Chemistry (Industrial) MChem (Hons)

Durham University

Chemistry is a linear, quantitative subject containing a significant volume of factual material. It is an experimental science where practical work, and development of practical skills, is important. This four-year course is delivered through a mixture of double “Core” modules and single “add-on” modules using lectures, tutorials, problem classes and laboratory practical work, culminating in a major research project in the fourth year conducted on placement at an industrial research laboratory.Lectures provide the key information on a particular area and form the main basis by which you will learn the fundamental concepts and facts of the subject. In tutorials you will acquire subject-specific knowledge, and also develop problem-solving skills embodying the concepts from lectures in a formative environment. Workshops are used in the first year as revision sessions in preparation for the end of year examinations, in later years they are used to consolidate factual knowledge and develop problem-solving skills. Problem classes are used in the first year to develop mathematical and other quantitative skills in a problem-solving environment. Laboratory classes are used to teach, develop and refine the subject-specific experimental skills of synthesis, measurement and characterisation that characterise a competent chemistry graduate, whilst applying concepts from lectures in an experimental environment.For the first three years of the course, you will be expected to spend a minimum of one subsequent hour per hour of lecture contact on private study, reading and problem-solving using textbooks and other resources. Additional private study is directed at preparing for tutorials, workshops, writing reports of laboratory work and revision for examinations. In the four compulsory chemistry modules in the first year, you will attend seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or problem classes and six hours of laboratory work each week. Additionally, a third of the year’s credits are from elective modules which involve between two and six hours of lectures and laboratories each week. Individual learning forms an important part of academic study.In the second and third years, you will typically attend 12 hours of lectures or workshops per week and 10 hours of laboratory work. The laboratory work in the course moves from a defined set of practicals in the first year towards a more open-ended course, providing choice and some element of project work in Year 3.The major element of the fourth year is an industrial placement, carrying out research with a chemical company, normally in the UK. You will apply to company industrial trainee schemes at the start of your third year, we will provide guidance and interview training. We can assist you in finding placements, but you may also arrange your own. Research is carried out under the supervision of the company, and a member of Durham staff will maintain regular contact with you. Placements are typically paid 10 or 12 month full-time employment and culminate in a project report which is assessed by Durham staff. The assessment also includes a poster and an oral presentation, and training is provided in these skills. In addition, you will study for a sixth of your final year credits in a module of distance learning academic study which is based on one of the lecture modules delivered in Durham and supported through our virtual learning environment. The independent learning skills developed at earlier levels are enhanced by this mode of study.You will be allocated an academic adviser at the start of the course, who normally delivers some first-year tutorials, provides feedback on examination performance and remains with you throughout the course. Meetings between you and your adviser are timetabled