Department of Chemistry - Undergraduate Degree Programmes | 2022/23 entry - University of York
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Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Degree Programmes | 2022/23 entry
8th
in the UK
The Complete University
Guide 2022
Our students are taught in Chemistry Teaching Colleges
named after famous Chemists; Avogadro, Curie, Dalton,
Faraday, Hodgkin, Mendeleev, Pauling and Woodward
Welcome Contents
from the Head of Department 3 Welcome from the
Head of Department
Welcome to our information booklet about the 4 Why choose Chemistry?
Department of Chemistry at the University of York.
4 Why study Chemistry
at York?
Perhaps you are looking for Whatever information you need, I hope
information about the different types that you will be able to find it in this 6 Programme structure
4
of undergraduate Chemistry degree booklet or from our website,
programmes we offer, or maybe www.york.ac.uk/chemistry. Most 9 The courses
you would like to know more about importantly, however, I also hope
our highly praised system of college that you will get a sense of the real 9 Chemistry
tutorials. excitement and enthusiasm that we
at York all share for teaching and 10 Chemistry, green principles
You might be interested in the researching Chemistry, and what an and sustainable processes
opportunities we offer to carry out exciting time it is to study Chemistry at
cutting-edge research with our world university. 11 Chemistry, the atmosphere,
leading academics, like helping to and the environment
develop new nanomedicines or trying If you can’t find what you need then
to understand the complex chemical please give us a call, or best of all come 12 Chemistry, biological and
reactions involved in atmospheric and visit us here in the Department. medicinal chemistry
pollution.
For more information see www.york. 14 Choices for the final year of
ac.uk/chemistry/undergraduate/ our MChem programmes
visitdays
16 Our teaching
We would be delighted to show you
around.
17 A typical week
Chemistry at York has held an 18 Our research
Professor
Athena SWAN Gold award for Caroline Dessent 20 Why York?
more than a decade, and was Head of
the first department in the Department 21 For you, with our
UK to achieve this compliments
highest level.
22 Employability and careers
Dorothy Hodgkin
research laboratories
3
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Why choose Chemistry?
Chemistry is all around us. To study as it covers topics as diverse as quantum
Chemistry is to discover how it is relevant mechanics and the study of atomic
to every aspect of our lives. From an particles, to the molecular nature of
Photograph © John Houlihan
understanding of how pharmaceuticals biological systems and the Human
interact with our bodies, how we Genome Project. Learning about the
affect the environment and how fundamental basis of chemistry – the
modern materials such as plastics and analysis of molecules, their structures and
semiconductors are prepared, the shapes and how they react – is vital for
possibilities are endless. Chemistry is our modern society. Chemists can really
often referred to as the ‘central science’ make a difference in the world!
Why study Chemistry at York?
The University of York has an awarded a National Teaching Fellowship The Department of Chemistry at York
outstanding reputation for teaching by the Higher Education Academy. offers both an international research
and research, featuring consistently in Since its inception, the Department has reputation and top quality teaching in a
the top few places in the league tables regularly been in the top ten of the UK modern welcoming department.
of UK universities. As part of a £35 Chemistry departments in the National
million phased redevelopment, a £10 Student Survey. For example, for student
million research building was completed satisfaction, for the first 11 years of We are proud of
in 2013 and a new undergraduate the NSS we have scored an average of the supportive teaching
teaching laboratory and Green 96%. In 2020 York came top in 4 of the
Chemistry Centre of Excellence in Spring 9 categories, amongst all Russell Group
environment we provide.
2014. The Department of Chemistry universities. Our students play an
is on Campus West, within ten to
important part in helping
fifteen minutes walk of all the college Our Chemistry courses are modular,
accommodation. which allows you considerable freedom shape our courses through
of choice. This will enable you to design their feedback. In 2019, our
The Department of Chemistry offers your own degree pathway, whilst
students ensuring you graduate as a fully qualified Dr Derek Wann, Structural Biology
a personal supervisor to oversee chemist through our MChem or BSc Chair of Board of Studies Laboratory (YSBL)
academic progress and personal programmes. in the Department
welfare
of Chemistry was
a teaching programme which ensures a We also give you the opportunity to gain
highly supportive learning environment experience in industry, to study for a awarded a prestigious
lectures supported by small-group year at another overseas university or to Queen’s Anniversary
tutorials and workshops carry out an extended research project Prize
state-of-the-art research facilities in our laboratories. The structure of the
course is such that all decision-making is Vice-Chancellor
We have three members of staff left as late as possible to give you ample Professor Charlie Jeffery said:
recognised for ‘excellence of teaching’ by opportunities to consider your choices
“This award is a fantastic
the Royal Society of Chemistry, and three for the future.
