CHEMISTRY

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W Harrison

Pre-requisites

SQA Higher in Chemistry at B or better, or GCE A level in Chemistry, or equivalent qualification.

Co-requisites

As specified in the University Calendar for certain degree programs, otherwise none.

Notes

Students who intend to continue with Chemistry beyond level 1 and who do not have a mathematics pass at Higher or A-level are recommended to take the Introductory Mathematics courses MA 1007 and MA 1507.

Overview

This course provides a grounding in the foundations of chemical science, with emphasis on the applications of chemistry in physical sciences and engineering. The course includes a review of the basic concepts and langauge of chemistry, quantitative chemical calculations, atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical bonding. The section on organic chemistry describes structural and stereochemical aspects and simple functional groups, and the section on physical chemistry includes study of the gas laws, heats of reaction and the energetics of chemical processes.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures (times TBA) and 1 one-hour class workshop (time TBA) per week. 6 three-hour laboratory classes (times TBA).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%), continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (50%), carried over continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Marks for lab experiments and WebCT assignments available as soon as possible after the assessments; feedback on wrong answers provided. Informal discussion with students in lab sessions.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W Harrison

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

As specificed in the University Calendar for certain degree programs, otherwise none.

Notes

Appropriate maths courses are recommended. The workshops for this course will be particularly suitable for life science students.

Overview

This course is intended to provide a grounding in the foundations of chemical science, with emphasis on the applications of chemistry in the life sciences. The course assumes no prior knowledge and includes a description of the basic concepts and langauge of chemistry, introduction to quantitative chemical calculations, atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical bonding. The section on organic chemistry describes structural and stereochemical aspects and simple functional groups, and the section on physical chemistry includes study of the gas laws, heats of reaction and the energetics of chemical processes.

Structure

Two one-hour lectures (times TBA) and one one-hour class workshop (time TBA) per week. Six 3-hour laboratory classes.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%), continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (50%), carried over continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Marks for lab experiments and WebCT assignments available as soon as possible after the assessments; feedback on wrong answers provided. Informal discussion with students in lab sessions.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W Harrison

Pre-requisites

Pass in CM 1015 or CM 1016. Chemical Engineers can enter without CM 1015 or CM 1016 although this is not recommended.

Co-requisites

As specificed in the University Calendar for certain degree programs, otherwise none.

Notes

Overview

This course develops the foundations of chemical science, with emphasis on the applications of chemistry in the "real world". The course includes a development of chemical bonding theory as applied to multi-atom molecules, and an introduction to entropy, free energy and chemical equilibria. The properties of solutions (phase equilibria) are discussed and elementary mechanistic organic chemistry is introduced. The Lab component provides appropriate experiments to reinforce the materials learned in the lectures.

Structure

Two one-hour lectures (times TBA) and one one-hour class workshop (time TBA) per week. Six 3-hour laboratory classes (times TBA).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%), continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (50%), carried over continuous assessment (30%) and lab work (20%).

Formative Assessment

Feedback

Marks for lab experiments and WebCT assignments available as soon as possible after the assessments; feedback on wrong answers provided. Informal discussion with students in lab sessions.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Plater

Pre-requisites

CM 1013 or CM 1014, CM 1509.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the bonding and structure of inorganic compounds of elements from the s-, p- and d-blocks. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationships between structure, properties and reactivity and will include a discussion of catalysts. Reference will be made to the economic importance of these compounds and their environmental impact.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 18-23) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Plater

Pre-requisites

CM 1013 or CM 1014, CM 1509.

Overview

An introduction to the roles of energy and mechanism in chemical and biological processes. Topics covered include the spontaneity of reactions, free energy and equilibrium properties, properties of mixtures and pure substances; the predictions of reaction pathways; devising reaction mechanisms; enzymes, and activation energies; how ions behave in solution; batteries and electrochemical sensing.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 12-17) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). Resit: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Plater

Pre-requisites

CM 1013 or CM 1014, CM 1509

Overview

Shape, conformation, and stereochemistry in organic and biologically relevant compounds. Reactions and reactivity of both aliphatic and aromatic compounds will be considered with particular reference to spatial and electronic effects.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 30-35) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M J Plater

Pre-requisites

CM 1013 or CM 1014, CM 1509 or BI 1508

Overview

This course provides an introduction to analytical chemistry, with particular reference to the use of analytical techniques to solve forensic problems. It covers the underlying theory of the identification and determination of, for example, poisons such as pesticides or heavy metals in biological fluids, and of alcohol and drugs of abuse in mixtures of organic compounds including their structure determination by spectroscopic methods. This will involve study of the chemical reactions useful in analytical chemistry such as acid-base, complex formation, precipitation, redox and seperation by transfer between phases, and also an introduction to both theory and practical experience of modern instrumental methods of analysis, with particular reference to forensic chemistry, and also to the closely related topic of enviornmental monitoring.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 36-37, 41-44) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

Overview

Problem solving activities and an in-depth literature-based study of a topic in chemistry. The course also includes essential C&IT Skills identified by the University and an introduction to subject-specific computing and IT skills including the use of molecular modelling packages.

