Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc/MChem (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Analysis
Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry

Academic Year: 2016/17

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Chemistry
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

The B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Chem. (Hons) degrees satisfy the academic requirements for admission to AMRSC of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The M.Chem. degrees also satisfy the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist status (CChem).

 

Final award See Programme Structure
Programme title Chemistry with Forensic Analysis
Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry
Programme code CMUB02 Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry BSc - CWAC
CMUM12 Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry MChem - CWAC
CMUB17 Chemistry with Forensic Analysis BSc - CWFA
CMUM18 Chemistry with Forensic Analysis MChem - CWFA
Length of programme
UCAS code See Programme Structure
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/compsci/undergraduate/courses/

Date at which the programme specification was published Wed, 13 Apr 2016 16:54:22 BST

1. Programme Aims

Aims

CWAC

CWFA

To inspire students to have interest and enthusiasm for chemistry, an appreciation of its application in different contexts and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying.

X

X

To provide students with a broad and balanced foundation of chemical knowledge and practical skills.

X

X

To develop the ability of students to apply their chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical chemical problems.

X

X

To provide students with selected specialised areas of study so that they can experience the frontiers of chemical development and research.

X

X

To provide training, through a range of educational activities in chemistry, to develop a range of transferable skills applicable in both chemical and non-chemical employment.

X

X

To provide students with a knowledge and skills base from which they can proceed to further studies in specialised areas of chemistry or multi-disciplinary areas involving chemistry.

X

X

To instil in students an appreciation of the importance of chemistry in an industrial, economic, environmental and social context.

X

X

To allow students do develop particular aspects of chemical science by allowing them to choose one of two degree paths.

X

X

To provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required for careers in analytical chemistry and related subject areas.

X

 

To provide students with specialised areas of study in analytical chemistry, so that they can experience the frontiers of chemical development and research.

X

 

To introduce students to the range of analytical methods and approaches employed in forensic science.

 

X

To provide students with specialised areas of studying analytical chemistry and forensic science so that they can experience forensic analysis applications and the frontiers of chemical development and research.

 

X

(MChem only) To provide students with a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of chemical research.

X

X

(MChem only) To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship.

X

X

(MChem only) To develop the ability of students to show originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the chemical discipline.

X

X

(MChem only) To equip students with a depth and breadth of knowledge and transferable skills beyond that required for a B.Sc. degree and which will enable them to become more quickly established in a research career.

X

X

(MChem only)To enable students to reach the standard of chemical knowledge and understanding which is accredited for the award of Chartered Chemist status of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

X

X

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • The Benchmark Statement for Chemistry.
  • The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
  • University Learning and Teaching Strategy.
  • Departmental teaching and learning policies.
  • The research interests and specialisms of the teaching staff and their professional involvement in the discipline.
  • Recognition and Accreditation documentation from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to describe:

CWAC

CWFA

K1

The major aspects of chemical terminology, nomenclature, conventions and units.

X

X

K2

The major types of chemical reaction and the main characteristics associated with them.

X

X

K3

The principles and procedures used in chemical analysis and the characterisation of chemical compounds.

X

X

K4

The characteristics of the different states of matter and the theories used to describe them.

X

X

K5

The principles of quantum mechanics and aspects of theoretical chemistry and their application to the description of the structure and properties of atoms and molecules.

X

X

K6

The principles of thermodynamics and their application to chemistry.

X

X

K7

The principles of chemical reaction kinetics, including catalysis and the mechanistic interpretation of organic and inorganic chemical reactions.

X

X

K8

The principal techniques of structural investigations, including theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopy, and their application to the determination of inorganic and organic structure and the understanding of molecular structure and behaviour.

X

X

K9

The systemic chemistry of the elements and their compounds, including group relationships and trends within the Periodic Table.

X

X

K10

The properties of aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic and organometallic compounds.

X

X

K11

The nature, nomenclature and behaviour of functional groups in organic molecules.

X

X

K12

The structural features of chemical elements and their compounds including stereochemistry.

X

X

K13

Major synthetic pathways in organic chemistry, involving functional group interconversions and carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation.

X

X

K14

The relation between bulk properties and the properties of individual atoms and molecules, including macromolecules and polymers.

X

X

K15

The properties, nature, behaviour and handling of radioactive compounds and their handling.

X

X

K16

Awareness of the major issues currently at the frontiers of chemical research and development.

X

X

K17

The safety aspects associated with dealing with compounds with different physical and chemical properties, hazards and risks.

X

X

K18

The principles, techniques and methods used in analytical chemistry and the analytical process.

X

X

K19

The methods and approaches used by an analytical chemist working in forensic science.

 

X

Additional knowledge and understanding for MChem students:

K20

The ability to carry out an independent research project and prepare and present a detailed report on the work, supported by a study of the primary literature.

X

X

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

CWAC

CWFA

C1

Provide evidence of knowledge and comprehension of essential facts, key concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject areas.