achievement and richly
deserved. It recognises
Outstanding, inspirational teaching the excellence and
delivered by leading academics who dedication of the YSBL
bring expertise and passion for their team over more than
40 years.”
subjects into their teaching
The Complete University Guide, 2022
4 5
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Programme Structure
Our courses are based on a
Students share a common set of core In all three terms, The Spring and Summer terms are divided Typically, practical work is
modular system with core and
modules each of which integrates the lecture courses are into two interdisciplinary modules, that taught in weekly classes,
option modules, which offer with students spending
major areas of Chemistry: organic; complemented with introduce key chemical principles in the areas
a wide range of flexibility and inorganic; physical; theoretical; a day a week in the
practicals in synthesis, of spectroscopic analysis, bonding and
choice. In our core modules, analytical and biological. The Autumn The line indicates an end-of- chemical change, and chemical reactivity lab. At the end of the
analysis and physical
we balance the importance term introduces themes of structure module examination chemistry and mechanism Summer term, we take
of providing you with a good and bonding, and chemical a different approach and
understanding of the basic change and reactivity teach an Integrated
principles of chemistry, with Chemistry laboratory
some opportunities to see class in a block two week
the exciting contributions period held after the
chemistry can make in the examinations. This allows
students to concentrate
modern world. Our option
modules enable you to have an Autumn Spring Summer on their practical work
without other distractions
input into designing your own
degree programme.
Core 1 Core 2 Core 3
YEAR 1 Practical
Our maths/biology/physics skills training Practical Chemistry Practical Chemistry
is covered by a Quantitative Skills Chemistry
course (provided for all students in Term Skills for chemists Skills for chemists Skills for chemists
1) paired with courses on Becoming a
Professional Chemist and Building a
(inc maths) (inc maths) We provide training in
Biological Background a variety of transferable
skills, including group
exercises held over a
two week block period,
Year 2 core modules cover structure and allowing students to
bonding, synthesis and spectroscopy. Core 4 Core 5-6 Core 5-6 focus on this activity after
Courses include Biomolecules in examinations
Action, Retrosynthetic Analysis,
YEAR 2
Quantum Mechanics, Catalysis, and
Organometallic Chemistry. Practical work Option 1 Option 1
is embedded within the Core modules
Year 3 core modules cover some modern
and exciting developments in inorganic, Core 7-9 Core 7-9 Core 7-9 All students complete an
organic and physical chemistry. Courses Extended Research Project
include Supramolecular and Nanoscale Project (BSc) or Project (BSc) or Training (at York, one of our partner
Chemistry, Asymmetric Synthesis YEAR 3 Training (MChem) Training (MChem) (MChem) universities abroad or as
and Materials & Nanoparticles, part of a year in industry).
Options 3-4 Alongside the project
Advanced Separations & Mass Option 2 Options 3-4 (MChem only)
Spectrometry, and Bioorganic (MChem only) all Year 4 students do a
Chemistry Literature Review and
a taught component.
This is an Open Learning
Chemistry module,
Open learning Open learning Open learning delivered via our Virtual
Chemistry module Chemistry module Chemistry module Learning Environment
(VLE), where there is a
YEAR 4 selection of advanced
chemistry options to pick
Research project Research project Research project from
For a complete list of our core modules see: www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/undergraduate/courses/modules/
6 7
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Chemistry
Building on the chemistry of our core For an MChem
F100 (BSc) modules is a key feature at York. For course, you
F101 (MChem, year abroad) example, Advanced Synthesis – From can choose
F102 (MChem, year in industry) Nature to the Laboratory describes how any of the
the most important tools in modern Year 3 options
F103 (MChem, year in York) organic synthesis can be applied to the in Spring/
preparation of biologically important Summer,
natural products. allowing you
to design your
Our general chemistry programme is A further recommended option is Lasers own degree
designed to enable you to learn about in Chemistry which introduces lasers, programme to reflect your interests.
all aspects of modern chemistry, laser action and properties of lasers.
