department of chemistry - university of warwick...2 department f chemistry go.warwick.acuk/chemistry...

Undergraduate Brochure

DEPARTMENT OF

CHEMISTRY

F A C U L T Y O F S C I E N C E

2 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY GO.WARWICK.AC.UK/CHEMISTRY 3

We are delighted to welcome you to Warwick Chemistry, a thriving community of academics, researchers, support staff and students united in our enthusiasm for chemistry and its applications, from medicine to renewable energy.

Our academics are a dedicated team of world-leading researchers who use their expertise and enthusiasm for innovation and discovery to teach and inspire our students. The diversity of Warwick Chemistry’s research is reflected in the high-quality comprehensive undergraduate syllabus we offer, delivered by a combination of cutting edge and traditional teaching methods.

Our department is in the heart of Warwick’s main campus and boasts high-specification industry-standard synthetic laboratories, the latest spectroscopic and analytical instrumentation and powerful facilities for computational chemistry. Our teaching laboratories are amongst the newest and best-equipped of any university in the UK. We are also proud to say that the UK’s leading graduate employers consistently rank Warwick graduates amongst the most sought-after.

Beyond the department are a wealth of sports, learning and entertainment facilities, including Warwick Arts Centre, the largest outside London. Warwick also has a very active Students’ Union, which provides headline entertainment and administers the largest collection of University social and sports clubs in the UK.

I hope you find out more about the Department and University through this brochure, our website, and a visit on one of our many Open Days when I look forward to meeting you.

Professor Alison Rodger Head of Department

WELCOME INTRODUCTIONThe Chemistry Department is committed to excellence in teaching within a research-driven environment. Around 40 research-active academic staff are supported by 30 technical and clerical staff, and 230 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers making us one of the larger departments in the UK. We enjoy excellent facilities with laboratories fitted out to current industrial best practice, a modern teaching environment and state-of-the-art equipment.

Each year, we welcome well over 130 new undergraduates. They choose between a varied programme of courses in chemistry, medicinal chemistry or chemistry with management. All our courses are fully accredited by our professional body, the Royal Society of Chemistry, are of honours standard, and equip our graduates for a wide-range of careers and professions in the chemical, pharmaceutical and medical industries. The skills students learn doing Chemistry are valued by lots of employers, and not just those directly related to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Chemistry achieved an excellent rating in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008 showing that all of our academic staff are internationally recognised, with 75% of our research being internationally excellent and world leading. The Department was highly commended for our innovative teaching in the most recent assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency.

We strive for high quality in everything we do. Research informs and inspires us, and feeds directly into our teaching. You are assured of joining a lively, friendly and dedicated Department.

Research informs and inspires us, and feeds directly into our teaching.


COURSES CAREERSThe main courses we offer are listed below. In addition, there are a variety of additional options such as a year-long Industrial Placement or a Professional Experience Placement in an

overseas university. There is more information on page 6 of this brochure and the Chemistry website has up-to-date information at: go.warwick.ac.uk/chemistry

ChemistryF100 BSc/Chem F105 MChem/Chem

Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryF121 BSc/ChMC F125 MChem/ChMC

Chemistry with ManagementF1N2 BSc/ChM

All Warwick courses are Royal Society of Chemistry accredited, a guarantee that you have the right breadth and depth of knowledge to become a professional chemist. A chemistry degree is also ideal preparation for a wide range of other careers in science and science-related areas.

We aim to provide a high-quality learning environment for studying the concepts and practice of chemistry while developing a range of transferable skills. We work hard to keep the curriculum contemporary and use both our own research activities together with our extensive links with the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to keep the course content fresh and up-to-date.

In addition to offering a modern mainstream chemistry degree programme our other courses offer specific training.

• Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry is at the interface of chemistry, drug discovery and biotechnology which could lead to a career in the pharmaceutical industry. The first year of Chemistry and Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry is the same so you can move freely from one to the other.

• Management and business skills can be combined with chemistry through our Chemistry with Management course taught jointly with the internationally renowned Warwick Business School.

