Chemistry MSc
The following modules are available in 2023/24 for the Chemistry MSc and are examples of the modules you are likely to study. All Modules are subject to change. You will study 180 credits in total.
Compulsory modules
Research Project for Chemistry-based MSc courses - 60 credits
Students will be given a list of potential research projects of relevance to their MSc. Projects will be in the areas related to School of Chemistry research in:
- Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry
- Atmospheric and planetary chemistry
- Computational chemistry and chemical physics
- Functional materials and self-assembling systems
- Digital and process chemistry
- Chemistry pedagogic research.
Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Coursework) - 30 credits
Students will be required to study a minimum of 6 topics from a free choice of 8 or more topics. This will be assessed by a portfolio of work, based on continuous assessment of six of these topics. The exact topics will vary year-by-year but a current list includes:
- Energy Transduction – Powering the Earth, Life and Society
- Nanomaterials
- Structural Control in Modern Materials
- Sustainability
- Planning organic synthesis
- Statistical thermodynamics
- Metals in medicine
- Computer-aided drug design
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
- Case Studies in Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Synthesis
Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Examined S2) - 15 credits
Students will be required to study three free choice topics from a selection of examined topics. The current nature of the module ensures that the topics will change sporadically, at present the topics offered in Semester 2 are:
- Metals in Biology
- Artificial Molecular Switches, Motors and Machines
- Planetary Atmospheres
- Chemistry, Climate Change and Air Pollution: Atmospheric Measurem-ents, Modelling and Policy
- Natural Product Biosynthesis / Biocatalysis
Advanced Practical, Professional and Research Skills for Chemists - 30 credits
Students will be introduced to topics underpinning research culture and the research process including: planning experiments and larger projects, scientific publications, patents, grant applications and research ethics.
Optional modules include:
Advanced Colour Science - 15 credits
Students will gain an understanding of the major aspects of colour science, namely: the human visual system, the measurement of coloured materials, the properties and applications of colorants, the ways in which coloured materials can be created and reproduced, and the psychological effects of colour.
Colloid and Dairy Science - 15 credits
Provides you with knowledge of the principles and practice of colloid science with particular reference to the stability, structure and texture of dairy-based oil and water systems.
Cosmetic Science - 15 credits
The module will cover the fundamental core technologies used to support the product development in the cosmetic industry. Various relevant types of cosmetics will be covered, such as skin care, sun care, decorative cosmetics, hair care and fragrances
Physical Aspects of Food - 15 credits
Students will gain a clear understanding of laws goverining many physical and physiochemical processes in foods and means of applying them to food systems.
Modern Drug Discovery - 15 credits
The entire process of drug discovery will be covered, providing a broad context before concentrating upon the details of small molecule drug discovery. The module starts with looking at the major scientific milestones that have enabled modern disease-based and target-based drug discovery.
The full list of module information can be read in the course catalogue