Diary COURSE: Chemistry (Bsc and MChem)
What will my first year of university be like? How many academics teach on my course?
How many students will be on the course?
Do you share modules?
You have probably asked yourself these questions loads of times! Choosing a university and a course is a big decision, there is so much information out there, sometimes too much, so how do you know you’re making the right choice? We’ve put together a snapshot of what your first year as a Chemistry student at the University of Salford might look like, you can find out a bit more about the modules you’ll study, field trips you’ll go on and a few hints and tips from a current first year student. Our Chemistry course is relatively small compared to some other universities you may be looking at, we have about 20 students on the first year of the course, so you’ll get to know the other students on your course really well. Some of the modules you’ll be studying are shared across a number of our chemistry-related programmes, so you’ll get to meet students from other courses such as Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Science. You’ll be taught by about 15 tutors in the first year of your Chemistry course and you’ll also have a personal tutor who you will meet as a group about ten times a year but your personal tutor will have weekly office hours so you can always book an appointment if you need to chat to them. Your personal tutor is there to help you with any problems you may have throughout your course and will be with you through your degree.
Your first field trip!
Monkey
forest
During your induction week we take you to Trentham Monkey Forest where you can stroll around a woodland and get up close to some Barbary Macaques. This is just a fun day out where you can get to know your fellow students and lecturers and form some lasting friendships. There’s no cost, we provide all the transport and we go there and back in a day so it’s a really easy way to experience your first field trip!
What will I study in my first year? In your first year of our Chemistry programme you’ll study the following modules:
- Chemical Structure Determinat ion - Introduct ion to Org anic Chemis try - Introduct ion to Phys ical Chemis try - Inorganic a nd Analytic al Chemist ry - Introduct ory Bioche mistry - B iochemica l and Pharm aceutical Skills
But what do I actually study in those modules?
In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits, so each of these modules is worth 20 credits each. You will study each of these modules for the whole year rather than studying some modules up to Christmas then studying new modules up to Easter. This means that we can spread your assessments out a little bit better! In this section, we are going to give you a bit more information on each of those modules, so you have a better understanding of not just what you will study, but how and what assessments will be involved. The amount of time you spend in lectures and seminars can vary throughout the year, you are expected to do assignments, reading and independent study as well as your scheduled activities. All your activities should add up to about 35 - 40 hours a week (the same as a full-time job).
MODULE: Chemical Structure Determination This module will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of and describe the principles of UV/Vis spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and EI- and CI-mass spectrometry. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to demonstrate chemical problem-solving skills by identifying organic compounds using data derived from these techniques.
Aims and objectives of the module: To introduce the principles and applications of electron- and chemicalionisation mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infra-red and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. To demonstrate how spectroscopy and mass spectrometry may be used to characterise and identify chemical structure.
What will the assessments be like? You will have a 45-minute multiple-choice test in January covering all the material covered in the module so far. This is worth 30% of your overall module mark. You will have a 90-minute exam covering all the material covered between January and May. This is worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors supporting you on a module varies and depends on the areas of expertise of our academics, you will usually have two or three tutors supporting you throughout this module.
Get ahead with your reading Field, L.D., Sternhell, S. & Kahman, J.R. (2013) Organic Structures from Spectra (5th Ed.), Wiley & Sons.
MODULE: Introduction to Organic Chemistry The aim of this module is to introduce organic chemistry through structure and mechanism. You will study organic reactions of key functional groups such as alkenes, carbonyl and aromatic compounds. This module is delivered by weekly lectures.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce the fundamentals of structure drawing, molecular orbitals and organic mechanism. Establish the basic principles of functional group reactivity.
What will the assessments be like? You will have a 45-minute multiple-choice test in January covering all the material covered in the module so far. This is worth 30% of your overall module mark. You will have a 90-minute exam covering all the material covered between January and May. This is worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors supporting you on a module varies and depends on the areas of expertise of our academics, you will usually have two tutors supporting you throughout this module.
Get ahead with your reading McMurry. (2007) Organic Chemistry. 6th edition Brooks & Cole. (Any basic, university level organic chemistry textbook can substitute, McMurry is just an example).