All the MChem programmes allow you to select a two-term research project supervised by a member of academic staff. You will work in their research group alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers and be exposed to the leading edge of your chosen research area. Many projects result in publications in journals. By the end, you are well-placed to decide whether to pursue your own postgraduate course.

Whether you choose mainstream Chemistry or one of our more specialised programmes, as a Warwick Chemistry Graduate, you have the option of becoming a professional chemist or entering many other professions which value numeracy, problem solving and good communication skills.

All listed courses are accredited by The Royal Society of Chemistry


PLACEMENTSTRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Industrial and Overseas Placements

Deciding to spend a year in industry was the best choice I could have made, second to studying at Warwick.Laura Daniel is now an Account Manager for Dunnhumby

Alternatively, as an MChem student you could consider a 3-6 month professional experience placement where you spend the third term (and summer) of Year 3 overseas in a European University such as Barcelona, Vienna or Chalmers (ERASMUS programme), or in industry (global), or with one of our international partner universities such as Monash (Melbourne, Australia), NTU (Singapore) and UTAS (Tasmania, Australia). A 3 month placement is also open to BSc students on the chemistry only degree streams.

In addition, all students on all degree streams have the opportunity of taking an intercalated year in industry.

Maddy Hodgson (4th Year MChem Student, spent term 3 of Year 3 doing research at theUniversity of Tasmania)

The teaching facilities, both within the Department and in the wider University, are superb with many innovative spaces such as the Teaching Grid and the recently remodelled Library which provides dedicated study areas for Undergraduate students. Your practical work will be carried out in our brand new laboratories using your own fume-cupboard or lab space.

But there is much more to Chemistry at Warwick, our students are expected to master a range of transferable skills including: PowerPoint and poster presentations, essay and report writing and application of IT skills to problem solving.

Our goal is to enable you to acquire a range of skills via both supervised and independent learning which will help you to work effectively on your own or as part of a team in whatever career you choose to follow.

The University library and study facilities

The Department offers students the opportunity to obtain 3-6 month or 1 year placements during their 3rd year. Our extensive links with UK Industry and overseas universities will assist in identifying the most suitable placements and provide extensive support in making arrangements.

Students on MChem degrees may choose a 12 month industrial placement that is fully integrated within the course. Among the many businesses supporting our students are GlaxoSmithKline, DSM, Unilever, AstraZeneca, Akzo Nobel, and Syngenta along with other companies encompassing a wide range of scientific activities.


WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

I had always enjoyed Chemistry, and it was an obvious choice to study at degree level. I loved the Warwick campus atmosphere and I so decided that this was where I wanted to spend the next four years. As a first year I lived in Jack Martin, which was a fantastic experience and in subsequent years I moved to Leamington Spa. The course is challenging, but the department aims to support students in every way possible. Academic staff are extremely approachable, with many operating an ‘open-door’ policy, and this support is what really helped me achieve my full potential. Each undergraduate year incorporated a variety of interesting modules, with the laboratory modules being a definite highlight. I met some great people on the course and I’m sure we’ll remain life-long friends.

Chemistry is a very sociable course; from core lectures to weekly labs you are always in close contact with your course mates, so making friends is very easy. Additionally, embracing ChemSoc allowed me to make friends with people spanning all years, which made the course feel like a close knit community. Chemistry at Warwick gave me all of the skills and confidence I needed to obtain a graduate job - Presentations, report writing and problem solving are highly integrated into the course and are very sought after by employers. University was the best four years of my life and I would do it all over again if I could. Embrace the campus community, be open and sociable and you will have a fantastic time!

Ben MitchellDevelopmental scientist.Graduated July 2014.

Vicky HunterPharmaceutical market research analyst.Graduated July 2014.

