Chemistry BSc (Hons)

The purpose of this module is to ease the transition from school to university by setting the multi-disciplinary context and expectations of degree courses and careers in engineering and science. You will be introduced to the transferable study skills that they will develop throughout your university career and beyond (i.e. those softer skills, essential to academic study, employability and good professional conduct). In particular, you will understand the need to take responsibility for your own learning.

Topics may include:

• Teamwork: Interdisciplinary nature of science/engineering. Roles and responsibilities, effective meetings, record-keeping, leadership.
• Project planning and delivery: Setting achievable goals, time/resource planning, monitoring progress, risk management, adaptability and final delivery.
• Design Process: Introduction to the key stages of research, concept, feasibility, requirements, preliminary design, detail design, production.
• Report writing: technical and laboratory reports, structure, content, grammar, the importance of accurate referencing and avoidance of plagiarism.
• Presentation skills: Effective communication via visuals and the spoken word. Managing presentation stress.
• Lab fundamentals: Use of key equipment and practices. Health & safety within the lab. Data collection, processing and error management.
• Information skills: Effective searching of a range of different information sources. Critical evaluation for appropriateness for academic use. Understand the nature of research journal publishing and the importance of primary research findings.
• Introduction to professional ethics: Philosophical models, frameworks and theories for ethical decision making. Resolving common ethical conundrums encountered in professional practice. The role/responsibility of the scientist and the engineer in society and in protecting the environment
• Career Management: Planning and enacting a successful career for life. What to do and when. Researching employers. CV and cover letter writing. Interview skills.

In this module you will be introduced to key concepts in physical and inorganic chemistry, including:

• The main theories of bonding and concepts including atomic and molecular orbitals, quantum numbers, linear combination of atomic orbitals and an introduction to atomic and molecular spectroscopy.
• Lewis diagrams, the 8 electron rule, VSEPR, MO theory, bond hybridisation, and the structure and packing of simple solids
• The Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis theories of acidity.
• An introduction to the laws of thermodynamics and how they drive reactivity, the concept of chemical equilibrium, and equilibrium electrochemistry.
• Transition metal chemistry, complex shapes and isomerism, d-orbitals and bonding, crystal field theory and Jahn-Teller distortions, and an introduction to magnetism and other bonding models (hybridisation in the d-block, the 16/18 electron rule).
• An introduction to chemical kinetics, differential rate equations, integrated rate laws, complex reactions, pseudo- and non-standard orders of reaction, mechanisms and the Arrhenius equation.

This module introduces the core principles of organic chemistry, exploring how molecular structure, bonding, and shape influence the reactivity of functional groups. You will study the chemistry of hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acid derivatives, alkyl halides, and amines and learn how these compounds undergo key reaction mechanisms such as nucleophilic substitution (SN1 and SN2), elimination (E1 and E2), and addition reactions.
The module also introduces stereochemistry, helping you understand the three-dimensional aspects of molecular structure and their significance in chemical and biological systems. You will also investigate the reactivity of enols, including aldol and Claisen condensations, to show how carbon–carbon bond formation drives synthesis.
Integrated laboratory sessions reinforce theoretical concepts and help you develop essential practical, analytical, and data interpretation skills. By the end of the module, you will have a solid foundation in organic chemistry, preparing you for more advanced topics in synthesis and molecular design.

You will be introduced to the concept of chemical analysis as a structured approach involving element identification, chemical structure determination, and spatial location. The relevance of sample preparation and application of relevant instrumental techniques in the modern analytical laboratory is emphasised, and illustrated by the varying approaches to analysis depending upon the sensitivity and detection limits required. This module will include looking at the major techniques of molecular spectroscopy, C,H,N elemental analysis and polarimetry. The content covers the underlying scientific principles, a brief introduction to the instrumentation used, and guidance on interpretation of the resulting data. Separation of complex mixtures into their constituent components is a vital pre-requisite in chemical analysis. You will be introduced to the principles of chromatography and a variety of detection methods, allowing for identification of structural elements present in the compounds analysed.

Differential equations play a pivotal role in modelling numerous mathematical, scientific and engineering problems, stretching across celestial motion dynamics, neuron interactions, cancer progression, bridge stability and financial market trends. This module serves as an introduction to the essential theory and numerical methods used in solving ordinary and partial differential equations (ODEs and PDEs) while exploring their varied applications.

In this module, we will review the essential calculus techniques, including methods of differentiation and integration, necessary to solve ODEs. We will introduce ODEs, see their applications to real-world problems and explore techniques for generating both exact and approximate solutions for ODEs. We will also give a brief introduction to PDEs and their applications.

Topics may include:

• Review of trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, limits and differentiation.
• Integration, techniques such as integration by parts, partial fractions, and multiple integration.
• Review of sequences and series, covering convergence and divergence.
• Exploration of complex numbers, covering axiomatic foundations, complex conjugates, loci, polar form, De Moivre's Theorem, and roots.
• Notation and classification of ordinary differential equations.
• Linear ODEs and their applications.
• Selective exploration of non-linear ODEs and their applications.
• Introduction to systems of ODEs.
• Numerical integration: Trapezoidal Rule and Simpson’s Rule.
• Numerical solutions for ODEs: Euler method, using computer code in, for example, MATLAB, or Python.
• Partial differentiation, functions of two variables.
• Brief introduction to PDEs and their applications.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of analytical chemistry, advanced spectroscopy, and microscopy techniques. It aims to develop your expertise in the application of instrumental techniques for chemical analysis, structural characterisation, and identification of chemical compounds. You will engage with real-world applications in fields such as materials science, pharmaceutical chemistry, and environmental analysis. The course emphasises experimental design, data interpretation, and critical evaluation of techniques, preparing you for practical and research settings.

