Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

Chemical Sciences

Academic Year: 2017/18

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; Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Programme code CMUB01 Chemistry BSc- Chem
CMUM11 Chemistry MChem- Chem
CMUB06 Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc- MPC
CMUM16 Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry MChem -MPC
Length of programme
UCAS code Chemistry
BSc F100
BSc with DPS/DIntS/DIS F101
MChem F102
MChem with DPS/DIntS/DIS F103

Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
BSc F151
BSc with DPS/DIntS/DIS F127
MChem F128
MChem with DPS/DIntS/DIS F129
Admissions criteria

 

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

 

Date at which the programme specification was published Tue, 04 Jul 2017 15:27:14 BST

1. Programme Aims

Aims

Chem

MPC

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

 

x

x

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

 

 

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

3.1       Knowledge and understanding

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

Chem

MPC

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 systematic 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 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 and methods used in analytical chemistry and the analytical method.

 

X

X

K19

Aspects of the composition, structure and function of microorganisms and human physiology

 

 

X

K20

Current and potential targets of drug action in microorganisms and humans

 

 

X

K21

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs and other xenobiotics e.g. toxins. The kinetics of these processes and the application of this information to drug development, drug therapy and toxicology.

 

 

X

K22

Methods for assessing the interactions between chemicals and biological systems.

 

 

X

K23

The safety aspects associated with dealing with materials having different biological properties, hazards and risks.

 

 

X

 

Additional knowledge and understanding for MChem students:

 

 

K24

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:

3.2       Skills and other attributes:

  1. Subject-specific cognitive skills

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

Chem

MPC

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. Interpret and collate chemical information and data

 

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:
  1. Subject-specific practical skills 

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

Chem

MPC

P1

Handle chemical materials safely by taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use (as assessed via COSHH protocols) and any risks from laboratory procedures.

 

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

 

Apply computational modelling software to understand key chemical ideas

 

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:
  1. Generic skills

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

Chem

MPC

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 as part of a team.

X

X

T7

Manage time and effort in the organisation of work and studies.

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

Additional skills for MChem students:

 

 

T8

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

 

X

X

T9

Develop independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

 

X

X

4. Programme structure

 4.1 Part A

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

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

Chem

MPC

CMA102

Fundamental Chemistry

30

1

X

X

CMA103

Laboratory Skills 1

30

1&2

X

X

CMA104

Spectroscopy & Analysis 1

20

2

X

X

CMA105

Energetics & Equilibria 1

20

2

X

X

CMA106

Structure & Reactivity 1

20

2

X

X

4.2 Part B

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

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

Chem

MPC

CMB102

Laboratory Skills 2 (Chemistry)

30

1&2

X

 

CMB103

Laboratory Skills 2 (MPC)

30

1&2

 

X

CMB104

Spectroscopy & Analysis 2

20

1

X

X

CMB105

Energetics & Equilibria 2

20

2

X

X

CMB106

Structure & Reactivity 2

20

1

X

X

CMB107

Chemistry option

30

2

X

 

CMB108

Principles of Biological Chemistry MPC option

30

2

 

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

Chem

MPC

CMC001

Modern Aspects of Organic Chemistry

10

1

X

X

CMC002

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

10

1

X

X

CMC003

Physical Chemistry Advanced

10

1

X

X

CMC004

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

10

1

X

X

CMC007

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism

10

2

 

X

CMC010

Environmental Chemistry

10

2

X

 

CMC026

Investigative Projects

30

2

X

X

CMD111

Inorganic Chemistry Option A*

20

2

o

 

CMD112

Inorganic Chemistry Option B*

20

2

o

 

CMD117

Physical Chemistry*

20

1

o

 

CMD119

New Techniques and Technologies in Chemistry*

20

1

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

 

CMD303

Analytical Science Research Methodologies *

20

1

o

 

CMD401

Drugs: Modes of Action and Screening*

20

2

o

o

CMD402

Drugs: Synthesis and Properties*

20

2

o

o

*Note: Not all of these Part D options will be available in each academic year please see Programme Specific Option Restrictions

 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 choose modules according to the following pattern based on yearly availability and programme requirements:

 

Option A (S1)

Option B (S1)

Option C (S2)

Odd years

CMD213

CMD119

CMD111

 

 

CMD302

CMD402

 

 

 

 

Even years

CMD214

CMD117

CMD112

 

 

CMD303

CMD401

Chemistry Programme: Choose ONE option from Option A/B in Semester 1 and ONE option from Option C in Semester 2

Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Programme: Students must take either CMD213 or CMD214 according to the odd or even year restrictions in Semester 1.  In Semester 2, either CMD401 or CMD402 must be taken.

 

4.5 Part D

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

Code

Title

Credit Weight

Semester

Chem

MPC

CMD001

Research Project

60

1 & 2

x

x

CMD111

Inorganic Chemistry Option A*

20

2

o

 

CMD112

Inorganic Chemistry Option B*

20

2

o

        

CMD117

 Physical Chemistry*

20

1

o

o

CMD119

New Techniques and Technologies in Chemistry*

20

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

o

CMD303

Analytical Science Research Methodologies*

20

1

o

o

CMD401

Drugs: Modes of Action and Screening*

20

2

o

o

CMD402

Drugs: Synthesis and Properties*

20

2

o

o

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

 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 choose modules according to the following pattern based on yearly availability and programme requirements: 

 

Option A (S1)

Option B (S1)

Option C (S2)

Odd years

CMD213

CMD119

CMD111

 

 

CMD302

CMD402

 

 

 

 

Even years

CMD214

CMD117

CMD112

 

 

CMD303

CMD401

 

Chemistry Programme:  One option from each group in Option A, B and C must be in taken in Part D.  An MChem in Chemistry indicates a broad knowledge base across the chemistry sub-disciplines of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Students must therefore take ONE option from EACH of the following pairs over Parts C and D of their MChem programme:  CMD213/214, CMD117/119 and CMD111/112.  

Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry programme: An MChem in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry indicates a focus on organic, inorganic and medicinal/pharmaceutical chemistry and students must therefore take CMD213, CMD214, CMD401 and CMD402 across Parts C and D of their programme. Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry MChem students must also take a CMD001 project in the medicinal/pharmaceutical chemistry area. in addition, they need to choose one option from Option B in Semester 1. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

Candidates must accumulate 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.

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

  1. 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).
  2. M.Chem. students in Parts B and C must accumulate 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.
  3. 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 credits).
  4. Students failing to progress on the M.Chem. programme after re-assessment will be transferred to the B.Sc. programme.
  5. M.Chem. resit marks obtained for progression will be capped at 50% according to Regulation XX.
  6. 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

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 http://www.lboro.ac.uk/governance/regulations/20/current/. 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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