MODULE: Introduction to Physical Chemistry The aim of this module is to introduce physical chemistry through energy and chemical bonding. You will study topics such as reaction kinetics, chemical equilibria and atomic and molecular structure. You will have a mixture of lectures and tutorials throughout this module.
Aims and objectives of the module: To introduce fundamentals of physical chemistry including: thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, phase diagrams, quantum chemistry and molecular geometry. To develop problem solving skills applied to different aspects of physical chemistry. To learn via different approaches such as lectures, problem solving tutorials, computer-based and chemistry laboratory practical’s and workshops.
What will the assessments be like? You will have a 45-minute multiple-choice test in January covering all the material covered in the module so far. This is worth 30% of your overall module mark. You will have a 90-minute exam covering all the material covered between January and May. This is worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? You will mainly be taught by one tutor throughout this module.
Get ahead with your reading Atkins’ physical chemistry Peter Atkins 2017
MODULE: Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry In this module you will learn the principles of key areas of chemical analysis and inorganic chemistry such as electrochemistry, voltammetry and chromatography.
Aims and objectives of the module: To introduce key topics in inorganic and analytical chemistry. To demonstrate knowledge of the structure and bonding of inorganic compounds. To demonstrate knowledge and explain the principles of chemical analysis, electrochemistry and chromatography.
What will the assessments be like? You will have a 45-minute multiple-choice test in January covering all the material covered in the module so far. This is worth 30% of your overall module mark. You will have a 90-minute exam covering all the material covered between January and May. This is worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors supporting you on a module varies and depends on the areas of expertise of our academics, you will usually have two tutors supporting you throughout this module.
Get ahead with your reading Mackay and Mackay. Introduction to Modern Inorganic Chemistry. Blackie and Sons Ltd. Glasgow. Skoog, West & Holler. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry. Saunders College Publishing, Orlando.
MODULE: Introductory Biochemistry The aim of this module is to introduce principles of biochemistry. You will study biochemical pathways and organelles, relevant to cell biology. This module will be delivered by a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials and hands-on computer sessions.
Aims and objectives of the module: Expose you to basic concepts in biochemistry, including macromolecules (such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids), biochemical pathways, their integration and control. Moreover, this module will illustrate the application of important biochemical techniques useful within the area of molecular bioscience. Introduce you to study skills (delivered via workshops and tutorials) to equip you with learning and study skills necessary for the successful completion of your programme of study.
What will the assessments be like? 30% of your module mark will be from a group poster presentation, the poster will allow you to apply group work and to demonstrate the knowledge gained through the first few months of the module. The other 70% of the module mark will be made up of an exam. This will consist of multiple choice questions and long essay questions.
Who will teach me? This module will be delivered by a number of tutors, based on their areas of expertise. Normally, five or six tutors will be involved in the delivery of this module.
Get ahead with your reading Nelson & Cox. (2007) Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry. 7th edition. Worth
MODULE: Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Skills This module is designed to help you facilitate and develop effective use of laboratory apparatus in the performance of basic techniques, and to develop practical laboratory skills relevant to biology and chemistry. This module will be delivered by weekly lab practicals and associated computer classes.
Aims and objectives of the module: To develop competencies in core skills employed in biomedical laboratory practice. To facilitate the safe and effective use of equipment/instrumentation and samples/specimens in common laboratory applications, taking account of accuracy, calibration, precision and reliability. To promote good laboratory practices and awareness of the need for compliance with relevant health & safety policies. To develop data handling, analysis, interpretation and communication skills.
What will the assessments be like? You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods during this module, including lab reports, in-class worksheets, assessed practical classes and skills assessments.
Who will teach me? This module will be delivered by two tutors, based on their areas of expertise.
Get ahead with your reading Exploring chemistry: laboratory experiments in general, organic and biological chemistry Julie R. Peller 2004
How does my week look? Don’t put these in your calendar just yet, timetables change each year and you will get your actual timetable during your induction week!
Mon
9
MORNING 10 11 12
1
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat Sun
5
Meet coursemates in library @1pm
:) No lectures
Tue
AFTERNOON 2 3 4
No lectures Study day
Biochem & Pharmaceutical Skills 9-12
Revision
with friends
Chem Intro to St ructure organic Determination chemistry 11-1 9-11
Intro to Biochem tutorial
Inorganic and analytical Chemist 9-11
Introduc tory Biochem istry 2-4
Intro to Physical Chemistry 11-1
Swimmin
g
Day in the life
t try studen
ar Chemis
ig, first ye Nina Koen
Meet Nina
Getting into a routine During my time as a Chemistry student at Salford University, I quickly developed a routine. I spend my free days usually reviewing the previous weeks’ lectures. This is especially important before the lab day and a good habit to get into. All of my lectures are in the morning (as is the case with most science courses).