6% Still seeking

6% Travel/other

16% Finance, Law, Marketing

19% Chemical Industry

8% Medicine/health service

11% PGCE/teaching

8% MSc

26% PhD

4% Other Roles

7% Seeking

22% Finance, Law & Marketing

2% Other Qualifications

10% Teaching

5% Medicine & Related

14% Chemical Industry

12% MSc

24% PhD

Applying to Warwick Chemistry has probably been my best decision to date. Not only is Warwick renowned for its academic excellence, but there are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in a number of societies and unforgettable events. In terms of job prospects, Chemistry opens doors: After my third year, I decided that a job as a research scientist wasn’t for me. Instead I applied for jobs in sales, marketing and management. I was offered three graduate training schemes and the one I have chosen is arguably one of the best in Europe and America. Sounds like a strange choice for a chemist but this just proves that a degree in Chemistry allows you to do anything you want to! I have absolutely loved my time at Warwick and I honestly wouldn’t change anything about my time there!

65% Elsewhere

35% Warwick

40% Elsewhere

60% Warwick

31% Elsewhere

69% Warwick

65% Elsewhere

35% Warwick

40% Elsewhere

60% Warwick

31% Elsewhere

69% Warwick65% Elsewhere

35% Warwick

40% Elsewhere

60% Warwick

31% Elsewhere

69% Warwick

26% PhD

8% MSc

11% PGCE/teaching

8% Medicine/

health service

19% Chemical

industry

16% Finance,

Law & Marketing

7% Travel/other

5% Still seeking

Further Study

2013 Graduate DestinationsRebecca NeedleyTrainee Area Manager for a leading international supermarket chain.Graduated July 2014.


RESEARCH THE UNIVERSITYThe research activity within the Department is broadly divided into five clusters. Extensive collaborations within the Department ensures that any particular research area benefits from the application of a broad range of expertise and specialist knowledge.

As part of your undergraduate degree programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake a piece of original work within a research group working in an area which you find of interest. Not only will you get hands-on experience of academic research working alongside postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows, but undergraduate projects often generate a publication in a chemistry journal.

As a top rated research-led Department, you expect the range and quality of the equipment to be exceptional. Chemistry boasts a broad range of modern instrumentation including eight high field NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometers, X-ray diffraction equipment, chromatographic equipment, lasers and high performance computers.

The research activity within the Department is broadly divided into five clusters:

• Chemical Biology

• Interfaces and Materials

• Analytical Science and Instrumentation

• Synthesis and Catalysis

• Theory and Simulation

The University of Warwick is consistently rated among the top 10 Higher Education institutions in the UK and has all the facilities to match this reputation. The extensive grounds are divided into three main sections: Main Campus, Gibbet Hill, and Westwood. Chemistry is situated at the heart of the Main Campus adjacent to the Library and within easy walking distance of the other two sites and all the student residences.

In addition the University Campus provides an exciting but secure environment for learning and having some fun. The Students’ Union is among the largest in the UK boasting over 200 clubs and societies including our own Chemistry Students’ Society, ChemSoc. The Students’ Union caters for all sports and extra-curricular activities. The Union Building has undergone an £11 million renovation and recently re-opened with more shops and entertainment in keeping with the growing student population. The building is part

of the Main Campus amenities, which include a supermarket, banks, insurance office, pharmacy, hairdressing salon and a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes.

Across the road is the thriving Warwick Arts Centre, one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The Warwick Arts Centre provides a year-round range of cultural activities in theatre, film and music.

The University provides extensive facilities for competitive and social sport. There is a swimming pool, several gymnasiums, squash courts, exercise/weights rooms, a running track, tennis courts, all-weather pitches, two cricket pitches, six football/rugby pitches and large open grassed spaces for a social kick-about or a game of Ultimate Frisbee. For a small extra charge you can also test your nerves scaling the walls at the Bear Rock Climbing Centre or pound the treadmills in the Running Bear Gym, both located in the main sports hall.

We have all the necessary services to support internationally leading research in all disciplines within Chemistry including our own glassblower, mechanical and electronic workshops, and analytical services.


UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION

MChem & BSc ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A place to liveWarwick Accommodation can offer you a wide range of campus and off-campus accommodation managed by the University, making it possible to choose the right type of accommodation for you, whatever your needs and budget.

