Chemistry with a European Language (BSc F1R9/ MSci F1RX)
Students undertake study of an European language with the intention of spending year four of the MSci degree abroad doing a research project.
Students take a total of four courses units per year with many courses being half units. For each year of study a student undertakes a number of core (compulsory) units, together with a number of optional chemistry courses and further options al courses from outside the department.
Details for each year are given below. The BSc and MSci differ in the
third year and there is a description of the third year given as a
separate item. The main differences are that BSc students do less
practical work and the Literature Project is optional.But most importantly, you do not have the option of study abroad with the BSc.
Note that optional units are subject to changes as new areas of chemistry are introduced intro the curriculum or are developed by new staff.
Year 1
Introduction to Chemical Principles (CHEM1004, 1 unit, core)
The aims of CHEM1004 are to lay the foundations in the 3 main branches of chemistry for all of the subsequent courses in the Department. The course material is linked to, but extends considerably, A-level chemistry and related courses.
A laboratory course is included to reinforce key skills.
Topics will include:
- Atomic structure and bonding
- Atomic spectroscopy
- Fundamentals of Organic Mechanisms and Stereochemistry
- Interfaces between the sciences.
Basic Physical Chemistry (CHEM1301, 0.5 unit , core)
The aim of this course is to introduce students to gases through the kinetic theory of gases, and to the description and interpretation of chemical systems using quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Topics:
- Kinetic theory of gases.
- Quantum mechanics
- Statistical thermodynamics and thermodynamics
Basic Organic Chemistry (CHEM1201, 0.5 unit, core)
To provide a general understanding of organic chemistry and a knowledge of basic organic reactions. To study the structure, conformation and stereochemistry of organic compounds, their reactions and mechanisms, and thereby to gain an understanding of both the fundamental principles of organic chemistry and a knowledge of the most important functional groups.
Topics:
- Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
- Alkyl Halides
- Alkenes
- Alkynes
- Functional Group Chemistry
- Alcohols
- Ethers and Epoxides
- Aldehydes and Ketones
- Review of the Synthesis of Simple Organic Compounds
- Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives
Basic Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM1101, 0.5 unit, core)
The aim of this course is to introduce students key aspects of inorganic chemistry, including
solid state structures, the chemistry of phosphorus and hydrogen and
transition metal chemistry. The laboratory course provides training and
experience in practical aspects of inorganic chemistry, including
synthesis, qualitative, IR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction.
Topics:
- Transition Metals
- Main Groups Chemistry
- Solid State Chemistry
- Hydrogen
European Language (two 0.5 units)
Depending on your previous experience, two half units in the same language are undertaken with the Language Centre.
The languages currently on offer are French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Maths (0.5 unit, core)
A maths course appropriate to your level of qualification - GCSE/AS/A-level. See the F101 course description for further details.
Year 2
Principles of Physical Chemistry (1 unit, core)
The aims of this course are to develop further quantum mechanics and thermodynamics and to extend the material of CHEM1301 to spectroscopy, kinetics, and electrochemistry.
A laboratory course support the lecture material developing advanced analysis methods.
Topics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetics, photochemistry and atmospheric chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Solutions and Electrolyte solutions
Principles of Organic Chemistry (1 unit, core)
The course provides an essential understanding of organic chemistry.
Topics:
- structure elucidation by spectroscopic means;
- electronic structure and reactivity of carbonyl compounds;
- synthesis and reactivity of simple molecules;
- basic retrosynthetic analysis;
- the use of phosphorous, sulfur, boron and silicon reagents in organic synthesis;
- essential chemistry of heteroaromatic compounds.
Principles of Inorganic Chemistry (1 unit, core)
To expand upon the concepts and supporting factual material introduced in first year inorganic chemistry (courses CHEM1004 and CHEM1101) and to explore the varied aspects of main group and transition metal chemistry.
Topics:
- Principles and Applications of Group Theory
- Pre- and post-transition metal chemistry
- Structure, electronics and bonding in the d-block transition metals
- Chemistry of the p-block elements
European Language (two 0.5 units)
Depending on your previous experience, two half units in the same language are undertaken with the Language Centre.
The languages currently on offer are French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Year 3
Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry (0.5 unit, core)
The course will show:
- how the measurement of molecular quantities via spectroscopy can provide the necessary data for the calculation of macroscopic quantities via statistical mechanics
- how statistical mechanics can be used to determine important quantities such as equilibrium constants the importance of stability in thermodynamics
- how a detailed description of the structure and reactivity of surfaces can be developed.
Topics:
- Spectroscopy and Kinetics
- Advanced thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
- Principles of Surface Science
- Electron transfer in solutions and at electrodes
Principles and Methods of Organic Synthesis (0.5 unit, core)
The aim of this course is to provide a thorough knowledge and understanding of reactions which are the basis of organic synthesis. Emphasis will be placed not only on the mechanistic and stereoelectronic features of such reactions but also on the way in which they are utilised in target synthesis.
Topics:
- Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry
- Stereoelectronic Control and Natural Product Synthesis
- Stereoelectronic Control and Natural Product Synthesis
Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (0.5 unit, core)
Aims
To introduce and discuss four important and diverse areas of inorganic chemistry. To lay the theoretical and practical foundations for advanced courses in some of these areas taken later. To encourage students to investigate these topics by reading beyond the lecture material.
Topics:
- Lanthanides and Actinides
- Advanced Inorganic Materials Chemistry Processes and Applications
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Chemistry of Complex Solids
An Introduction to Research Methods (0.5/1.0 unit, core)
Advanced practical skills are developed through a series of experimental modules.
MSci students (1 unit) do 3 laboratory or computing modules and a further module which
involves group work and an oral presentation on a special topic.
BSc students (0.5 unit) do 2 laboratory or computing modules
and a further module which involves group work and an oral presentation on a
special topic.
Modules include:
| Quantitative separation techniques in organic chemistry |
| Multistep synthesis |
| Advanced techniques in organic synthesis |
| Biological chemistry |
| Molecular inorganic chemistry |
| Spectroscopy |
| Synthesis and properties of solid state materials |
| Fluids and fluid mixtures |
| Computational methods in molecular chemistry |
| Electrode dynamics |
| Medicinal chemistry |
| Modern powder diffraction methods |
| Computer simulation of hybrid organic-inorganic compounds |
| Computational physical chemistry |
Literature Project (0.5 unit, core/option)
Core for MSci Students, option for BSc students
Aims
The student will write a review of a current research area in chemistry of up to 10,000 words or 40 pages, containing at least 50 substantive references to primary scientific literature.
Objectives
The student will learn to find all the latest research literature on a topic, using various bibliographic techniques. The student will develop a firm understanding of a specific topic, and critically evaluate research progress in the area. The student will learn to write a coherent and full review, that is scientifically correct and communicates their understanding.
European Language (two 0.5 units)
Depending on your previous experience, two half units in the same language are undertaken with the Language Centre.
The languages currently on offer are French, German, Italian and Spanish.
The BSc third year can be viewed here.
Year 4
Exchange Advanced Research Project (CHEMM904)
The fourth year is an independent research
project in one of our partner universities to which UCL Chemistry has
links through the Socrates Scheme sponsored by the European Union.
Assessment will be performed at UCL together with students taking CHEMM901.
Currently UCL Chemistry entertains links with
