Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 28/09/2005
College College Eng and Physical Sci
School Chemistry
Department Chemistry
Partner College and School Pharmacy
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Chemistry with Pharmacology Full-time
Programme Code 5589
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations Royal Society of Chemistry
Aims of the Programme The Programme develops chemical, intellectual and transferable skills, along with pharmacology skills, preparing students for employment in chemical and related fields. There is an option in chemical and related fields. There is an option of acquiring enhanced chemical skills at Level 4 (Masters Level) relevant to full professional status - enabling qualification for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status (RSC).

In more detail, the programme aims to:

Provide a sound knowledge base in the field of chemistry (to an enhanced level in the case of the MSci programme), to additionally provide a grounding in related disciplines studied (e.g. optional material) and to develop wider transferable and transformation skills (within the Major component of the programme);
Provide students with a coherent and significant development of pharmacology topics (within the Minor component of the programme);
Provide a rational, structured and coherent programme of study that is relevant to the needs of employers;
Facilitate the professional development of the student and provide training in appropriate skills (e.g. chemical safety);
Develop a logical and enquiring attitude, with appropriate critical analysis and scientific discipline to encourage lifelong learning;
Provide experience of originality in the application of knowledge and understanding of how research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge in Chemistry;
Develop an enthusiasm for chemistry and pharmacology, and expose students to the frontiers of the disciplines.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Structure, Reactivity and Bonding, Determination of Structure, Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry of the Elements, s-, p-, and d- block elements, Transition Metal Chemistry, Solid-State Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Homogeneous Catalysis, f- block elements.
Synthesis and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry, Conformational Analysis and Alicyclic Chemistry, FMO Methods and Stereoelectronic effects, Medicinally Active Compounds, Synthetic Strategy and Planning, Functional Group Transformations.
Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Quantum Mechanics and Intramolecular Forces, Properties of Solutions, Electrolyte Solutions and Electrochemistry, Optical Spectroscopy, Electronic Terms and States, Electronic Spectroscopy and Level Populations, Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis, Photochemistry and Kinetics, Properties of Solids and their Surfaces.
The functional anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system; the role of the autonomic nervous system in the control of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system and the functions of the eye. The concept of a drug receptor and appreciate the nature of these receptors; the terms agonist, antagonist, partial agonist, affinity and efficacy, and understand the importance of these parameters in determining the properties of drugs; the importance of pharmacokinetics in influencing the response to a drug; the mechanisms of action and side effects of selected drugs affecting a) the peripheral nerves, b) the central nervous system, c) the gastrointestinal tract, d) inflammatory processes and e) infectious organisms and cancer cells; the ways in which differences between individuals can influence the response to, and toxic effects of, drugs; how simple pharmacological experiments are performed and present and interpret data from these experiments.
The broad structure of the brain at an anatomical, cellular and molecular level; the mechanisms by which brain cells communicate and by which drugs may affect the functioning of the brain; how brain function is studied in the clinic and in the laboratory; the biological basis of common neurological and psychiatric disorders; alternative approaches to the treatment of neurological and psychiatric illnesses.

The causes, treatment options and consequences of individual neurological and psychiatric disorders. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of learning and memory and evaluate the uses of so-called smart drugs which may enhance these functions. The mechanisms and protective functions of pain, and approaches to the alleviation of excessive pain. The biological basis of addictive behaviour, the harmful physical effects caused by drugs of abuse and explain strategies available for reducing substance misuse.

The variety of mechanisms by which drugs can influence the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine systems. The mechanisms of action and side effects of the main drugs in current use to influence these systems. How an in-depth understanding of these systems informs the rational development of new drugs and new treatment strategies.
The many routes from which potential drugs can be sourced; the complex procedures involved in developing a potential drug, including manufacturing, scientific and legal issues.