Wakey - Wakey On a day I have a lecture I have a set alarm for 7.30 am although it is fair to say I have a pretty long lie in and get up by 8.00am. I get dressed and have breakfast (most important meal of the day) as well as making a lunchbox. Lectures start at 9.00am so I’m usually out the door by 8.45am.
Time for a lecture Despite the early start lecturers are enthusiastic and the ‘open door’ policy makes the environment more laid back and casual. Being an undergraduate can be tough. My peers come from different backgrounds so sometimes the sessions can be slow going but it’s all good revision. A typical lecture is two hours long, usually with a quick break halfway through. Lecturers provide copies of their PowerPoints usually before the lecture as well as handing out printouts of their notes on the day. I use post-it notes and bookmarks to mark points of interest for further study/use for revision.
Free time! During the afternoon I’d recap my notes, maybe meet up with friends from other but similar courses who I share modules with making it a really diverse group of friends. Revision in a group is especially good as we help each other with the areas we struggle with. But it’s not all about the academics. In the evening I spend my free time gaming or going to the swimming pool and during the weekend I’d either do my grocery shop or head into the heart of Manchester city to shop or hang out with friends.
Just a t en minuite train ride to the centre o f Manches ter
Day in the life Meet Claire
Claire Hay
wood, first
year Chem
istry stud
ent
Ready for the morning lectures I spend most of my mornings getting ready to go to my lectures. I wake up around 7:30am set off to my lectures for around 8:00am. Most days I start my lectures at 9am so I use the walk from my dorms to my lectures as a great wake-me-up for the rest of the day, I also get to walk across Peel Park every morning making it very pleasant.
Time to hit the gym Today I had a practical session, which is always fun. My practical classes happen to finish for midday, usually leaving me with the rest of the day free for other activities. There’s an on-campus gym I like to use after my lectures a few days a week. I spend about an hour at the gym before heading back to my halls.
Coursework then catching up with friends Before cooking up some lunch, I spend some time on my coursework but only about an hour or so a day. Later on, after my lunch (and some Netflix), I start getting ready to leave again as me and some friends leave to go see a film at the cinema and a meal after. At this point it’s nearly 11pm at night so I decide to head home ready for the next morning’s lectures.
t o star t t e g I y with a d y m k ly wal a love k el par e p s s acro
Our facilities Our labs are state-of-theart with industry-standard equipment…
r labs
Bodme
But what does any of that mean? It means that our labs host the equipment that is used in most professional labs. This is a great advantage for you when you graduate as when you start a new job in a lab, you’ll already know how most of the equipment works, it will also make you stand out in the interview process as you can mention the equipment that you already know how to use. We are regularly updating the equipment in our labs to make sure they are up-to-date and technologically advanced. This benefits not only you, but also our staff who are carrying out active research. We also have external organisations such as Kidscan (a children’s cancer charity), which is based in our labs and as well as our yearly placement students who also need access to the latest technology.
During your first year you will have your practical lab sessions mainly in our Bodmer Lab (or the Mega Lab as it is referred to by our students!). This has been purpose built to support your learning, so we have really thought about what you’ll need to help you in your practical sessions. One of the unique features of our Bodmer Lab is the TV/AV support system, this allows your tutor to carry out a practical task on their desk whilst you follow along in real-time via the TV screens, which are at the end of each set of benches. You will be able to hear the instructions clearly through the whole lab via the speaker system.
how to g in w o n K l fessiona o r p e s u eat nt is gr e m ip u eq ity ployabil m e r o f
Want to know more? You can find out more about some of the equipment we have by watching our facilities video at www.vimeo.com/universityofsalford/elsfacilities
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Chemistry at the University of Salford now! Remember, this is just a sample of the information you’ll receive in your induction week so some of the information may change a little, especially the timetable!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY TO LEARN MORE! www.salford.ac.uk/ study/chemistry