CHEMISTRY

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M R Masson

Pre-requisites

SQA H in Chemistry at B or better; or SQA H in Physics at B together with Chemistry at C; or GCE A-level in Chemistry; or equivalent.

Notes

Students who intend to continue with Chemistry beyond level 1 and who do not have a mathematics pass at Higher or A-level are recommended to take the Introductory Mathematics courses MA 1004 and MA 1504.

Overview

This course is intended to provide a grounding in the foundations of chemical science, including the mole concept, quantitative chemical calculations, atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical bonding. The section on organic chemistry places particular emphasis on structural and stereochemical aspects and simple functional groups, and the section on physical chemistry includes study of aqueous solutions, solubility, acids and bases, elementary concepts of pH, heats of reaction and the energetics of chemical processes.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour Web-CT session, 1 two and a half-hour lab class per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (50%), continuous assessment and lab work (50%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M R Masson

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Appropriate maths courses are recommended (but not compulsory).

Notes

This course is not open to students with a Higher in Chemistry at B or above, or GCE A-level at N or above, or the equivalent.

Overview

The course is intended to introduce students to the core aspects of chemistry, including formulae and equations, chemical calculations and the mole, atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical bonding. The section on organic chemistry will concentrate on the idea of families of compounds, the simple functional groups, and on the shapes of molecules. In physical chemistry, aqeuous solutions, solubility, acids and bases, elementary concepts of pH, and energy in chemistry will be covered.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour exercise class, 1 one-hour Web-CT session, 1 two and a half-hour lab class.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (50%), continuous assessment and lab work (50%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr M R Masson

Pre-requisites

Attendance at CM 1010 or CM 1011, or permission of the Course Co-ordinator.

Overview

This course builds on the foundation of Chemistry CM 1010 or CM 1011, and introduces students to aspects of chemistry that are of particular relevance in the world outside the chemical laboratory. The topics covered include the properties and reactions of important common elements, redox processes, organic reactions and biological organic molecules, pH and buffers, colligative properties, osmotic pressure, spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry, and the properties of gases.

Structure

4 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour Web-CT session, 1 two and a half-hour lab class per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (50%), continuous assessment and lab work (50%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Storey

Pre-requisites

CM 1010 or CM 1011, CM 1506.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the bonding and structure of inorganic compounds of elements from the s-, p- and d-blocks. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationships between structure, properties and reactivity and will include a discussion of catalysts. Reference will be made to the economic importance of these compounds and their environmental impact.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 18-23) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Storey

Pre-requisites

CM 1010 or CM 1011, CM 1506.

Overview

An introduction to the roles of energy and mechanism in chemical and biological processes. Topics covered include the spontaneity of reactions, free energy and equilibrium properties, properties of mixtures and pure substances; the predictions of reaction pathways; devising reaction mechanisms; enzymes, and activation energies; how ions behave in solution; batteries and electrochemical sensing.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 12-17) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Storey

Pre-requisites

CM 1010 or CM 1011, CM 1506 or EV 1505 or SS 2001.

Overview

An introduction to the types of chemical reactions useful in analytical chemistry - acid-base, complex formulation, precipitation, redox and separation by transfer between phases - which are also fundamental to processes occurring in the environment. These topics will be complemented by an introduction to both theory and practical experience of instrumental methods of analysis, with particular reference to environmental monitoring.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 36-44) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Storey

Pre-requisites

CM 1010 or CM 1011, CM 1506

Overview

Shape, conformation, stereochemistry and structure determination in organic and biologically relevant compounds. Reactions and reactivity of both aliphatic and aromatic compounds will be considered with particular reference to spatial and electronic effects.

Structure

2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial in alternate weeks and 2 three-hour laboratories (Weeks 30-35) per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2512

Co-requisites

CM 3019

Overview

Problem solving activities and an in-depth literature-based study of a topic in chemistry. The course also includes an introduction to subject specific computing and IT skills including the use of molecular modelling packages.

Structure

12 week course – 1 two-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks and 1 two-hour computing class for 6 weeks (weeks 18-23).

Assessment

1st Attempt: Assessment of written reports and presentations. Resit: Same.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2007

Notes

This course cannot be taken with PX 3012.

Overview

This course deals with the Crystalline State and will provide theoretical and practical coverage of crystal structures and methods for their characterisation. The course also introduces the concept of phase diagrams, specifically the construction and interpretation of diagrams for simple systems.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 12-17).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 ninety-minute written examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

PX3012

Overview

An introduction to the concept of phase diagrams, specifically the construction and interpretation of diagrams for simple systems. Problem solving activities and an in-depth literature-based study of a topic in chemistry. Subject-specific computing and IT skills including the use of molecular modelling packages.

