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Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

Awarding Institution

University of Huddersfield

Final Award

BSc(Hons) Bachelor of Science with Honours

Teaching Institution

University of Huddersfield

School

School of Applied Sciences

Department

Department of Chemical Sciences

Subject Benchmark Statement

UG Chemistry (2022)

Date of Programme Specification Approval

2024-01-23

Version Number

2024.01

Educational Aims of the Course

The chemical industry is one of the most important industrial sectors in the UK. There has always been a high demand for qualified chemistry graduates to work in the major petroleum and pharmaceutical companies. Increasing awareness of the environment and increasing legislation to control the degree of pollution has also … For more content click the Read More button below.   Chemistry graduates, as well as being knowledgeable about their own subject have also been trained in other transferable skills permitting them to proceed into other careers, including teaching, accountancy, sales, etc.   A BSc (Hons) degree has been offered at the University of Huddersfield for over 40 years and the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences has staff expertise in the four main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical and analytical) as well as other related areas such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical engineering environmental science and forensic science. There are several large research groups within the department in topical areas, including catalysis, organic and inorganic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and analytical chemistry. Students are encouraged to study an option as this allows them to have specialised knowledge in a particular related topic which will ultimately improve their employment prospects.   The main aims of the programme are to:   (1) instil into students a sense of enthusiasm for chemistry and an appreciation of the importance of chemistry. (2) provide a knowledge in the main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical and analytical). (3) provide training in the safe and competent use of laboratory equipment. (4) develop in students an ability to apply their chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in chemistry. (5) develop, through an education in chemistry, a range of transferable skills, including mathematical and IT skills, of value in chemical and non-chemical employment. (6) provide specialised knowledge in a chosen optional subject – chemical engineering, forensic science, geography, medicinal chemistry or analytical chemistry.

Course Offering(s)

Full Time

Full Time - September

Sandwich Year Out

Sandwich Year Out - September

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
instil into students a sense of enthusiasm for chemistry and an appreciation of the importance of chemistry.
2.
provide a knowledge in the main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical and analytical).
3.
provide training in the safe and competent use of laboratory equipment.
4.
develop in students an ability to apply their chemical knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in chemistry.
5.
develop, through an education in chemistry, a range of transferable skills, including mathematical and IT skills, of value in chemical and non-chemical employment.
6.
provide specialised knowledge in a chosen optional subject – chemical engineering, forensic science, geography, medicinal chemistry or analytical chemistry.
7.
Have a basic knowledge of the four main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical and analytical) and [for BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Science] Forensic Science, or [for BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Chemical Engineering] chemical engineering or or [for BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Environmental Science] Environmental Science.
8.
have a basic understanding of the mathematical principles and computing skills related to their application in chemistry
9.
have a deeper knowledge and understanding of certain aspects of chemistry
10.
have a knowledge of a chosen optional area – Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Geographical Science or Chemical Engineering
11.
be aware of the most recent developments in chemistry or chemistry and forensic science or chemistry and chemical engineering or chemistry and environmental science
12.
have acquired sufficient knowledge and personal awareness to be able to make an informed choice of future career
13.
demonstrate knowledge of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories in the main areas of chemistry
14.
apply their knowledge to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature
15.
evaluate, interpret and generate chemical information and data
16.
recognise and implement good measurement science and practice
17.
present scientific results and conclusions clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a variety of audiences
18.
use computers for data processing and retrieving chemical information
19.
recognise and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution
20.
handle chemicals and carry out standard laboratory synthetic procedures safely
21.
operate standard chemical instrumentation
22.
monitor chemical properties, events or changes by the observation, measurement and systematic and reliable recording thereof
23.
interpret experimental results in terms of their significance and underlying theory
24.
carry out risk assessments on chemical procedures and laboratory procedures
25.
plan, design and execute practical investigations from the problem recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of the results
26.
interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team
27.
numeracy and computational skills
28.
verbal and written communication skills
29.
time management and organisational skills
30.
information retrieval skills, including on-line searches
31.
study skills for continuing personal development

Course Structure

Foundation Level

Intermediate Level

Sandwich Year Out

Honours Level

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Modules are delivered over two terms with normally two hours formal contact per week per module. Practical sessions are normally 3 or 4 hours.  A variety of teaching methods are used, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and directed reading. Unilearn is widely used for the provision or supporting material. Individual … For more content click the Read More button below.   Most modules are assessed through coursework (during the year) and a formal unseen examination in the third term. Coursework is made up mainly from laboratory reports, problem solving assignments and short tests, including MCQs, as well as a small number of essays, oral and poster presentations. Formative tests are widely used, especially in the first year. A summary of assessment is given in appendix 4. A schedule is given to all students at the start of the academic year.