but also to give you the opportunity to The course explains what types of laser
specialise in an area of your choice. to use for different purposes and how
a laser can be modified to improve its
All our chemistry programmes allow performance in a given application. Programme highlights
you to choose freely from the option Finally, Recent Advances in Organic Chemical uses of lasers
modules available. As you only choose Chemistry is an open learning course
We guarantee each Designer polymers and advanced
student at least one metre the options for the forthcoming year that includes the principles of self-
towards the end of the preceding one, nanomaterials
of fume hood space in organisation and self-assembly in soft
our professional standard you have ample opportunity to see how materials. The molecular nature of life
teaching labs your interests develop and select your
Synthetic pathways to
Photograph © John Houlihan
options accordingly. Bioinspired Chemistry is also offered so biologically and industrially
that you may discover how chemists important molecules
Option Modules have attempted to design and prepare
Year 2 option Study of novel systems using
Chemistry Option Module Choices
molecules, which are inspired by
The material world: Chemistry and the extraordinary chemistry seen in modern spectroscopic techniques
applications biochemical systems.
Year 3 options
Students select one option module in Year 2; BSc students select one option module in Reaction intermediates and
Year 3, and MChem students select three options in Year 3; MChem students select three mechanisms
open learning options in Year 4 MChem only
Advanced synthesis – from
Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
nature to the lab
• The material world: Chemistry and • Reaction intermediates and • Recent advances in atmospheric and
Lasers in chemistry
applications mechanisms environmental chemistry
Year 4 option
• Green chemistry and sustainable • Catalysis with green technologies • Recent advances in green chemistry
Recent advances in inorganic,
manufacturing • Atmospheric chemistry • Recent advances in inorganic chemistry
physical and/or organic chemistry
• Dynamic earth: Origins, evolution, • Chemistry and disease • Recent advances in organic chemistry
biogeochemistry and climate • Recent advances in physical chemistry The options above are a selection of current
• Genes to proteins MChem only options (Spring/Summer) • Managerial chemistry options. In order to keep teaching as up-to-date as
• Advanced synthesis - from nature to possible, options are constantly being refreshed.
the laboratory
• Modelling chemical systems You said: The modules available cover a wide
• Chemical theory and computation “I want to spend more range of topics. For example, you will
• Analytical and forensic chemistry
Staff-Student Forum time on my project” be able to learn about the latest
The department listens carefully • Bioinspired chemistry advances in materials technology
to student feedback and responds • Lasers in chemistry We did: such as liquid crystals, biopolymers
pro-actively in order to make and nanomaterials in the The Material
“The length of the BSc
improvements to the student World – Chemistry and Applications
experience. For example, all of our Our flexible modular structure also
and MChem projects has option. In contrast, the Reaction
lectures are now recorded and can offers the opportunity to select optional increased” Intermediates and Mechanisms option
be accessed online, and we have modules from other departments. looks at how molecules, with lifetimes
recently increased the length of our To keep our teaching as up-to-date as of only a fraction of a second and
BSc and MChem projects. possible, core and option modules are which may be present in very low All our Chemistry undergraduate courses are
subject to change. concentrations, may be characterised. accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
8 9
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Chemistry, green principles Chemistry, the atmosphere
and sustainable processes and the environment
Year 4 option of Excellence. This group pioneers
F190 (BSc) Recent advances in green chemistry pure and applied green and sustainable F142 (BSc)
F191 (MChem, year abroad) chemical research through its F143 (MChem, year abroad)
The options above are a selection of current technology
F192 (MChem, year in industry) options. In order to keep teaching as up-to-date as
F144 (MChem, year in industry)
platforms on
F193 (MChem, year in York) possible, options are constantly being refreshed.
microwave F145 (MChem, year in York)
chemistry,
Catalytic rather than stoichiometric
These courses allow you to use the alternative
chemistry is a key theme of green This programme will give you the
chemical knowledge you gain from solvents, clean
chemistry. Catalysis with Green opportunity to learn about the chemical
the core chemistry modules in green synthesis and
Technologies looks at homogeneous basis of the environment and to
chemistry and learn the importance of renewable
and heterogeneous catalysis, as well understand how we impact upon it.
sustainable technology. materials.