Structure

8 one-hour lectures (total) and 2 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 1-6). 1 two-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks and 12 hours (total) of computing practical.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Jaspars and Dr M Masson

Pre-requisites

CM 2007, CM 2008, CM 2512, CM 2511, BI 20B2, BI 20M1, BI 25M1

Co-requisites

Available only to students on Medicinal Chemistry degree programmes

Overview

Drug Distribution and Elimination, Drug Absorption, Drug Conjugation, Drug Metabolism, Drug Oxidation, Pharmacokinetics, Principles of Molecular & Cell Biology, Ligands, Receptors & Signalling Mechanisms, Principles of Synaptic Transmission, Antibodies as tools, Basic molecular biology tools, Genomics, Protein expression analysis, Protein properties and function, Protein purification strategies.

Structure

Approximately 4 lectures per week for 12 weeks; 1 CAL class, 2 tutorials, 2 laboratory classes.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 3-hour examination (66%); lab reports, essay (34%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2008

Overview

This course will develop a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of spectroscopy and chemical bonding. This will include a discussion of the fundamental principles of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The surface chemistry of solids and applications in heterogeneous catalysis will also be discussed. The application of chemical kinetics to the understanding of important chemical and biological processes will be developed.

Structure

12 week course – 4 one-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 36-44).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and continuous assessment (33.3%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2008

Notes

This course cannot be taken with CM 3518.

Overview

This course will develop a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of spectroscopy and chemical bonding. This will include a discussion of the fundamental principles of magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week and 2 three-hour practicals per week. Practicals in weeks 36-44 only.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 ninety-minute written examination (66.7%) and continuous assessment (33.3%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2511, CM 2007

Overview

This advanced course describes how state-of-the-art and conventional analytical techniques can be used to characterise environmental processes. The chemistry of main group and transition elements is also discussed. Environmental topics covered will include: immobilisation and solubilisation of inorganic contaminants in water, soil and sediments; the determination of the lipophilicity and volatility of organic compounds in the environment; the mobility and toxicity of xenobiotics.

Structure

12 week course – 4 one-hour lectures per week and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (weeks 30-35).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and continuous assessment (33.3%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

Notes

This course cannot be taken with CM 3517.

Overview

This advanced course describes how state-of-the-art and conventional analytical techniques can be used to characterise environmental processes. Environmental topics covered will include: immobilisation and solubilisation of inorganic contaminants in water, soil and sediments; the determination of lipophilicity and volatility of organic compounds in the environment; the mobility and toxicity of xenobiotics.

Structure

12 week course – 2 one-hour lectures per week and 2 three-hour practicals per week. Practicals in weeks 30-35 only.

Assessment

1st Attempt:
1 ninety-minute written examination (67%) and continuous assessment (33%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2512

Overview

The course includes the following themes:
Building Molecules
I Strategy (retrosynthesis and total synthesis)
II Synthetic methods
a) Aromatic synthesis and methodology
b) Chemistry of the carbonyl group
Biological Molecules
I Natural products
Macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, saccharides)
Shapes, Structures and Spectra
I Steric and electronic effects
II Structure determination from spectra

Structure

12 week course – total of 48 lectures, 4 three-hour practical per week for 6 week (weeks 18-23) and 6 two-hour computing classes per week for 6 weeks (weeks 12-17).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (66.7%) and continuous assessment (33.3%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM 2512

Overview

Shapes, structures and Spectra
I Steric and electronic effects
II Structure determination from spectra



Biological molecules
1 Natural products
Macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, saccharides).

Structure

2 one-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks, 2 three-hour practicals per week for 6 weeks (Weeks 7-12) and 1 two-hour computing class per week for 6 weeks (Weeks 1-6).

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half-hour written examination (66.7%); Continuous assessment (33.3%). Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr J Feldmann

Pre-requisites

CM3517 or CM3519

Notes

This course extends over 6 weeks only.

Overview

General environmental chemistry: Pollution in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere; chemical composition and interactions; source, analysis and effects of major pollutants; environmental bio-inorganic chemistry. Atmospheric chemistry: meteorology, basic photochemistry, atmospheric chemical interactions, eg ozone formation and depletion, photochemical smog, global warming, associated practical work.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial per week, 2 three-hour laboratories per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 seventy-five minute examination (50%) and continuous assessment (50%). Oral in marginal cases only.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for honours programme in Physics with Chemistry.

Notes

The course is restricted to students enrolled for the degree of Physics with Chemistry (or similar combined programmes).

