Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 70

NATURAL SCIENCES

Chemistry
Overview

Chemistry is the central science, disciplined in its
experimental approach, highly creative in its thinking,
and life-enhancing in its impact. The contribution
of chemistry to our modern world ranges from
advanced materials in gadgets, high-tech
materials used on the International Space Station,
to life-saving drugs that are essential to modern
medicine. The wide diversity of chemistry is reflected
in the teaching and research at Keele University.
BSc single honours and MChem programmes allow
you to focus on chemistry from the beginning of
your studies. If you wish to combine chemistry with
another subject, BSc dual honours or major route
programmes are available.

Course content

First year
The first year modules cover the breadth of chemistry
from its physical concepts to important synthetic
and analytical methods. Many of the practical
experiments place chemis try in a real-world context
and are linked to the lecture material. Mathematics
support is offered through screencasts on chemistry
specific applications of mathematics to allow you to
learn at your own pace.
Chemical Concepts and Structure introduces the
fundamental concepts of elemental properties,
chemical bonding and molecular structure that
underpin chemistry.
Practical and Professional Chemistry Skills I and II
teaches the core practical skills required by all
chemists in an applied context.
Chemical Properties and Reactions explores the
chemistry of transition metals, the synthesis of
organic molecules, and the thermodynamic and
kinetic basis of chemical reactions.
Mathematical Tools and Concepts in Chemistry
investigates the mathematical concepts underpinning
key chemical principles.
Sustainable Chemistry looks at chemistry for
sustainable development and includes topics such as
fuel cells, antibiotic resistance, and green chemistry.
Second year
In the second year the Chemistry course adds
breadth and depth to your chemical knowledge,
and develops your problem-solving, analytical and
research skills. Four core modules for all Chemistry
students are complemented by two additional core
modules for our BSc single honours and MChem
students.
Organic Synthesis and Chirality is concerned with
the synthesis and reactivity of organic molecules.
Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry covers the
theory and applications of analysis in chemistry,
including the use of spectroscopic techniques
to determine structural properties of a wide range
of organic and inorganic compounds.
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Structural Inorganic Chemistry develops greater
knowledge of the synthesis and properties of
transition metal organometallic compounds and
their applications in catalysis.
Physical Inorganic Chemistry studies main group
organometallic compounds, the elements in the
f-block of the periodic table, and investigates
quantum mechanics and molecular spectroscopy.
Radicals, Phases and Supramolecular Chemistry
offers a diverse range of topics, allowing MChem
and BSc single honours students the chance to
broaden their chemical knowledge.
Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis expands on
concepts in chromatography, and elemental and
x-ray analysis.
Industrial Chemistry provides an overview of the
chemical industry, looking at large-scale chemical
processes and developments for the future.
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry introduces key
concepts in medicinal chemistry and drug design.
Third year
The third year enables you to study advanced
chemical concepts and to select from our range of
taught modules, allowing you to tailor your third year
to your interests. You will undertake an independent
research project under the supervision of a member
of academic staff allowing you to gain valuable
experience of chemistry research.
Advanced Organic Chemistry studies new classes
of organic reaction in greater depth and seeks to
explain the outcomes of reactions.
Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry and Inorganic
Reaction Mechanisms discovers the kinetic and
mechanisms underlying many chemical reactions.
Inorganic, Physical and Solid State Chemistry
develops understanding of inorganic materials,
spectroscopy and quantum chemical processes.
Materials Chemistry and Catalysis investigates
advanced materials and their properties including
their use as catalysts.
Biological Chemistry explores the chemistry of
biological molecules and the importance of their
interactions with small molecules.
Advanced Chemical Analysis offers detailed study of
a range of essential analytical techniques and applies
them to solving real-world problems in environmental
and forensic analysis.
Topics in Chemistry allows you to choose specific
topics of interest from a range of options reflecting
the interests of our staff.
Synoptic Module, for MChem students, encourages
you to combine and investigate chemical concepts to
solve complex problems.