This module will explore fundamental topics in inorganic chemistry, including main group chemistry and organometallic chemistry, building on the ideas around structure, bonding and reactivity introduced in the first year. The organometallic chemistry will focus on the structure and bonding of transition metal compounds covering the electronic structure and bonding of the complexes with different types of ligand. It will also look at sandwich compounds and the applications of the complexes in catalysis. The learning from the lectures will be supported by laboratory sessions which will involve the synthesis and characterisation of complexes showing many of the key ideas introduced.
Main group chemistry will include the bonding, chemistry and compounds of the different groups in the periodic table including alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, the boron group, the carbon group, Pnictogens, Chalcogens, Halogens and Noble gases. Each section will include information on the synthesis, properties, and applications of key compounds. Boron cluster chemistry and silicate/silicone chemistry will be included as comparisons to carbon chemistry, detailing how the differences in electronic structure relate to the compounds formed.

In this module, students will acquire further knowledge in organic chemistry and a deeper understanding of specific reaction mechanisms, focussing on the reactivity aromatic and heterocyclic compounds. Apart from the provision of a sound theoretical foundation, this module also contains practical lab sessions where students develop relevant practical skills and reinforce their knowledge of theoretical concepts by direct observation and a critical evaluation of their experimental results. 

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a range of experiential activities (e.g., volunteering, workplace engagement, research projects, field trip (where available and dependent on course), or through a combination of activities). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. 

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness. 

It is your responsibility to organise any experience undertaken outside of the university as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All activities within this module must be university-level; this means:  

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)  
• Meeting the professional expectations of the experiential activities you undertake 
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as an experiential activity provider, if the role aligns with your career development and provides you with high skilled work commensurate with level 5 study. 

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a structured, university-level work placement for 5 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. Therefore this module will enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness.

It is your responsibility to organise the placement as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 5 weeks for a minimum of 140 hours over the course of the entire work placement
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. Students of more than one language may take one language in the first half of the module and spend their time abroad developing a different language. 

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection

• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

In this module you will build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a year long industrial placement. Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. The placement structure does not follow the normal academic course and will be devised in agreement between you, your placement advisor and your University placement supervisor. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. The placement should provide you with the ability to develop graduate level skills in an area related to your degree and should allow you to put theory into practice.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting for 9-12 months.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

A placement conference will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning whsilt permitting feedback on your progress. It will also allow you to share your current knowledge and skills development helping those that are considering taking this route to make a decision. You will also analyse a range of skills and benefits derived from the placement, further developing the construction of learning logs and allowing you to report your progress via a presentation and short VLOG. For those unable to attend, for whatever reason, online via Teams will permit engagement and feedback.  In addition, the conference will provide an opportunity to acquire an overview of final year options and dissertation and/or project research.

For those students where costs or other geographical/logistical difficulties render visits, conference attendance or participation via teleconferencing prohibitive, there will be an augmented portfolio of activities to substitute the conference activities.

All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement coordinator.

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

You will undertake study at one of the University of Chester's partner universities or undertake and approved work placement or virtual placement. If you are a student,  it is expected that you will choose a series of modules at the university abroad which must be agreed by the host institution and the Module Leader. you must supply details of you modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university.

This module will focus broadly on several advanced areas relating to physical chemistry and its applications.

Advanced applications of thermodynamics:

• Expanding and extending student knowledge of the laws of thermodynamics
• Mass and energy transfer
• Chemical thermodynamics: Equations of state and phase equilibria for pure fluids, phase equilibria in fluid mixtures, reaction equilibria

Applied Electrochemistry: 

• Expanding on fundamental electrochemical concepts and processes: rates and characterisation.
• Applications of electrochemistry to sustainable energy conversion and storage concepts: Fuel cells, batteries and energy storage, flow batteries electrolysis.
• Application of electrochemistry and other chemical processes to gas/water cleaning and pollution monitoring.

Interfacial Chemistry

• Colloids: the colloidal state (definition, preparation and classification), micelles, kinetic properties of colloidal systems, and charge and stability in colloidal systems
• Interfacial phenomena, surface energy, synthetic routes and coating deposition processes 
• Polymers, their effect in solution, and on colloidal stability

Students will be introduced to solid state or materials chemistry and given a general overview of the chemistry and physical properties of the f-block elements. The materials chemistry course will introduce band theory and use it to explain the electronic properties of the materials as well as considering superconductivity and ionic conductivity. This course will also link the properties to the structures studied at level 5. Central to this material will be the technological applications of these materials including batteries and fuel cells. The course will also cover topics including magnetism and framework materials and their applications. The f-block lectures will look at the properties of and trends in the lanthanoid and actinoid elements and their compounds. It will also explore their applications in areas including medicine and the nuclear industry.

This module aims to equip you with foundational and advanced knowledge in the principles and processes of drug discovery and design. Emphasising a chemical perspective, you will explore key concepts in lead discovery and modification, target identification, drug synthesis, pharmacokinetics, and computational modeling. The module prepares you to critically analyse drug design strategies and to utilize computational tools in rational drug development.

This module introduces into qualitative and quantitative aspects of sustainable chemistry and demonstrates how these apply in chemical synthesis. It further explores the principles and mechanistic aspects of catalysis and introduces into relevant industrial applications. 

Students will undertake a piece of research related to their degree course. They are free to choose any area of study that is related to their degree programme, provided that the department is able to supervise and resource the project.  As such, the specific content of each project will vary, but in general an honours level project will be designed to facilitate testing of a hypothesis by experimental, observational, computational or theoretical means and will include such activities as planning, project management, information retrieval, synthesis, the generation and evaluation of data, reporting and presentation of the results and conclusions  Students are expected to conduct their work in a simulated professional environment and so industry based projects are encouraged. Academic staff will also suggest possible areas of study.