BSc (Hons) or MChem — 2025 entry Chemistry

The module provides an introductory overview of the main techniques used in analytical chemistry. It provides understanding  of the fundamental principles of chemical analysis as well as the main aspects of their application. The combination of lectures and practical sessions allows the students to get familiarised with the common practices in an analytical chemistry laboratory (calibration of instrumentation, validation, analysis of quality control samples, etc.) as well to introduce them to health & safety regulations and risk assessment.

This module provides an introduction to Inorganic Chemistry and contains both theoretical and laboratory components. The starting point is basic quantum theory which is built upon to explain the periodic table, key trends and the reactivity of main group and d-block elements. This is underpinned by a review and extension of bonding theories.

This module introduces key skills in: Mathematics: for the manipulation of physical laws underpinning Chemistry Statistics: for analysis and significance testing of hypotheses and analytical data in Chemistry Computing skills: for the basics of molecular modelling and presentation of chemical information in a standard format These skills are essential for your understanding of concepts later in the degree program, as well as in the handling of chemical data particularly in the laboratory aspects of all future CHE modules.

This module gives an introduction to organic chemistry based on an orbital approach to structure and bonding, then a structure and bonding approach to reactivity, followed by the application of structure, bonding and reactivity to simple functional group organic chemistry.  A practical component will teach basic organic laboratory skills and allow students real-life experience of carrying out some of the chemistry taught in the lectures. 

This module gives an introduction to fundamental laws that govern the behaviour of matter through an understanding of the properties of matter at molecular, atomic and subatomic level. This will in some cases build on your existing knowledge (e.g. atomic structure gained in CHE1042, or pre-university knowledge in thermodynamics), and in others introduces you to new knowledge essential for the understanding of later concepts in Physical Chemistry such as in CHE2040.

This module provides the opportunity to enhance transferable skills including skills necessary for employment and further study. Specifically, students will learn about the principles of scientific writing/reporting, how to research using scientific databases and how to reference content appropriately. Students will gain skills in Excel to visualise data, graphing and statistical functionality for chemical problems, and develop individual presentation skills. 

The module provides an overview of the industrial production of major chemicals at the larger scale, and their use in society. This includes aspects of chemical processes including economics, societal effects, health and safety, and engineering. The module also introduces the numerous interlinked chemical processes, both natural and anthropogenic, that take place within the Earth¿s environment. This includes coverage of the impact they may have for life on Earth along with potential solutions to current environmental issues.

This module builds upon the basic concepts taught at FHEQ level 4 and prepares students for the advanced research-led concepts of FHEQ level 6 and, where applicable, for relevant placements. Specifically, new reactions leading to carbon–carbon bond formation are explained, while the concepts of aromatic chemistry are expanded to heteroaromatics.

This module discusses the theoretical knowledge and skills required for the interpretation of NMR, IR, Raman, MS and UV-Vis spectra

Enhancing a knowledge and application of analytical chemistry including an awareness of the operation of modern instruments in research and industrial environments.

The students will gain understanding of the fundamental concepts behind materials involving extended inorganic and organic structures, along with their properties and applications (encompassing Sustainability and Global and Cultural Capabilities pillars). This includes an introduction to characterisation techniques that are more specific to materials chemistry (e.g. diffraction techniques, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and characterisation of magnetic and conduction properties) compared to small molecule chemistry.

This module builds on concepts introduced at level 4 to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Intermediate topics in Physical Chemistry. The student will learn fundamental and applied aspects of phases and equilibria, spectroscopy, surfactants, colloids and emulsions and gain hands-on experience of a range of experimental techniques that reinforce the learning outcomes of the module. 

This module builds on knowledge from the Inorganic Chemistry module at level 4 and expands on the principles of bonding and reactivity to include p-, d-, and f-block elements and gives students an introduction to molecular symmetry. The associated laboratory component further develops skills in the synthesis and characterisation of inorganic compounds.

This module builds on fundamental concepts introduced to students in Level 4 (CHE1041 Organic Structure, Reactivity and Functional Groups) and Level 5 (CHE 2044 Organic carbon-carbon bond formation and Heterocyclic Chemistry) organic chemistry courses and Level 5 Spectroscopy module (CHE2036 Applied Organic Spectroscopy).   This is a high level module in organic chemistry, moving from the predominantly functional group approach of Level 4 beyond the skeletal construction approach of Level 5, to deal with modern and more conceptually challenging reactions and strategies for dealing with multistep syntheses. These are the reactions that are commonly used in contemporary organic synthetic chemistry.

