Chemistry - MChem (Hons)

Durham University

A integrated Master’s degree, ideal for those planning to move into research either through further studies or within industry.,The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK and within the Top 100 across the world.When you choose to study for a MChem degree you will join a dynamic and focused learning community that is home to multiple research institutes, a range of first-class facilities and experts with close links to industry. Current developments in both research and industry are used to bring theoretical learning to life. Chemistry degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. The MChem contains the same core curriculum in Years 1 and 2 as our other chemistry degrees and you can switch to one of the other degrees up to the end of the second year. You will learn how chemistry is the central science with learning interfaces with biosciences, earth sciences, engineering, physics and astronomy. You will be exposed to cutting-edge analytical techniques and learn how they can be used to assist research and tackle global issues. Graduates are ready to either move straight into employment in a wide range of industries or advance into further studies and scientific research.You will build strong foundations in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and learn practical skills in our modern teaching laboratories. In your third year, you will continue to learn the core aspects of modern chemistry, and start to focus on the concepts and skills required in research. Your final year is built around a research project embedded within a research group.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Core Chemistry 1 provides the foundation for your future studies and covers organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.Practical Chemistry 1A and Practical Chemistry 1B are two modules of laboratory work. These will allow you to learn and practise the skills required to accurately and safely use chemical reactions to create target substances and concludes with project work.Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC) builds on your pre-university mathematical skills and ensures that you understand the vocabulary of physics and biology that interfaces with chemistry.Introduction to Materials Chemistry introduces the fundamentals of solid state and materials chemistry.Optional modules:Finally, you will choose some optional modules allowing you to tailor your learning in subjects such as mathematics, biology, languages or the chemistry module Molecules in Action.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Core Chemistry 2 builds your knowledge of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry into more specialised concepts.Chemistry of the Elements focuses the principles of bonding as well as the unique chemistry of the transition metals.Structure and Reactivity of Organic Chemistry explores how the structure of molecules affects reactions.Properties of Molecules advances your understanding of physical chemistry in the areas of magnetic resonance, surface chemistry and electrochemistry.Practical Chemistry becomes more intensive and advanced in Year 2.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Biological Chemistry or Computational Chemistry Once again, you can personalise your studies with one optional moduleYear 3 modulesCore modules:Core Chemistry 3 takes your knowledge up to degree standard.Chemistry Literature Perspective You will also produce a research-led Chemistry Literature Perspective which will demonstrate your attained skills of literature review, data collection and critical analysis as well as literacy and presentation skills.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Inorganic Concepts and ApplicationsAdvanced Organic ChemistryMolecules and their InteractionsMaterials ChemistryAdvanced Computational ChemistryComputational ChemistryAdvanced Biological Ch