Support for Students and their Learning

All students are assigned a personal academic tutor. For each individual course within the chemistry suite there is a year tutor who often fulfills many of the roles of the personal tutor and is more often the main point of contact for students. The role of the year tutor/personal tutor in supporting students is seen as of primary importance. Students are encouraged to see their year tutor or personal tutor about any problems they have which do or may affect their ability to study and learn. The tutor will keep track of any serious on-going issues, but respects student confidentiality.  Students may see other staff about an issue if they feel more comfortable doing so. Students are encouraged to see academic tutors if they have difficulty understanding material or with coursework.

 

Students are also supported in their study and learning through the following activities and services:

- Induction week

- Flying Start

- Student Handbook

- Access to BrightSpace virtual learning environment

 

- Specialised computing laboratories and three chemical/forensic science laboratories

- Student e-mail and open personal access to teaching staff including the Head of Department and the Course Leader.

- Access to student counselors at the University of Huddersfield and at the Student Village

- Access to Student Services, which provides assistance and guidance with learning difficulties

- Access to the School of Applied Sciences’ Learning Support Assistant

- Access to the Students' Union Academic Affairs Officer

 

Students who take the optional SWE year are supported by the SWE Tutor and the SWE Administrative Assistant.  Staff provide guidance in the preparation of CVs, letters of application and interview techniques.  Students apply for advertised posts or set up a suitable position through their own contacts.  Students are supervised by visits during the placement period.

Criteria for Admission

The admissions process will be in conjunction with other courses of the chemical sciences suite.  Entry qualifications will normally be in accordance with those detailed in the School of Applied Sciences Scheme Document.

 

Normally candidates will be at least 18 years of age by 31st December of the year of entry.

 

For full-time and Sandwich Courses, it is desirable that candidates have GCE/GCSE Grade C or above in English and Mathematics and an approved science subject.

 

For entry to the undergraduate degree candidates normally will have:

 

- Passes in 5 subjects at GCE/VCE/AVCE/GCSE including 12 units of study from 3, 6 and 12 unit awards with at least one 6 unit award in Chemistry or a 12 unit award in Science, or

- A BTEC Certificate/Diploma in science, or

- Successfully completed the University of Huddersfield Science Foundation Year, or

- Advanced, level 3, GNVQ or NVQ at an appropriate level, or

- Other qualifications deemed by the School to be acceptable

 

Mature students, without formal qualifications, may apply for admission through the School Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning panel. 

 

Entry onto BSc Chemistry with Chemical Engineering requires either A-level Maths or Physics as well as Chemistry, or achievement of 60% in the exam of the Maths and Physics module of the Science Extended Degree.

 

Entry to different stages is possible for all Courses.  At least 33% of the total credits for an award must be obtained through study at the University.  Each course has identified requirements for entry at different points and stages. Accreditation is approved by the SAVP in accordance with the procedures outlined in the School of Applied Sciences Undergraduate Scheme Document.

Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards.

Module reviews (student evaluations and staff report)

Annual course monitoring report prepared by the Course Leader and considered by Course Committee and School Annual Monitoring Committee

Peer observation of teaching

External Examiners' reports

Employers' reports for SWE students

 

Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards

Student Panel

Course Committee

School of Applied Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee

School of Applied Sciences Annual Evaluation Committee

University Teaching and Learning Committee

Course Assessment Board - meets in June and July to consider marks, progression and awards

 

Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience

Staff-Student Liaison Committee and student representation on Course Committee

Student evaluation of modules

 

Staff development priorities include:

Staff Personal Development Review and institutional staff development courses

Updating professional developments

Regular course meetings and annual review and planning for subsequent academic year.

Please note

University awards are regulated by the Regulations for Awards (Taught Courses) on the University website.

Quick links to the Regulations for Taught Students, procedures and forms can be accessed on the University website.