The module builds upon knowledge from Inorganic modules at level 4 and 5. This is achieved by introducing aspects of inorganic chemistry that have not been previously addressed or by reviewing and expanding knowledge towards applications. The main topic of the module is the bonding and reactivity of Organometallic compounds and the application of Organometallic d-block compounds in homogeneous catalysis. The application of group theory to the prediction and analysis of vibrational spectra of carbonyl complexes, is introduced. This expands on previous knowledge that a student gains at level 5 concerning point groups and molecular symmetry. To compliment applications of Organometallic compounds, the applications of Inorganic materials will be emphasized by detailed discussion of the operating mechanism and uses of silicon-based and molecular-based electronics. A current ‘hot topic’ in Inorganic materials research is considered: for example, the chemistry, properties and prospective uses of metal-organic frameworks or perovskites.

This module builds on levels 4 and 5 (physical chemistry, spectroscopy, inorganic modules and maths) to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Physical Chemistry research in problems of relevance to industry and the environment. It features green chemistry, catalysis, surface science, advanced spectroscopy and photochemistry.

The project module is the culmination of your learning journey so far. Here you will be able to put into practice the theory and practical skills you have learned throughout the course. You will also be able to employ your transferrable skills in the oral examination and the dissertation. This module is intended allow final year students to put all their knowledge learned so far to use in an extended practical project. Students work in the research groups of one of the academic staff and carry out independent research leading to the production of a dissertation which is also defended by an oral examination. 

This module provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension, practical and core skills and reasoned judgements in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and chemistry-related contexts. You will take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures, with classes in place to help support you. The module uses a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, reflection on outcomes, self-guided research, and traditional lecture teaching. A synoptic assessment of the assimilation of knowledge is used, to examine your understanding across the main strands of study in the module. The content starts from a basic, general overview of the main strands of chemistry before diverging into more specific, in-depth topics towards the end of the course.

This mathematics module is designed to reinforce and broaden basic A-Level mathematics material, develop problem solving skills and prepare students for the more advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving scenarios in the semester 2 modules.The priority is to develop the students’ ability to solve real- world problems in a confident manner.  The concepts delivered on this module reflect the skills and knowledge required to understand the physical around us. This is vital as mathematics plays a critical role in the students’ future employability and achievement on their respective undergraduate choices.

This module introduces several principles and processes which underpin most physical science and engineering disciplines, which you are likely to study beyond the Foundation Year. Specifically, you will study topics that include S.I. units and measurement theory, electric and magnetic fields and their interactions, the properties of ideal gases, heat transfer and thermodynamics, fluid statics and dynamics, and engineering instrumentation and measurement. You will attend several lectures and a tutorial each teaching week alongside guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.

This module provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension, practical and core skills and reasoned judgements in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and biology contexts. It follows on from ¿Foundational Chemistry¿, further reinforcing the skills learnt in the first semester module, whilst also supporting the adjacent module, ¿Advanced Chemistry¿, by providing laboratory content that complements the chemistry teaching. Biology content is taught and discussed with topics chosen to support a chemistry degree, and throughout the semester, a group project is carried out by the students, culminating in a group presentation. This module will use a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, reflection on outcomes, self-guided research, and traditional lecture teaching.

This module provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and chemistry-related contexts. It follows on from ¿Foundational Chemistry¿ in semester 1, further reinforcing the skills learnt in the module, whilst going further into the chemistry content. Here the basic content from semester 1 is further built upon, introducing more in-depth topics of organic, physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. This module is supported by ¿Applied Chemistry and Biology¿, whereby laboratory sessions will take place, that relate to the content in this module. This module will use a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, reflection on outcomes, and traditional lecture teaching.

The module provides an introductory overview of the main techniques used in analytical chemistry. It provides understanding  of the fundamental principles of chemical analysis as well as the main aspects of their application. The combination of lectures and practical sessions allows the students to get familiarised with the common practices in an analytical chemistry laboratory (calibration of instrumentation, validation, analysis of quality control samples, etc.) as well to introduce them to health & safety regulations and risk assessment.

This module provides an introduction to Inorganic Chemistry and contains both theoretical and laboratory components. The starting point is basic quantum theory which is built upon to explain the periodic table, key trends and the reactivity of main group and d-block elements. This is underpinned by a review and extension of bonding theories.

This module introduces key skills in: Mathematics: for the manipulation of physical laws underpinning Chemistry Statistics: for analysis and significance testing of hypotheses and analytical data in Chemistry Computing skills: for the basics of molecular modelling and presentation of chemical information in a standard format These skills are essential for your understanding of concepts later in the degree program, as well as in the handling of chemical data particularly in the laboratory aspects of all future CHE modules.