Structure

12 week course – 1 two-hour computing class per week for 12 weeks and approximately 12 hours of seminar classes.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment of computer work, written reports and presentations.

Resit: Assessment of computer work, written reports and presentations.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2007

Notes

This course cannot be taken with PX 3012.

Overview

This course deals with the Crystalline State and will provide theoretical and practical coverage of crystal structures and methods for their characterisation. The course will also discuss aluminosilicate zeolites and other types of microporous solids and relate their properties to their structures.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks, one tutorial every second week, and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 12-17).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 ninety-minute written examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%).

Resit: 1 ninety-minute written examination (50%) and in-course assessment (50%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2007

Co-requisites

PX 3012

Notes

The course will discuss aluminosilicate zeolites and other types of microporous solids and relate their properties to their structures.

Overview

It will also include problem solving activities and an in-depth literature-based study of a topic in chemistry - essential C&IT Skills identified by the University and subject-specific computing and IT skills including the use of molecular modelling packages.

Structure

8 one-hour lectures (total) and 2 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 12-17). 1 two-hour computing class per week for 12 weeks and 12 hours (total) of seminars.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%).

Resit: In-course assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2008

Overview

This course will develop a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of spectroscopy and chemical bonding. This will include a discussion of the fundamental principles of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The surface chemistry of solids and applications in heterogeneous catalysis will also be discussed. The application of chemical kinetics to the understanding of important chemical and biological processes will be developed.

Structure

12 week course – 4 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 18-23).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2008

Notes

This course cannot be taken with CM 3519.

Overview

This course will develop a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of spectroscopy and chemical bonding. This will include a discussion of the fundamental principles of magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week, one tutorial every second week, and 2 three-hour practicals per week. Practicals in weeks 18-23 only.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 ninety-minute written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Resit: 1 ninety-minute written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2007, CM 2512

Overview

Essential C&IT skills identified by the University and an introduction to chemistry-specific computing and IT skills including the use of molecular modelling packages. Communication skills.

Lectures will cover: crystals; structure of metallic and ionic solids; diffraction methods; determination of molecular structure by x-ray crystallography; disorder and defects in crystals; the reciprocal lattice and reciprocal space; introduction to thermal properties of solids.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures and a two-hour computer class every week for 12 weeks. 4 two-hour lab classes.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half hour written examination (40%), in-course assessment (60%).

Resit: 1 one and a half hour written examination (40%), in-course assessment (60%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr A Mclaughlin

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

Maths for chemists, essential communication (oral and written) and IT skills for chemistry.

Structure

12 week course 2 three-hour maths workshop for 2 weeks and 2 hour tutorials.
1 two-hour computing class per week for 10 weeks and approximately 12 hours of seminar classes.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment of mathematical exercises, computer work, written reports and presentations.

Resit: Assessment of mathematical exercises, computer work, written reports and presentations.

Formative Assessment

Peer review of presentations

Feedback

Informal feedback will be give to students after each written or oral assessment.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2513, CM 2007

Overview

This advanced course describes how state-of-the-art and conventional analytical techniques can be used to characterise environmental processes. The chemistry of main group and transition elements is also discussed. Environmental topics covered will include: immobilisation and solubilisation of inorganic contaminants in water, soil and sediments; the determination of the lipophilicity and volatility of organic compounds in the environment; the mobility and toxicity of xenobiotics.

Structure

12 week course – 4 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 30-35).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2513

Notes

This course cannot be taken with CM 3517.

Overview

This advanced course describes how state-of-the-art and conventional analytical techniques can be used to characterise environmental processes. Environmental topics covered will include: immobilisation and solubilisation of inorganic contaminants in water, soil and sediments; the determination of lipophilicity and volatility of organic compounds in the environment; the mobility and toxicity of xenobiotics.

Structure

12 week course – 24 lectures, 6 tutorials, 12 three-hour practicals in total. Practicals in weeks 30-35 only.

Assessment

1st Attempt:
1 ninety-minute written examination (67%) and in-course assessment (33%).

Resit: 1 ninety-minute written examination (67%) and in-course assessment (33%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2512

Overview

The course includes the following themes:
Building Molecules
I Strategy (retrosynthesis and total synthesis)
II Synthetic methods
a) Aromatic synthesis and methodology
b) Chemistry of the carbonyl group

Biological Molecules
Natural products
Macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, saccharides)

Shapes, Structures and Spectra
I Steric and electronic effects
II Structure determination from spectra

Structure

12 week course – 4 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week, 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 36-37, 41-44).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Resit: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and in-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A McLaughlin

Pre-requisites

CM 2512

Overview

Shapes, structures and spectra
I Steric and electronic effects
II Structure determination from spectra

Biological molecules
Natural products
Macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, saccharides).

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks, 1 one-hour tutorial every 2 weeks, 2 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (Weeks 36-37, 41-44).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (66.7%); In-course assessment (33.3%).

