Chemistry, MChem (Hons)

This is a four-year MChem degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. You will spend the first three years developing an understanding of a broad range of modern chemistry covering organic and inorganic synthesis, physical characterisation methods, and chemistry at the interfaces with biosciences, engineering and physics.You will also gain a broad range of practical skills in synthesis, physical measurement and data analysis. In your final year, you will carry out an individual research project addressing a novel area of contemporary chemistry, whilst following lectures at the research forefront. Throughout the degree, you will develop your chemical understanding, problem-solving and practical skills. Graduates of this course are well-prepared for higher level study, work in the chemicals sector, and roles requiring problem-solving and numeracy skills.Chemistry is a linear, quantitative subject containing a significant volume of factual material. It is an experimental science where practical work, and development of practical skills, is important. This four-year course is delivered through a mixture of “Core” and “add-on” modules using lectures, tutorials, problem classes and laboratory practical work, culminating in a major research project in the fourth year.Revision classes in the first year prepare you for the end of year examinations. Problem classes are used in the first year to develop mathematical and other quantitative skills in a problem-solving environment. Laboratory classes are used to teach, develop and refine subject-specific experimental skills of synthesis, measurement and characterisation that characterise a competent chemistry graduate, while applying concepts from lectures in an experimental environment.For the first three years of the course, you are expected to spend a minimum of one subsequent hour per hour of lecture contact on private study, reading and problem-solving using textbooks and other resources. Additional private study is directed at preparing for tutorials, workshops, writing reports of laboratory work and revision for examinations. In the four compulsory first year modules, you will attend seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or problem classes and six hours of laboratory work each week. Additionally, a third of the year’s credits are from elective modules which involve between two and six hours of lectures and laboratories each week. Individual learning forms an important part of academic study.In the second and third years, you will typically attend 12 hours of lectures or workshops per week and 10 hours of laboratory work. The laboratory work in the course moves from a defined set of practical's in the first year towards a more open-ended course, providing choice and some element of project work in Year 3.The major element of the fourth year is an independent individual research project, carrying out novel chemistry research embedded within a research group within the Department of Chemistry under the supervision of a member of academic staff with who you will meet weekly or more frequently. Project work can be in collaboration with researchers in other universities or other disciplines in Durham, e.g. Biology and Physics. You will typically work for 20 to 30 hours per week for 19 weeks, and prepare a project report describing your findings. The assessment also includes a poster and an oral presentation, and training is provided in these skills. In addition, you will study for a third of your final year credits in two lecture modules, where there is a choice of topics, and the learning environment can be more focused on independent learning than in earlier years.