MChem (Hons) Analytical Chemistry

If you haven’t applied to the University of Plymouth for September 2019 entry, prior to the UCAS deadline, there may still be vacancies on your chosen course.

It’s not too late to apply

• This four year programme (five with the optional placement year) provides a pathway for progression through a broad-based practical undergraduate degree in chemistry, with increasing specialisation in analytical chemistry throughout to masters level. 
  
• The programme will develop the theoretical and practical skills, and provide training necessary for employment as an analytical chemist with experience of working to ISO 17025, the international standard for all testing and calibration laboratories.
  
• Equip yourself for successful employment in a competitive job market – our focus on practical, professional skills means you graduate primed to enter the workplace and research fields.
  
• Benefit from an intellectually stimulating course taught by staff who are enthusiastic about what they are teaching, offering good 'advice and support' to students during their studies and with excellent staff contact.
  
• You will learn to become a practical, professional chemist through a hands-on approach to learning.
  
• The course places the professional skills of communication, problem solving, information and data retrieval, laboratory work and project management at its heart.
  
• Maximise your hands-on laboratory time and learn through doing – this course is structured to be as practical as possible.
  
• Get the most out of your studies with our tutorial system, ensuring that you receive the support and guidance you need to reach your full potential.
• You will develop the theoretical and practical skills necessary for employment as a professional chemist in a range of chemical and allied fields, including research, teaching and industry.
• Experience chemistry in the real world and boost your employability by taking a placement or work-based project in your stage 3 year, or working alongside PhD, post-doctoral and internationally recognised researchers in our high specification laboratories.
  

• Year 1

• Core modules

  • CHM1011 Practice of Chemistry

    This module introduces fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills needed for degree level chemistry. It provides introductory training in practical techniques, embedding core chemical concepts and a robust foundation for good laboratory practice and scientific communication.

  • CHM1012 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry 1

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in organic and inorganic chemistry. It also provides training in fundamental practical techniques and good laboratory practice.

  • CHM1013 Physical and Computational Chemistry 1

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts in physical chemistry, practical techniques of experimentation, data acquisition and interpretation, and good laboratory practice. A variety of software applications will be used to assist with data analysis and presentation.

  • CHM1014 Solving Chemical Problems

    This module introduces the application of fundamental theoretical chemical concepts and practical skills to well-defined chemical problems. It provides training and application of practical chemical techniques, good laboratory practice and scientific communication.

  • CHM1015 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry 2

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in organic and inorganic chemistry. It also provides training in fundamental practical techniques and good laboratory practice.

  • CHM1016 Physical and Computational Chemistry 2

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in physical and inorganic chemistry. It also provides training in fundamental practical techniques and good laboratory practice.

• Year 2

• Core modules

  • CHM2011 Inorganic Chemistry

    This module builds on the fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in inorganic chemistry that were initiated during Stage 1. It also provides further training in practical techniques related to the lecture material and good laboratory practice.

  • CHM2012 Organic Chemistry

    This module builds on the fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in organic chemistry that were initiated during Stage 1. It also provides further training in good laboratory practice and practical techniques of synthesis and structural elucidation in organic chemistry, related to the lecture, workshop and tutorial material.

  • CHM2013 Physical Chemistry

    This module builds on the theory and practical skills introduced in Stage 1. It concerns the way molecules behave: quantum mechanically, statistically, thermodynamically, electrochemically and as colloids and on surfaces. It is underpinned by mathematics and illustrated by practical exercises.

  • CHM2014 Analytical Chemistry 1

    This module introduces the fundamental theoretical concepts in analytical chemistry. It also provides further training in problem solving and teamwork.

  • CHM2015 Analytical Chemistry 2

    This module introduces practical laboratory skills in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis. It also provides further training in task management, teamwork and information and data management.

  • CHM2016 Research Skills

    This module will develop research and professional skills within the context of chemical problems, including a business challenge, and prepare students for modules CHM3011 and CHM3012.

