Chemistry BSc (Hons)

This module provides students with foundational knowledge in organic chemistry, emphasising the relationships between molecular structure, shape, and reactivity of functional groups. Students will explore basic reaction mechanisms, which are crucial for understanding chemical behaviour and transformations. Practical lab sessions are integrated into the module to reinforce theoretical concepts, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop essential laboratory skills in organic chemistry

This module introduces key concepts in physical and inorganic chemistry. This includes:

• 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 provides students with foundational knowledge in organic chemistry, emphasising the relationships between molecular structure, shape, and reactivity of functional groups. Students will explore basic reaction mechanisms, which are crucial for understanding chemical behavior and transformations. Practical lab sessions are integrated into the module to reinforce theoretical concepts, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop essential laboratory skills in organic chemistry.

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 students' expertise in the application of instrumental techniques for chemical analysis, structural characterisation, and identification of chemical compounds. Students 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 students 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.

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional
2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
3. One of the following Language options

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

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. 

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

• 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.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

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 

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

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. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

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. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

• University Placement Year Optional
• Subject Placement Year Optional
• International University Placement Year Optional

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. Both of these topics have great significance in modern technology so applications of the theory and materials covered in this module in areas including electronics and medicine will also be explored.

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