Chemistry with Industrial Placement Year - BSc (Hons) drafted draft
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-26 | 2023-06-01 |
| 2024-01-23 | 2023-10-16 |
Program Overview
Course overview
Overview
Chemistry is vital in today's modern world. It impacts almost every industry and area of business and is at the heart of solving major global problems, such as food insecurity and climate change. Our Chemistry with Industrial Placement BSc combines the underpinning theory, breadth of subject knowledge and significant experience in industry to enable you to apply the theories you have learnt to real situations.
Year one
In your first year you will develop the skills to enable you to become a professional chemist. You will build a strong grounding in core chemistry knowledge and we will carefully guide you in understanding the mathematics underpinning the subject. Particular attention is paid to building your practical skills and you will have access to various types of research-standard equipment you are likely to use within your career in chemistry - such as ultra-violet visible spectroscopy which is used to follow the rate of reactions of molecules that contain chromophores. To provide context to the knowledge you are learning, you will look at ways in which chemistry is applied to sustainable development and the environment. You will examine the political, social and economic impacts and explore topics like nuclear chemistry and energy, geochemistry, health and toxicology and green chemistry.
Year two
Year two continues to build on developing your theoretical knowledge and practical skills with an increasing emphasis on the need to combine knowledge and critically evaluate experimental evidence in solving theoretical and practical problems. Topics you may explore include; the fundamental principles used in medicinal chemistry to provide a deeper insight into the design and mode of action of medicines, issues surrounding industrial chemistry such as sustainability, key topics in molecular inorganic and organic chemistry and the theory and applications of analytical and spectroscopic techniques.
Year three (placement year)
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. In your third year, you will spend a time gaining practical experience with a chemistry-focused company or organisation. You will become familiar with the professional working environment and have the opportunity to apply the chemistry skills and theories you have learnt to real situations in the industrial workplace. You will develop key professional skills such as the accurate documentation of information; the analysis of chemical data and the planning and safe operation of chemical processes. You will also enhance your employability skills in the presentation and communication of data, the writing of reports, and the ability to work effectively independently, and as part of a team. Work experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field.
Support during your placement
Throughout your placement you will be supported by a dedicated university supervisor, who will be in regular contact and offer advice on pastoral or academic issues. Your supervisor will visit you in your placement organisation at around five weeks after the placement has commenced, and then visit again (or conduct a telephone/video call tutorial) at around 15 weeks into the placement. Weekly supervision sessions will also take place with a placement supervisor (or his/her nominee) throughout the duration of your time in industry.
Year four
Your final year will allow you to take a deep dive into core advanced modules including physical and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and a wide range of analytical techniques and their applications to solving problems in analytical chemistry. You will also have the opportunity to mould your degree to your career aspirations and interests by choosing from a variety of optional modules and completing a final year chemistry project and dissertation.
The chemistry project will specifically develop your experimental and instrumental skills and the dissertation will focus on developing your non-experimental research skills by applying and developing your knowledge and understanding of an aspect of chemistry. Under the guidance of an experienced academic, you can choose your own dissertation topic or explore one of our research themes.
Flexibility to suit your interests
We recognise that your aspirations and interests in the field of chemistry may develop as you are exposed to the diverse themes throughout the programme. With this in mind, our programme is highly flexible and there is the option to switch between our programmes at certain points during your studies - specific marks and thresholds apply.
Support
We offer a multi layered support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course. You will also benefit from the support of a academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team.