The importance of studying the effects of drugs at the molecular, intact tissue and whole body levels; the structure and function of some of the major classes of receptors; how the signals from various receptor systems may be integrated at a cellular level to produce a co-ordinated response; the ways in which pharmacokinetics, adaptive reflexes and homeostatic mechanisms may modify the effects of drugs in different experimental systems.

The problems involved in developing animal paradigms of human disease states; the implications of the regulatory processes which control the introduction of new drugs and the Home Office Regulations regarding the use of animals in research; the experimental techniques involved in current research in molecular pharmacology and the variety of methods which may be employed to study the action of drugs in vivo.
Depending on module choice: advanced materials chemistry, advanced supramolecular chemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry, total synthesis of natural products, chemical biology, advanced synthetic methods, chemical dynamics, spectroscopy and symmetry, clusters, surfaces and interfaces, soft matter
The acquisition of knowledge is achieved mainly through lectures, laboratory classes (which supplement and complement the core chemistry material) and directed student-centred learning.

Student-centred learning is employed where there is appropriate source material, and will vary during the levels of the programme.

Support of lecture-based learning is provided by workshops and tutorials, and through set work (e.g. problem sheets, worksheets etc).
Assessment methods as specified in each module guide.

All learning outcomes in a module are assessed, and the mode of assessment specified for each outcome.

In general, each module is assessed by a combination of continuous assessment during the year (e.g. tutorial and/or workshop and laboratory based assessment) and written unseen examinations, normally at the end of each level.
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Intellectual skills - on completion of the programme students will be able to:

Integrate theoretical concepts and practice;

Synthesise information and data from a variety of sources; Put forward and test hypotheses;

Apply fundamental principles to the solution of complex chemical and pharmacological problems; Analyse, evaluate and interpret the results of controlled experiments;

Demonstrate the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report a substantial research project; Evaluate critically current research in chemistry and evaluate methodologies.
Subject Specific Skills (practical) - on completion of the programme students will be able to:

Conduct laboratory and project work in a safe and effective manner;

Propose sensible schemes for chemical synthesis and design appropriate experimental protocols; Conduct experimental work to the necessary professional standards of accuracy and precision;

Investigate complex chemical and pharmacological issues in a systematic manner and make judgments in the absence of complete data;

Demonstrate the ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level in chemistry; Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding of chemistry and to develop new skills.
Key/Transferable Skills - on completion of the programme students will be able to:

Communicate effectively by written and verbal means; Solve numerical problems in a chemical context; Use information Technology to obtain information, analyze data and to present reports;

To design methods for the solution of problems; To demonstrate an open-minded and critical attitude to the evaluation of information; Demonstrate enquiring and scientific attitudes to problems;

Demonstrate the ability to make decisions in complex chemical situations; Undertake group work in an effective manner; Demonstrate the capacity for the independent learning required for continuing professional development in chemistry.
Intellectual skills are developed through the integration of theoretical material and laboratory work, and assignments. Open-ended project work is designed to allow students to demonstrate achievement of the overall learning outcomes in a synoptic fashion.

Coordinated laboratory and laboratory-related work integrated into each appropriate module. The focus is on the acquisition of the key chemical skills relevant to the study of chemistry at each level. The final year research project provides experience in the planning and implementation of experimental work.

Formal instruction will be provided in key communication skills and Information Technology at the appropriate points during the programme. These will be reinforced in the project element at the final level of the programme. The programme also includes elements on team working centred around problem based learning activities.
Partly through written unseen examinations, but the main vehicle for assessment of intellectual skills is in the continuous assessment associated with each module and the written report associated with the substantial final year research projects.

A variety of continuous assessments, including inspection of laboratory record-books, certification of skills, formal written reports, assessment of accuracy of work, and, where appropriate, presentations. Written report, oral presentation and oral defence of final year research project.

A number of elements of continuous assessment at each level will assess key skills. In addition, assessment of the major research project is through written formal reports (dissertation), informal reports, formal presentations and oral defence, which will assess a number of key transferable skills.