Overview

Three 12-lecture/tutorial courses selected from those offered in CM 4017 or CM 4019 as agreed between the Heads of Chemistry and Physics in each session.

Structure

36 hours in total of lectures/tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-and-a-half hour written examination (100%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

Normally 120 Level 3 Chemistry credit points.

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics in inorganic, physical, and organic chemistry. Introduction to research techniques, instrumental methods. Library research and project work.

Structure

8 one-hour lectures per week; workshops, seminars, tutorials.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written examinations and continuous assessment.

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

90 Level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

This course is intended for students enrolled for combined-subject Honours degrees requiring 45 Chemistry credits in the first half-session. It will cover advanced topics in modern organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. The material will be drawn from the core lectures of Honours Chemistry A, CM 4017. Associated practical work will involve synthetic chemistry, instrumental methods and research techniques.

Structure

60 lectures plus practical and project work.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Two written examinations and continuous assessment.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

90 Level 3 Chemistry credit points.

Overview

This course is intended for students enrolled for combined-subject Honours degrees requiring thirty rather than forty five Chemistry credit points in the first half-session. It will cover advanced topics in modern inorganic, organic and physical chemistry drawn from the core material in Honours Chemistry A, CM 4017. Associated practical work will involve synthetic chemistry, instrumental methods and associated research techniques.

Structure

30 lectures, tutorials, practicals and project work.

Assessment

1st attempt: One written paper and continuous assessment.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution. An individual chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Overview

No formal teaching.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution.

Overview

An individual chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Structure

No formal teaching.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

120 credit points of Level 3 Chemistry.

Notes

The Head of Chemistry can permit students to enter with only 90 Level 3 Chemistry credit points.

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics in inorganic, physical, organic, materials and environmental chemistry. Project planning and management training, group-based practical work, problem solving activities and in-depth literature-based exercises.

Structure

12 week course – 8 one-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks and 4 three-hour practicals per week for 12 weeks.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written examination and continuous assessment. Resit: Same.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

Normally 120 Level 3 Chemistry credit points.

Overview

Lectures on advanced and contemporary topics in chemistry. Extended research.

Structure

6 one-hour lectures per week; tutorials, workshops, project work.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written examinations and continuous assessment.

Credit Points

45

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

90 Level 3 Chemistry credits.

Overview

A course intended for students enrolled for combined-subject Honours degrees specifying 45 credits in Chemistry in the second semester. It will extend the coverage of advanced topics set out in Honours Chemistry for Combined Degrees A1, CM 4020, using material drawn from Honours Chemistry B, CM 4509. There will also be a research project, the results of which will be presented in a dissertation and an oral report.

Structure

60 lectures, research project.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 2 written examinations and assessment of project.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

90 credits in Level 3 Chemistry.

Overview

A course intended for students enrolled for combined-subject Honours degrees specifying 30 Chemistry credits in the second semester. The material covered will consist of advanced topics in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, drawn from the lectures of Honours Chemistry B, CM 4509. There will also be a laboratory or literature-based research project.

Structure

36 lectures, short project.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One written paper and assessment of project.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr I L Marr

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution.

Overview

An individual chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Structure

No formal teaching.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr I L Marr

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at home institution.

Overview

An individual chemistry project supervised by a member of the academic staff, in an area of chemistry that is of interest to the student. In all cases, aspects of project planning and written and oral communication are included.

Structure

No formal teaching.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

CM 4024

Overview

Lectures in advanced topics plus group-based projects and problem-solving activities.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Written examination and continuous assessment. Resit: Same.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr W T A Harrison

Pre-requisites

Acceptance for Physics with Chemistry Honours Programme.

Overview

Four 8-lecture/tutorial courses selected from those offered to Honours Chemistry students, as agreed between the Heads of Chemistry and Physics in each session.

Structure

32 hours in total of lectures/tutorials, second half-session.

Assessment

1st Attempt: One 2 and a half-hour written examination (100%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr D E Macphee

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates accepted for the MChem programme.

Overview

Research-oriented library- and/or laboratory-based group and project work, lectures, report-writing, seminars.
Reports, oral presentations, examination.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Examinations (75%), coursework (25%).

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr D E Macphee

Pre-requisites

Available only to candidates accepted for the MChem programme.

Overview

A placement in industry or in an appropriate research institute involving an agreed programme of research or project work. Students should be aware that industrial placements are at the discretion of the institution concerned and cannot be guaranteed. Students failing to obtain placements will be able to proceed to the MChem by an alternative route.

Structure

Full-time placement.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Research project (practical work, written report, oral presentation)