as biocatalysis. Most biocatalysts are
enzymes and the advantages of using Option Modules
The Green Chemistry and Sustainable
cleaner biocatalytic alternatives in the Year 2 option
Manufacturing option covers the
fine chemical industry are explained. Dynamic earth: Origins, evolution,
principles of green chemistry, including
Of key importance to synthetic and biogeochemistry and climate
measuring greenness. Cleaner
medicinal chemistry is the preparation Programme highlights Year 3 options
chemical technologies, such as use of
of enantiomerically enriched products, Raw materials and life cycle Atmospheric chemistry
supercritical fluids and microwaves are
which is covered in asymmetric assessment MChem only
highlighted, as well as biofuels and
catalysis. Benefits of green chemistry to Chemical theory and computation
sustainable energy.
human health Analytical and forensic chemistry
For an MChem course, you can choose Year 4 option
Option Modules Catalytic methods in asymmetric
any of the Year 3 options in Spring/ Recent advances in atmospheric and
Year 2 option synthesis
Summer, allowing you to design your environmental chemistry
Green chemistry and sustainable Technological challenges in
own degree programme to reflect your Molecular modelling is extensively
manufacturing
interests. process development The options above are a selection of current applied in atmospheric chemistry and Programme highlights
Year 3 options
Structure, function and action of options. In order to keep teaching as up-to-date as Chemical Theory and Computation Chemical evolution of the Earth
Catalysis with green technologies possible, options are constantly being refreshed.
This course links, in particular, to the biocatalysts explores the computer simulation of Chemical oceanography
MChem only
research activities of our internationally molecular systems. Using analytical
Synthesis – from nature to the lab Biofuels and fuel cells For example, Dynamic Earth: Origins, Meteorology and climate change
leading Green Chemistry Centre techniques to quantify trace species in
Bioinspired chemistry Evolution, Biogeochemistry and Climate Archaeological environments in
the environment is also important and
sets out to explain how the elements so Analytical and Forensic Chemistry the geological past
were created and how the Earth came and Recent Advances in Atmospheric Atmospheric modelling and
to have its present structure. This and Environmental Chemistry are also measurement techniques
module introduces the underlying relevant to this course. Impact of air pollution on climate
concepts and analytical techniques that
and human health
allow the structures and stable isotopic If you choose to take the MChem
compositions of fossil and sedimentary degree F145, there will be opportunities
organic residues to be exploited. Case for project work with research groups Laboratory. The first of its kind
studies show how records of changes in the Department which specialise in the UK, these laboratories enable
in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, sea in particular experimental and theoretical studies
surface and mean air temperatures and aspects of relating to the science of local and
relative sea-level can be revealed over environmental global air pollution, stratospheric ozone
geological timescales. chemistry. This depletion and climate change.
All our Chemistry
includes our
undergraduate Atmospheric Chemistry explores the Each year some of the placements on
internationally-
courses are accredited chemistry that occurs in the Earth’s offer through our ‘year in industry’
leading
by the Royal Society atmosphere, and the ways in which this scheme relate to environmental work.
Wolfson
of Chemistry. chemistry can be investigated. These Atmospheric
two options provide the background, at Chemistry
a chemical level, for many of the critical
All our Chemistry undergraduate courses are
environmental issues which we face.
accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
10 11
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Chemistry, biological
and medicinal chemistry
For example, proteins regulate chemical molecules, including pharmaceuticals
F152 (BSc)
processes in living systems, and they and agrochemicals) and Bioinspired
F153 (MChem, year abroad) are constructed in accordance with a Chemistry (showing the way in which
F154 (MChem, year in industry) code carried within DNA. In the option biology is increasingly inspiring the
Genes to Proteins you learn how DNA design of new chemical systems and
F155 (MChem, year in York)
sequences can be rearranged so that, for materials) are also relevant to the course.
example, human proteins can be made
by bacteria. There are major research groups in the
Department specialising in the design
Chemistry and Disease describes the and synthesis of new pharmaceuticals, in
This is a course about the chemistry
development of chemotherapy and our determining the structure, function and
of life. It gives you the opportunity to
understanding of the way in which drugs mode of operation of molecules in living
learn about the chemistry of biological
interact with the body. A knowledge of systems. This includes our Biological
systems, the molecular basis of disease
drug interaction helps us to minimise Chemistry group, York Structural
and how to design pharmaceutical
side-effects and to increase the efficiency Biology Laboratory, whose research
products to combat illness.
of therapy by targeting drug delivery. focuses on the fundamental chemical
Option Modules basis for biological and biochemical
Molecular aspects of complex diseases, processes, the use of small molecules
Year 2 option
including Alzheimer’s disease, are to probe cellular biology, software
Genes to proteins
covered, as are modern strategies for and methods development and on the
Year 3 options
drug design, including computational exploitation of enzymes in biocatalysis.