X

X

C2

Identify and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution

X

X

C3

Solve quantitative and qualitative problems and evaluate and interpret chemical data

X

X

C4

Evaluate results from practical experimentation and present findings and reasoning in a scientific manner.

X

X

C5

Critically evaluate, create and justify, and present scientific material and arguments in a coherent and organised way appropriately adapted to the audience

X

X

C6

Use IT to produce reports, collect analysis and process data, retrieve and collate information and articulate the outputs

X

X

Additional skills for MChem students:

C7

Select appropriate research strategies to solve one or more complex problems, or problems with incomplete data.

X

X

C8

Continue to advance knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills.

X

X

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

CWAC

CWFA

P1

Handle chemical materials safely by taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use.

X

X

P2

Conduct standard laboratory procedures for the synthesis and analysis of organic and inorganic systems.

X

X

P3

Monitor record and document in a reliable manner, chemical properties, events and changes by observation and measurement.

X

X

P4

Plan, design and execute practical investigations, including the selection of appropriate techniques and procedures, from the problem recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings.

X

X

P5

Operate standard chemical instrumentation for separation and spectroscopic structural investigation and interpret spectral and analytical results from a wider range of techniques.

X

X

P6

Interpret data from laboratory investigations (observation, measurement) in terms of their significance and underlying theory.

X

X

P7

Conduct hazard-risk assessments concerning both chemical substance use and laboratory procedures.

X

X

Additional skills for MChem students:

P8

Apply appropriate research techniques to develop new technologies and/or new insights to investigate and solve real problems.

X

X

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

CWAC

CWFA

T1

Communicate, negotiate, and co-operate with peers, academic and technical staff both orally and in writing.

X

X

T2

Apply problem-solving skills relating to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have been made on the basis of limited information.

X

X

T3

Apply numeracy and computational skills including error analysis, order of magnitude estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation.

X

X

T4

Plan and execute all work in accordance with good Health and Safety practice.

X

X

T5

Select and apply appropriate technology from a range of IT sources to evaluate and present results and ideas to a professional standard.

X

X

T6

Work effectively to resolve difficulties and conflicts when working has part of a team.

X

X

T7

Manage time and effort in the organisation of work and studies

X

X

T8

Demonstrate study skills for continuing professional development.

X

X

Additional skills for MChem students:

T9

Exercise initiative and demonstrate personal responsibility including decision-making in complex situations.

X

X

T10

Develop independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

X

X

4. Programme structure

Final Award:

BSc – all programmes.

MChem – all programmes.

DPS (Diploma in Professional Studies) – additional award available on all programmes if a professional training in industry year is taken.

DIntS (Diploma in International Studies) – additional award available on all programmes if a study abroad year with a partner University is taken.

DIS (Diploma in Industrial Studies) – additional award available on all programmes if a placement year is taken.

 

UCAS Codes:

Course

BSc

BSc with

DPS/DIntS/DIS

MChem

MChem with DPS/DIntS/DIS

Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry

F180

F181

F182

F183

Chemistry with Forensic Analysis

F184

F185

F186

F187

 

Programme structure

4.1 Part A

In this table X indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module.

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CWAC

CWFA

CMA002

Structure and Reactivity in Inorganic Chemistry

20

1&2

X

X

CMA003

Spectroscopy and the Structure of the Universe

10

1

X

X

CMA005

Stoichiometry & Analytical Measurements

10

1

X

X

CMA006

Structure & Reactivity in Organic Chemistry

20

1&2

X

X

CMA007

Concepts in Main Group Chemistry

10

2

X

X

CMA008

Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

20

1&2

X

X

CMA009

Molecular Basis of Life

10

2

X

X

CMA011

Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

10

2

X

X

MAA109

Mathematics for Chemistry

10

1

X

X

 

4.2 Part B

In this table X indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module.

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CWAC

CWFA

CMB001

Synthesis of Organic Molecules

20

1&2

X

X

CMB002

Structure of Organic Molecules

10

1

X

X

CMB004

d-Block Chemistry

10

1

X

X

CMB005

Inorganic Structure Determination

10

2

X

X

CMB006

p-Block Ligands, Cages and Clusters

10

2

X

X

CMB007

Advanced Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics

10

1

X

X

CMB008

Radiochemistry

10

1

X

X

CMB009

Solutions, Surfaces and Interfaces

10

2

X

X

CMB010

Atomic Spectrometric Analysis

10

2

X

X

CMB015

Analytical Separation Methods

10

1

X

X

CMB020

Introduction to Forensic Science

10

2

X

X

 

4.3 Part I

Candidates may undertake a programme of industrial training leading to the award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies, a programme of professional training leading to the Diploma of Professional Studies, or an approved period of study abroad leading to a Diploma in International Studies, which normally occurs between Part B and Part C.

 

4.4 Part C

In the tables below X indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module. 