Resit: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (66.7%); In-course assessment (33.3%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 Level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics in inorganic, physical, organic, materials and environmental chemistry.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures/tutorials per week for 12 weeks and additional tutorials by agreement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics inorganic, physical, organic, materials and environmental chemistry.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures/tutorials per week for 12 weeks and additional tutorials by agreement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination.

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

Group and individual assignments focusing on health and safety, employment, "chemistry in the news", and the chemical industry.

Structure

1 one-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks; oral presentations.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment, including written work and presentations.

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 Level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

A research-level laboratory project, extending over both half-sessions, and including a literature review and critical assessment of previous work in the area; experimental design, data collection and analysis using a variety of techniques, preparation of a final report summarising the year's work, and giving a presentation on the findings.

Structure

12 hours per week of work in the laboratory and the library, for 20 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: progress assessments, practical work and oral examination, project report, (100%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 Level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

Advanced laboratory work. For two separate exercises, students will work in groups to produce a work plan, allocate responsbilities for tasks to different members, and collaborate on producing a final report. Problem-solving exercises.

Structure

An average of 12 hours per week of work in the laboratory for 10 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Prof M Jaspars and Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

CM 3018, CM 3020, CM 3025, CM 3517, CM 3521, BI 20B2, BI 20M1, BI 25M1, BI 25B2

Co-requisites

Available only to students on Medicinal Chemistry degree programmes

Overview

Drug Distribution and Elimination, Drug Absorption, Drug Conjugation, Drug Metabolism, Drug Oxidation, Pharmacokinetics, Principles of Molecular & Cell Biology, Ligands, Receptors & Signalling Mechanisms, Principles of Synaptic Transmission, Antibodies as tools, Basic molecular biology tools, Genomics, Protein expression analysis, Protein properties and function, Protein purification strategies.

Structure

Approximately 4 lectures per week for 12 weeks; 1 CAL class, 2 tutorials, 3 laboratory classes.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (66%); lab reports, essay (34%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

A research-level laboratory project, extending over both half-sessions but requiring less laboratory time than CM 4028. It includes a literature review and critical assessment of previous work in the area, experimental design, data collection and analysis using a variety of techniques, preparation of a final report summarising the year's work, and giving a presentation on the findings.

Structure

An average of 8 hours per week of work in the laboratory and the library, for 20 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: progress assessments, practical work and oral examination, project report (100%).

Resit: Resit (for Honours students only): Candidates achieving a CAS mark of less than 6 will be required to submit themselves for re-assessment (continuous assessment: progress assessments, practical work and oral examination, project report (100%)).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Prof J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution.

Overview

An individual course including lectures from level 4 Chemistry courses, and/or a chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Structure

An appropriate amount of laboratory work to complement the number of lectures selected. For example 8 one-hour lectures per week and 12 hours of laboratory work for 12 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Prof J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution.

Overview

An individual course including lectures from level 4 Chemistry courses, and/or a chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Structure

An appropriate amount of laboratory work to complement the number of lectures selected. For example, 4 one-hour lectures per week and 6 hours of laboratory work for 12 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Prof J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution.

Overview

An individual course including lectures from level 4 Chemistry courses, and/or a chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Structure

An appropriate amount of laboratory work to complement the number of lectures selected. For example, 2 one-hour lectures per week and 3 hours of laboratory work for 12 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics in inorganic, physical, organic, materials and environmental chemistry.

Structure

6 one-hour lectures/tutorials per week for 8 weeks and additional tutorials by agreement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics in inorganic, physical, organic, materials and environmental chemistry.

Structure

6 one-hour lectures/tutorials per week for 8 weeks and additional tutorials by agreement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination.

Credit Points

25

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

A short research-level laboratory project, extending over 12 weeks, and including a short literature review and critical assessment of previous work in the area, experimental design, data collection and analysis using a variety of techniques, preparation of a brief report.

Structure

12 hours per week of work in the laboratory and the library, for 12 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment: practical work and report (100%).

Credit Points

5

Course Coordinator

Dr M M Law

Pre-requisites

120 credits of level 3 chemistry courses.

Notes

The Head of Department can permit students to enter with only 90 level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

A series of tutorials and workshops, reviewing material studied in the earlier years of the course.

Structure

3 one-hour seminars per week for 4 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment (100%) (50% written work, 50% oral exam).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Professor D E Macphee

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates accepted for the MChem programme.

Overview

Research-oriented library- and/or laboratory-based group and project work, lectures, report-writing, seminars.
Reports, oral presentations, examination.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examination (75%), coursework (25%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Professor D E Macphee

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates accepted for the MChem programme.

Overview

A placement in industry or in an appropriate research institute involving an agreed programme of research or project work. Students should be aware that industrial placements are at the discretion of the institution concerned and cannot be guaranteed. Students failing to obtain placements will be able to proceed to the MChem by an alternative route.

Structure

Full-time placement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Research project (practical work, written report, oral presentation)