the RSC, and forms the basis for satisfying the academic requirements for achieving Chartered Chemist (CChem) through further study or continued professional development.  Graduation at the MChem level with First or Second class Honours provides you with access to qualified membership of the RSC, and fully satisfies the academic requirements for award of Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.  More information about the accreditation process can be found at http://www.rsc.org/Education/courses-and-careers/Accredited-courses/

Successful chemistry graduates should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding and a critical awareness of a substantial area of Inorganic, Organic and Physical chemistry;
• demonstrate an understanding of fundamental physicochemical principles and an ability to apply that knowledge to the solution of theoretical and practical problems;
• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of advanced topics related to current research in chemistry.

In addition, students who complete the integrated masters programmes should be able to:

• understand and critically evaluate further advanced material at Masters level on current aspects of chemical research and solve problems of an advanced nature;
• conduct a substantial research project and demonstrate that they can apply their knowledge within a variety of problem solving contexts with originality.

In addition particular degree programmes have their distinctive aims and learning outcomes, which are briefly outlined as follows:

Chemistry with International Study also aims to provide experience of academic and day-to-day life in a country other than the UK.  Successful graduates of this programme should be able to develop self-confidence and communication skills with people of a different culture and background.  Those students who are studying in a European University will also develop self-confidence and communication skills, both written and verbal, in a European foreign language.

Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry also aims to provide a broad based, scientifically strong education in organic/biological chemistry, and in the selected area of Pharmacy which will enable students to enter those professions requiring a knowledge of medicinal chemistry. 

Successful graduates of this programme should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human biology and biochemistry relevant to medicinal chemistry, and in-depth knowledge of chemotherapy, rational drug design and other advanced topics related to current research in medicinal chemistry.

Chemistry with Industrial Experience also aims to provide opportunity for students to apply their chemical knowledge and skills in the solution of practical and theoretical problems in chemistry, in both academic and industrial contexts.  During the year out successful graduates of this programme should be able to develop a range of professional skills through direct experience within the industry. 

Chemistry with Forensic and Analytical Chemistry. The course is based around a core Chemistry degree with a strong analytical component. The Forensic Science Service offers only a few new jobs each year, but this degree coupled with Manchester University's enviable graduate employment statistics, will certainly allow you to be a strong applicant. However, because this degree still covers all the core chemistry material, it will open up many other possibilities too, such as developing medicines, or working with new materials. The special analytical flavour of the degree would also equip you for the huge number of jobs in analytical chemistry, and we would also hope that strong communication skills would help you in almost any career that you might choose.