Chemistry and disease
techniques. The target-oriented
MChem only
approach to therapeutic intervention Many MChem students choose to stay
Synthesis – from nature to the lab
will be illustrated with examples from at York for Year 4 of their course. Our
Bioinspired chemistry
molecular and cell biology. ‘year in industry scheme’, is an attractive
Year 4 option
Recent advances in organic chemistry alternative,
Several other option modules, notably since several of
The options above are a selection of current options. Synthesis – From Nature to the Lab the major UK
In order to keep teaching as up-to-date as possible, (dealing with biosynthesis, and modern pharmaceutical
options are constantly being refreshed.
synthetic approaches to important companies
participate in
the scheme.
Programme highlights
The role of proteins in nature
Chemotherapy
Drug design, delivery and
The University of York is
formulations a research-intensive
The chemistry of enzymes Russell Group university that
Genes and genomes
transforms lives through
Computational modelling
education. Each student
brings a new voice to the
All our Chemistry undergraduate diverse perspectives in its
courses are accredited
by the Royal Society
supportive community
of Chemistry. The Complete University Guide, 2022
12 13
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Choices for the final year of our MChem programmes
Year 4 of the MChem programme can be spent at the University of York, at one of our partner
universities abroad, or in paid and structured industrial training. In each case, the work you
do is assessed, and carries 30% of the overall marks for the MChem degree. Our Chemistry
courses at York are distinctive in offering this element of choice in the final year
Year 4 at... What you’ll do Over 40 What our students say
research
groups to
York Accompanying the project work, which
forms the major part of the programme, select from
something of the work which others in the group are doing,
and use the appropriate equipment and instrumentation.
“The research at York is of
is an accompanying open learning The assessment of your performance in Year 4 is based on:
the highest quality, with
module, which introduce some of the • your execution of the project key interest areas including
most recent and important developments The research project, • the project report you produce
in, for example, atmospheric and started in October, is normally carried • an oral presentation
synthetic chemistry, green
environmental, green, inorganic, organic out in the laboratory of your project The project and the activities which accompany it give you chemistry and liquid crystals
and physical chemistry. You can choose supervisor. This gives you the opportunity valuable training in a considerable range of skills, and it is not
from the components on offer. to work within a research group, learn unusual for project work to be published in scientific journals. & nanoparticles”
Craig
At a university As well as the career advantages of the
year of study abroad, it also represents
academic year in Australia, Belgium,
Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India,
agreements with more than one university, your final choice of
university can be left until the middle of year 3.
“As the chemistry department
abroad an opportunity:
• to explore a new city and country
Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain
or USA. Language Requirements
has connections with 15
• to make new friends During your year abroad you will have:
different universities across
Students applying for this course are generally required to
• to experience a different • a University of York supervisor with have a minimum of GCSE grade 5 in an appropriate European the globe, I was spoilt for
lifestyle whom you are encouraged to stay in language.
Our student regular contact • Further training in the language of the country in which you
choice but decided to go
exchanges • a supervisor at your host institution wish to study is also provided by the University during the first with Canada as my top
give you the • your York supervisor will support you three years of the MChem course through the “Languages for
opportunity to and discuss progress and plans for your All” programme. This is free of charge to Chemistry students
preference”
spend an placement registered for our “Year in Europe” courses Katie
If you wish to study in France or • Note that in Helsinki courses are given in English, so a
Germany, where we have exchange knowledge of Finnish is not required
In industry Around 50 organisations currently
participate in our “year in industry”
Switzerland. A small number, for example,
the Central Science Laboratory of the
project on which you write a report which forms a major
part of your assessment “The skills I learnt
scheme. This differs from the traditional Department of Environment, Food and • There is also an element of “distance learning” in your and the knowledge
industrial “sandwich” year, with the Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the Rutherford programme for the year, so that you do not lose contact
emphasis very much on carrying out a Appleton Laboratory, are not industrial with the academic side of your course I gained throughout
research project. Typically a minimum organisations in the normally accepted my first three years at
of 30 of our students spend a year in sense. The Chemical Industry seems to appreciate the extra maturity
industry and we ensure that the nature and the enhanced background in chemistry shown by Year 4 York helped make my
of the training and project work provide During your year in industry you students. Some companies offer permanent employment to
graduates whom they have trained on an industrial placement.