Code

Title

Credit Weight

Semester

CWAC
BSc

CWAC
MChem 

CWFA
BSc

 CWFA
MChem

CMC001

Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry

10

1

X

 X

X

 X

CMC002

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

10

1

X

 X

X

 X

CMC003

Physical Chemistry Advanced

10

1

X

 X

X

 X

CMC004

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

10

1

X

 X

X

 X

CMC007

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism

10

2

 

 

o

 o

CMC010

Environmental Chemistry

10

2

X

 X

o

 o

CMC026

 Investigative Projects

30

2

X

 X

X

 X

CMC109

Drugs: Synthesis, Modes of Action and Screening

20

2

o

 o

o

 o

CMD111

Inorganic Chemistry Option A*

20

2

o

 o

o

 o

CMD112

Inorganic Chemistry Option B*

20

2

o

  o 

o

 o

CMD117

Physical Chemistry

10

1

 

 

 

 

CMD118

Radiochemistry

10

1

 

 

 

 

CMD213

Biological Organic Chemistry*

20

1

 

 

 

 

CMD214

Synthesis in Drug Discovery*

20

1

 

 

 

 

CMD302

Advanced Analytical Chemistry Option**

20

1

X

 

 

 

PSC505

Forensic DNA Analysis**

20

      1

 

 

X

 X

*Note: Not all of these Part D options will be available in each academic year

** See programme-specific option restrictions below.
Candidates should note that both CMD117 and CMD118 must be taken together.

4.4.1 Programme Specific Option Restrictions

In order to create a balanced programme of study over the academic year with 60 credits per semester students should on the:

Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry Programme: Choose ONE option module:
Semester 2: one from either CMD111/CMD112 or CMC109. 

Chemistry with Forensic Analysis Programme: Choose ONE option module:
Semester 2: one from either CMD111/CMD112 or CMC109.

 4.5 Part D

In the tables below X indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module. Modules for which credit was obtained in Part C may not be retaken in Part D.

Code

Title

Credit Weight

Semester

CWAC

CWFA

CMD001

Research Project

60

1&2

X

X

CMC109

Drugs: Synthesis, Modes of Action and Screening

20

2

o

o

CMD111

Inorganic Chemistry Option A*

20

2

o

o

CMD112

Inorganic Chemistry Option B*

20

2

o

o

CMD117

Physical Chemistry

10

1

o

o

CMD118

Radiochemistry

10

1

o

o

CMD213

Biological Organic Chemistry*

20

1

o

o

CMD214

Synthesis in Drug Discovery*

20

1

o

o

CMD302

Advanced Analytical Chemistry Option**

20

1

o

X

PSC505

Forensic DNA Analysis**

20

1

o

 

Note: Not all of these Part D options will be available in each academic year

** See programme-specific option restrictions below. 
Candidates should note that both CMD117 and CMD118 must be taken together 

4.5.1 Programme Specific Option Restrictions

In order to create a balanced programme of study over the academic year with 60 credits per semester students should on the:

Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry Programme: Choose TWO option modules:
Semester 1: one from either CMD213/CMD214, PSC505 or both CMD117 and CMD118
Semester 2: one from either CMD111/CMD112 or CMC109

Chemistry with Forensic Analysis Programme: Choose TWO option modules:
Semester 1: one from either CMD213/CMD214 or both CMD117 and CMD118. 
Semester 2: one from either CMD111/CMD112 or CMC109

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

Candidates must achieve the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX http://www.lboro.ac.uk/governance/regulations/20/current/ in order to progress through the programme and qualify for the award of the degree. In addition, in order to gain credit for a Chemistry module which contains a coursework/laboratory component, candidates must obtain at least 40% in the coursework/laboratory component of that module.

M.Chem candidates must, in addition, satisfy the following criteria:

(i) In order to progress from Part B to Part C, M.Chem candidates must achieve an overall average mark of at least 50% across all modules taken in Part B (i.e. over all 120 credits).

(ii) M.Chem. students in Parts Band C must achieve 100 credits at 40% to be re-assessed on the M.Chem. programme, otherwise they will be transferred to the B.Sc. programme and may undergo reassessment according to B.Sc. regulations.

(iii) In order to progress from Part C to Part D, M.Chem candidates must achieve an overall average mark of at least 50% across all modules taken in Part C (i.e. over all 120).

(iv) Students failing to progress on the M.Chem. programme after re-assessment will be transferred to the B.Sc. programme.

(v) M.Chem. resit marks obtained for progression will be capped at 50% according to Regulation XX.

(vi) If candidates transfer from M.Chem. to B.Sc. for any reason, resit marks will be capped at the B.Sc. level unless the original mark was higher than 40%, when it will be reset to the original mark.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

(i)  B.Sc. candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The scores for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final score.

(ii) M.Chem. candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B, C and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The scores for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20: Part C 40: and Part D 40 to determine the final score.

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