ObjectivesDuring the first two years you cover all the major branches of chemistry and learn how they are interconnected. Laboratory classes in both years form an essential integrated component of your training and you will conduct experiments in all branches of the subject. You will also study your chosen language (we currently offer French, German, Spanish and Italian.
Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements Academic entry qualification overview: Please consult our Admissions Office if you are interested in applying and do not have A-levels but are offering alternative qualifications. In addition to formal qualifications all candidates applying must have at least an A grade at GCSE level in the European language or its equivalent. English language: GCSE minimum grade C required. A level: Grades ABC including Chemistry and one other science or maths subject. An A-level in an appropriate European Language would be useful but not essential. AS level: Two A/S-levels are accepted in place of one A-level. A European Language would be extremely desirable but not essential. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: A good range of subjects including English, Maths and Sciences with minimum grades of A-C. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 32 points overall with at least 16 at Higher Level including Chemistry plus at least one other science subject from Maths, Physics or Biology at Higher Level. English and an appropriate European Lanugage must be offered at standard level. Professional entry qualification: Please consult our Admissions Office for further assistance. Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleMChem Chemistry with Study in Europe
Course descriptionSpecial features
We take good care of our students and have several tutors to oversee the process - from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in overall charge, Academic Tutors in all branches of the subject, a programme tutor for the F102 course, and a Personal Tutor for each student.
We are also proud of our innovative PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) scheme. The PASS scheme provides additional support in the area of the current week's tutorial. It is entirely voluntary and third and fourth year students help first years to tackle problems defined by the content of the current tutorial. The emphasis is on showing students how to think about the problems, how to develop problem-solving skills and how to get the most from the educational resources available.
The third year is spent studying chemistry in a European university under the Socrates programme. We currently offer a range of universities in France, Germany, Spain and Italy. The course tutor will keep in contact throughout the year and you may be visited while abroad. You will undertake our core chemistry modules by distance learning over the web, for which tutorial backup will be provided. Assessment involves the core modules, courses/practicals in the host institution and a final report on the year out.
Course content for year 1
Core first-year topics include:
-Bonding in molecules
-Organic reaction mechanisms
-Natural product chemistry
-s, p and f block chemistry
-Thermodynamics
-Kinetic and quantum chemistry
-Mathematics
You will also attend courses covering a range of presentational, computer, and IT skills.
Course content for year 2
The second year continues developing the core and extends topics from first year, introducing new areas such as:
-Molecular spectroscopy
-Bonding and reactivity
-Surfaces and interfaces
-d and f block chemistry
-Molecular symmetry
-Metal-ligand bonding
-Polymer science
-Structure dermination
-Sterochemistry
-Heterocyclic chemistry
Plus additional courses involving Biological and Computational Chemistry.
Eligibility for continuation on the MChem programme to your year abroad is at the discretion of the programme tutor and will take into account your general performance and your second year mark. If you have not performed to a satisfactory standard, you will be transferred to the BSc Chemistry programme.
Course content for year 3
The third year is spent in a European university under the Socrates programme. Currently available universities include:
-Montpellier - France
-Strasbourg - France
-Gottingen and Freiberg - Germany
-Florence - Italy
-Valencia - Spain (provisional)
(these are subject to change)
During that year you study chemistry following the syllabus of the host university. Your course tutor maintains contact with you during your European placement year and you may be visited when abroad. Core chemistry units will be taken using distance learning modules via the web.
Assessment is by the European university, the distance modules and a report on your placement. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in a short research project in the host university.
Course content for year 4
In the fourth and final year, you carry out an extended project associated with one of the research groups in the School of Chemistry. You will study one course unit related to the area of the project, take units from other areas of Chemistry and attend specialist lectures chosen in consultation with your project supervisor.
Course fees: For entry in 2009, the tuition fees are "yet to be announced" per annum for home/EU students and "yet to be announced" per annum for international students.