  Optional modules

  • APIE218 Preparation for the Chemical Industry Work Placement

    This module is designed to assist students in their search and preparation for a work placement and careers. It is aimed at students who would like to undertake the work placement to enhance both programme specific and employment-related skills during Stage 3 and preparation for future careers.

• Optional placement year

• Optional modules

  • APIE318 Placement in Chemistry

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 6 months in the chemistry sector, with an approved company or host organisation between Stages 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain experience of how chemistry is used in the workplace, be able to apply and develop their chemical knowledge and expertise, and acquire additional skills relevant to the position and more generally.

• Year 4

• Core modules

  • CHM3014 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

    Students will apply knowledge and understanding to the solution of unfamiliar chemical problems in selected areas of inorganic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on designing an experimental approach and relating key concepts from all four main branches of chemistry in a variety of contexts, both theoretical and practical in nature.

  • CHM3015 Advanced Organic Chemistry

    Students will apply knowledge and understanding to the solution of unfamiliar chemical problems in selected areas of organic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on applying key concepts in a variety of contexts, both theoretical and practical in nature.

  • CHM3016 Advanced Physical Chemistry

    Advanced theoretical and practical concepts in physical chemistry and materials characterisation techniques.

  Optional modules

  • CHM3011 Chemistry Project

    A research project, normally involving laboratory work, but which may also include fieldwork, on a topic relevant to the degree programme. Both independent research and collaborative team-work is linked to the development of skills appropriate to the management of the project and entry and success in the professional workplace.

  • CHM3012 Chemistry Project incorporating Work Based Learning

    A work-based project, involving a Summer placement (minimum normally 6 weeks) on a topic relevant to the degree programme. Independent work is linked to the development of skills appropriate to the management of the project, the Summer placement, and entry and success in the professional workplace.

  • CHM3013 Advanced Analytical Techniques

    This series of practical sessions (with supporting lectures) provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the operation and applications of modern instrumental analytical techniques. Emphasis is given to hands on experience of a range of modern instrumental techniques and their application to industrial, environmental, clinical and forensic samples.

  • CHM3017 Physical Chemistry

    This module concerns the way molecules behave: quantum mechanically, statistically, thermodynamically, electrochemically and as colloids and on surfaces. It is underpinned by mathematics and illustrated by practical exercises.

• Final year

• Core modules

  • CHM5001 MChem Analytical Chemistry Project

    A laboratory based research project, which may also include fieldwork, on a topic relevant to advanced analytical chemistry. Independent research, project management and collaborative team-work is linked to the development of skills necessary to work to ISO9001 standard necessary for success in the professional workplace.

  • CHM5004 Quality Assurance and Accreditation

    This module introduces the fundamental concepts of Quality Management, ISO9001 certification for analytical chemistry, and training in ISO17025 application.

  • CHM5005 Analytical Chemistry Advanced Problems and Practice for MChem

    This module allows students to apply their knowledge and practical skills to solve case studies and practical problems in analytical chemistry

  • GEES514 Research Skills for Science

    This module reviews research methods relevant to professional and academic scientific research. It encompasses the complete lifecycle of research: genesis of a research idea; planning; experimental design; execution; data collection; data analysis; information retrieval and management; critical analysis and synthesis; knowledge dissemination and application.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

MChem Analytical Chemistry programme specification 5846

UCAS tariff

112 - 120

A levels

A typical offer will be 112 points, minimum three A levels including grade C from chemistry, excluding general studies.

18 units BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma

DMM in a science related subject including chemistry units.

BTEC National Diploma modules

If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.            

International Baccalaureate

27–28 overall to include 5 at higher level chemistry, plus one other science subject. English and mathematics must be included.        

If you are an international student and not studying English within IB, you must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.

Access courses

Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction and to include at least 15 credits in chemistry with merit. The remaining units should come from science related units. Including GCSE English and mathematics grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.