Living on campusThe campus is like a small town, with shops, cafés, an Arts Centre, sports facilities and more, all within easy walking distance. All campus accommodation has resident staff including a warden who are responsible for the welfare of student residents and for ensuring that everything runs smoothly. All study bedrooms have high speed internet connection, enabling each student to connect their own computer to the Warwick intranet and public internet. The University provides bed linen and blankets and is responsible for basic cleaning.

Undergraduate campus accommodationLiving on campus allows you to adapt to your new way of life in a stimulating and friendly environment. Affordable and well-equipped, our residences bring people together and make everybody feel at home.

Eating around campusAll residences are self catered, however, Warwick Retail provide a range of great cafés, restaurants and bars on campus for your enjoyment. Freshly-made food is available in a range of different environments to suit your needs. You can also get 10% off every purchase with an ‘eating card’ available via the link below.

For more information please visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/accommodation www.warwickretail.comwww.warwick.ac.uk/go/eating

Heronbank, one of the many residencies on campus

We take into account individual circumstances when making your offer and consider it very important that you have first hand experience of where you intend to study. We therefore strongly encourage all applicants to attend one of our Departmental Admissions Days.

The typical offers listed below are indicative. Specific offer levels are not set until just before the application cycle, so applicants should go to www.warwick.ac.uk/go/ugoffers to check the latest offer levels.

A levelMChem: AAB in 3 A level subjects including Chemistry and Mathematics*.BSc: ABB in 3 A level subjects including Chemistry and Mathematics*.

*Students who are not studying for an A-level in mathematics, but are passionate about chemistry and studying at least one other science, are strongly advised to contact the admissions tutors to discuss possible options.

A levels in Applied Subjects and Mixed PortfoliosCandidates considered on an individual basis. Grades and subject mix required will be similar to those for candidates taking academic A and AS qualifications.

International BaccalaureateMChem: 36 points with at least 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and at least 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (preferred) or Physics.BSc: 34 points with at least 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and at least 4 in Higher Level Mathematics (preferred) or Physics.

Access CoursesAccess to HE Diploma (QAA-recognised), including appropriate subjects with distinction grades in level 3 units. Candidates must meet essential subject

requirements: please contact the Department of Chemistry before application.

Other QualificationsAlternative qualifications such as Welsh Baccalaureate, Warwick HEFP and Overseas Qualifications are considered. Please contact the Department of Chemistry before application.

General Studies/Critical ThinkingOffers normally exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking

Essential SubjectsA level Chemistry (or equivalent), A level Mathematics (or equivalent).

Gap YearApplications for deferred entry welcomed.


VISITING USFURTHER INFORMATION

Admissions Days All UCAS applicants will be invited to visit us for a day to explore where you might be spending the next three or four years. We will show you the Department, the University, and the Halls of Residence and you will meet some of the current undergraduates. The day will involve meeting academic staff who will be more than happy to

answer any questions you may have about any aspects of the courses offered.

Open Days The Department participates fully in the University Open Days. Please see the University website (www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/visits/opendays) for dates and further details.

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Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry General EnquiriesIf you do not have easy access to the Internet, contact us at the Department of Chemistry and we will be happy to answer your queries. Telephone 024 7652 3678

Individual Course PamphletsWe also have a range of brochures providing details of each Degree Programme. If you do not have the brochure for the course you are interested in, please telephone 024 7652 3678 or look on the Departmental website: go.warwick.ac.uk/chemistry

Careers University service for current undergraduates: www.warwick.ac.uk/go/careers

Royal Society of Chemistry: www.rsc.org/gateway/subject/careers

The University of Warwick You should be able to find all the information you require with regard to the University of Warwick and the Campus online at: www.warwick.ac.uk, but please contact the Department if there is any other information you require.

How to find usUniversity of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK

Chemistry Contact Details

The Admissions AdministratorDepartment of ChemistryThe University of WarwickCoventry CV4 7AL

Tel: +44 (0)24 7652 3678Fax: +44 (0)24 7657 3833Email: [email protected]

For further information, please visit our website:go.warwick.ac.uk/chemistry

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department of chemistry - university of warwick...2 department f chemistry go.warwick.acuk/chemistry...

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