final year in industry
an appropriate challenge. will have
• A University placement supervisor the success it has
Most of the organisations are UK-based How the scheme works
companies, but some are in other
• An industrial supervisor
• You will all meet at intervals to discuss • At the end of Year 2 you will receive details of the
been’”
Alex
European progress and plans for the rest of the placements for your year
countries placement • You then identify the placements in which you are interested
such as The • The meetings may take place at York or • At the start of Year 3 you apply for the placements through
Netherlands, at the company the department
France, • Companies then select the students they wish to interview
Germany and What your work will consist of for particular placements
during the placement • Interviews are conducted Students typically earn between £17k and £22k
• A substantial portion consists of a • Companies make offers which students can then accept or during their industrial placement year
decline
14 15
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
Our teaching A typical week
Distinctively, for all our
BSc and MChem courses, On Wednesday afternoon I do private Study Skills
Lectures provide the structure of our our students undertake Our Chemistry courses provide
Chemistry courses and offer a sound an extended final
study... I also do tap dancing and swimming opportunities for developing study
base for your independent learning. year project in a in the evening... I also volunteer
The size of lectures varies from over Lectures Research research area of
skills. Study skills not only help you
200 to as few as 10 for some of the their choice. Our to work with a club for disabled kids to learn, but they are skills you
option modules. Lectures last for 50 Projects MChem students Amy need in order to make effective
use of your knowledge
minutes and presentations range from carry out their
the more traditional ‘chalk and talk’ to project within a
the use of digital presentations. university research
group (at York or
abroad, working alongside
PhD students) or in the
1 2 3 4
Mon Tue Wed Thu
Chemical Industry. Students
on industrial placement carry
out research work which is
relevant to the company for
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Our
which they work.
Tutorials
Teaching Students typically spend 9 or 10 hours on their
Typically a
couple of 50
Typically three 50
minute lectures and
practical work over Monday/Tuesday - up to minute lectures a two hour college
around 6 hours in the laboratory and 3-4 hours (all lectures are
Our smallest group teaching workshop (all held
on associated discussions or workshops and recorded). The
sessions are called tutorials. in the Chemistry
time spent writing up scripts afternoon is free
They are usually one hour in Workshops for hobbies. Department)
length with up to 5 students
and a college tutor who is a
specialist in the subject. Tutorials
are arranged by colleges and are
a great opportunity to explore
course material in much greater
depth than lectures allow. Tutorials
Workshops allow groups of students to explore a 5 6 7 Overview of Activities
particular Chemistry topic, usually over one to two hours. A typical pattern of work for a first
aim to clarify points raised in
Fri Sat Sun
In year one, typically up to 25 chemists in the same year Chemistry at York involves the
lectures, to engage in problem teaching college will be divided into small groups to work
solving and to allow our students following:
through problem sheets, directed by a college tutor who
to explore and discuss particular is a specialist in the subject. The structure of workshops spending 7 or 8 hours attending
aspects of their Chemistry course. varies, being tailored to the particular topic, but everyone Friday Weekend Weekend lectures
They also help students to develop
skills to learn independently, in the Practicals is expected to contribute actively to the discussions,
and this is an opportunity for our students to develop 9 or 10 hours on practical works
ways most suited to them. communication, analytical and team-working skills. (including associated discussions
or workshops and time spent
Typically three 50 writing up scripts)
minute lectures and An opportunity for further private study and
in the Chemistry for enjoying university social life, as well as 1 hour attending a tutorial with
Our practical course is designed to complement your theoretical
studies and constitutes most of the continuously assessed parts of Easing the transition: department a one exploring York by day or night. perhaps 8 hours spent in reading
your degree. You will carry out a wide variety of experiments, from In Year 1, students typically carry out a different hour college tutorial. and preparing written work for it
the synthesis of target compounds to a crime-scene investigation experiment each week and they record their on average, 2 - 3 hours preparing
using forensic methodology. It gives you experience in handling and results on practical scripts which are graded for workshops.
interpreting experimental data and demonstrates how principles
together with any samples they have prepared/
taught in lecture courses can be put to use. Later in the course This still leaves a significant
isolated. Written feedback is provided and a
more emphasis is given to the planning of experiments. Wherever amount of time to follow-up
debriefing is provided by a demonstrator. To
possible, we try to include contexts to emphasise the relevance of the
give our students time to adjust to the practical
You get loads of feedback from on each lecture and for private
experimental work in our everyday lives.
course, in the first few weeks, the marks are not the tutorials to help deepen your reading. Each term involves an
average working week of around
Our teaching undergoes a constant process of refinement
taken into account for assessment purposes.
understanding of each lecture course 40 hours
to keep courses as fresh and up to date as possible Lizzie
16 17
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545
In 2020, a new building
Our research to house a cryo electron Research
in the Department
microscope, as well
of Chemistry is thriving;
as facilities for protein research income has averaged
£10.4m
One major objective is to undertake the highest quality fundamental crystallography and high-
and applied research. York has a distinctive interdisciplinary structure field NMR spectroscopy,
founded on strong areas of core chemistry.
was created. This ensures
Development of analytical methods, principally centred our researchers have access in new grants per annum
on separations science and mass spectrometry, and their over 2016-2020
Analytical + application in biomolecular and environmental research to the latest, state-of-the-
Environmental art facilities for determining
Spectroscopy and dynamics
+ Atmospheric
Green +
Research centre which protein structure.
aims to promote the
of molecules, solid-state inc. NMR development and
NMR, remote sensing and
Catalysis
+ MS implementation of
ab initio quantum inc. new fuels green and sustainable
chemistry chemistry and related
The Wolfson Atmospheric
Physical technologies into new Chemistry Laboratories
products and processes
inc. laser (WACL) bring together
spectroscopy an incredible mix of
science, engineering and
Inorganic computing skills which
inc. solar helps us develop evidence
Our fuels + and insight to deliver
Research metals in
biology
cleaner air, lower emissions
and reduced environmental
Biological
impacts. Our work spans
inc. drug
Strengths in organometallic, from inside the home to
discovery coordination and bioinorganic
chemistry as well as catalysis, the stratosphere, working
inorganic photochemistry and closely with NERC and the
inorganic materials
Methods to determine, Materials Government to provide
analyse and exploit the inc. liquid the UK with world-leading
structure of proteins
and their complexes crystals + expertise and facilities
with other molecules.
Organic nanotechnology Professor Lucy Carpenter, FRS
The research contributes
powerful insights into inc. synthesis
biological function and
finds application in drug
+ medicinal York’s biological chemistry
discovery and exploitation Major themes include chirality, device materials, super- and
of enzymes as biocatalysts supra-molecular liquid crystals, polymers and dendrimers, data research, including
storage materials, liquid crystal nanoparticles, lyotropics, bent-
core mesogens and metallomesogens, biaxial nematics, device
structural and chemical
Strengths include demanufacture, electroluminescent materials, gel materials as biology has its epicentre in
94%
natural product phantoms for X-ray treatment of tumours, and biomaterials
synthesis, catalysis the York Structural Biology
and mechanism,
Research facilities Laboratory (YSBL). In
asymmetric
of our research activity
synthesis, synthetic The Department is very well equipped to sustain a wide-ranging 2019 YSBL were awarded
rated ‘world-leading’ research activity with first-class mechanical, electrical and
or ‘internationally
methodology,
glassblowing workshops. Specialised experimental officers support
the Queen’s Anniversary
radical chemistry
excellent’ and combinatorial research across all departmental research activities including X-ray Prize for their pioneering
REF Assessment, chemistry
2014
diffraction, our centre for magnetic resonance (NMR), our centre of work in protein molecule
excellence in mass spectrometry (MS), EPR and the Laser Centre.
research.
18 19
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545For you, with our compliments
We provide a Teaching Package to all students starting
on one of our Chemistry courses.
The pack contains: A Molecular Model Set to learn about physical and chemical properties,
molecular shape and bonding in mathematical data, units and constants
An electronic copy of our Year 1 organic and inorganic molecules
recommended textbook, Chemistry3 A series of detailed laboratory scripts
Affiliate membership of the RSC for are provided in advance of each of
A laboratory coat one year. Membership of the RSC, the the practical courses
learned society and professional body
A full set of laboratory equipment for the chemical sciences, will enable We have completed an ambitious
including a comprehensive set of you to keep up to date with the project to develop on-line resources to
Quickfit glassware, test tubes, lab chemical sciences and support your support the teaching of introductory
beakers, graduated cylinders, conical subject and profession skills in practical Chemistry
flasks and volumetric flasks
A Chemistry Data Book, which contains Membership for 1 year of our
Safety spectacles a selection of information including student-run society, ‘ChemSoc’.
The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence
(GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility
for pioneering pure and applied green and
Photograph © Paul Shields
sustainable chemical research through
its technology platforms on microwave
chemistry, alternative solvents, clean synthesis
and bio-based mesoporous materials.
20 21
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545Employability and Careers
As part of our Chemistry degree programmes we
show a commitment to developing our students Employability
Employability means the possession
employability skills; we have embedded this in our of the skills and experience
courses as illustrated by some examples necessary to secure fulfilling
As part of my master’s degree I went into employment – as defined by the
individual – and to manage life
90% schools and talked to young people about We pride ourselves on the quality of our long career progression, enabling
of Chemistry graduates chemistry... I now support chemistry whole degree programmes, with chemical graduates to successfully navigate
in graduate level jobs or teachers and young people studying chemistry skills at the heart of that, but we have not
changes and challenges in their
Jo (Royal Society of Chemistry) work and personal circumstances
are in HE/professional forgotten about other skills that help to
study 15 months after lead our students into a job
graduation Careers events
Chair of our Board of Studies
Guardian University To help our Chemistry students
Cosmetics
plan their careers we offer an:
Guide, 2022 Computing
Consultancy employability tutorial
Accountancy The year 1 “Happening” and CV writing workshop
Analytical integrated practical course; year
Following a year Biotechnology 2 group exercises; year 3
careers symposium
in industry at Environment laboratory miniprojects; and interview skills workshop
year 4 industrial placement
GlaxoSmithKline, Food Industry
Forensics
I now put together data Independent Teamworking
packages for health Sales learning including our Year 2 group exercise
Science macromolecules Business + and year 4 industrial
authorities for Writing Chemistry self-study customer placement
product licences Teaching Careers module
awareness
Siân (Reckitt-Benckiser) Further
study Self
Law management
My degree helped Marketing
me specialise in Nonprofit
sector Tutorial and
areas of medicinal Problem workshop problems;
and biological chemistry,
Publishing
Research
Skills solving practical work; and
project work
which has lead me to my Medicine Programme
Medicinal
current position as an Application
Nanotechnology
associate scientist of IT
Sean (Vernalis)
Year 1 quantitative chemistry
Career Opportunities for Chemists Application skills course; chemical topics
The sheer diversity of options for chemistry graduates can take many by surprise. Practical and project of numeracy (inc physical chemistry); and
The demand for chemistry teachers has never been greater, and the profession 99.1% reports; and use of practical
promises the opportunity to communicate a subject that you love to the next specialist software
generation of scientists. of first year
Working for industry can mean much more than producing pharmaceuticals or Chemistry students Communication
feedstock chemicals. Companies that make food, nanomaterials and medical
continuing to + literacy
devices, all need chemists. The burgeoning science of nanotechnology, which An award-winning employability
promises to revolutionise fields as diverse as electronics and energy production, second year programme offers all students access
is fundamentally a molecular science that cannot progress without chemistry.
As Chemistry involves mathematics and reasoned argument the numerical and Guardian University
to volunteering, internships and study abroad
problem-solving skills that our students have developed are also sought out Guide, 2022 Weekly tutorials and workshops; final
in banking, law, and accountancy. The analytical and numeracy skills can be year research project; year 1 literature
options to help build their career.
invaluable in information technology. presentations; Staff-Student Forum The Complete University Guide, 2022
and the year abroad
22 23
University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545 University of York Department of Chemistry www.york.ac.uk/chemistry Telephone: 01904 322545Admissions enquiries please contact:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1904 322545
Email: chem-ugrad@york.ac.uk Department of Chemistry
Website: www.york/ac.uk/chemistry
Please contact us to enquire about other
formats of this brochure
Admissions Tutor
Department of Chemistry
University of York
Heslington, York
YO10 5DD
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