This module gives an introduction to organic chemistry based on an orbital approach to structure and bonding, then a structure and bonding approach to reactivity, followed by the application of structure, bonding and reactivity to simple functional group organic chemistry.  A practical component will teach basic organic laboratory skills and allow students real-life experience of carrying out some of the chemistry taught in the lectures. 

This module gives an introduction to fundamental laws that govern the behaviour of matter through an understanding of the properties of matter at molecular, atomic and subatomic level. This will in some cases build on your existing knowledge (e.g. atomic structure gained in CHE1042, or pre-university knowledge in thermodynamics), and in others introduces you to new knowledge essential for the understanding of later concepts in Physical Chemistry such as in CHE2040.

This module provides the opportunity to enhance transferable skills including skills necessary for employment and further study. Specifically, students will learn about the principles of scientific writing/reporting, how to research using scientific databases and how to reference content appropriately. Students will gain skills in Excel to visualise data, graphing and statistical functionality for chemical problems, and develop individual presentation skills. 

The module provides an overview of the industrial production of major chemicals at the larger scale, and their use in society. This includes aspects of chemical processes including economics, societal effects, health and safety, and engineering. The module also introduces the numerous interlinked chemical processes, both natural and anthropogenic, that take place within the Earth¿s environment. This includes coverage of the impact they may have for life on Earth along with potential solutions to current environmental issues.

This module builds upon the basic concepts taught at FHEQ level 4 and prepares students for the advanced research-led concepts of FHEQ level 6 and, where applicable, for relevant placements. Specifically, new reactions leading to carbon–carbon bond formation are explained, while the concepts of aromatic chemistry are expanded to heteroaromatics.

This module discusses the theoretical knowledge and skills required for the interpretation of NMR, IR, Raman, MS and UV-Vis spectra

Enhancing a knowledge and application of analytical chemistry including an awareness of the operation of modern instruments in research and industrial environments.

The students will gain understanding of the fundamental concepts behind materials involving extended inorganic and organic structures, along with their properties and applications (encompassing Sustainability and Global and Cultural Capabilities pillars). This includes an introduction to characterisation techniques that are more specific to materials chemistry (e.g. diffraction techniques, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and characterisation of magnetic and conduction properties) compared to small molecule chemistry.

This module builds on concepts introduced at level 4 to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Intermediate topics in Physical Chemistry. The student will learn fundamental and applied aspects of phases and equilibria, spectroscopy, surfactants, colloids and emulsions and gain hands-on experience of a range of experimental techniques that reinforce the learning outcomes of the module. 

This module builds on knowledge from the Inorganic Chemistry module at level 4 and expands on the principles of bonding and reactivity to include p-, d-, and f-block elements and gives students an introduction to molecular symmetry. The associated laboratory component further develops skills in the synthesis and characterisation of inorganic compounds.

This module builds on fundamental concepts introduced to students in Level 4 (CHE1041 Organic Structure, Reactivity and Functional Groups) and Level 5 (CHE 2044 Organic carbon-carbon bond formation and Heterocyclic Chemistry) organic chemistry courses and Level 5 Spectroscopy module (CHE2036 Applied Organic Spectroscopy).   This is a high level module in organic chemistry, moving from the predominantly functional group approach of Level 4 beyond the skeletal construction approach of Level 5, to deal with modern and more conceptually challenging reactions and strategies for dealing with multistep syntheses. These are the reactions that are commonly used in contemporary organic synthetic chemistry.

The module builds upon knowledge from Inorganic modules at level 4 and 5. This is achieved by introducing aspects of inorganic chemistry that have not been previously addressed or by reviewing and expanding knowledge towards applications. The main topic of the module is the bonding and reactivity of Organometallic compounds and the application of Organometallic d-block compounds in homogeneous catalysis. The application of group theory to the prediction and analysis of vibrational spectra of carbonyl complexes, is introduced. This expands on previous knowledge that a student gains at level 5 concerning point groups and molecular symmetry. To compliment applications of Organometallic compounds, the applications of Inorganic materials will be emphasized by detailed discussion of the operating mechanism and uses of silicon-based and molecular-based electronics. A current ‘hot topic’ in Inorganic materials research is considered: for example, the chemistry, properties and prospective uses of metal-organic frameworks or perovskites.

This module builds on levels 4 and 5 (physical chemistry, spectroscopy, inorganic modules and maths) to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Physical Chemistry research in problems of relevance to industry and the environment. It features green chemistry, catalysis, surface science, advanced spectroscopy and photochemistry.

The project module is the culmination of your learning journey so far. Here you will be able to put into practice the theory and practical skills you have learned throughout the course. You will also be able to employ your transferrable skills in the oral examination and the dissertation. This module is intended allow final year students to put all their knowledge learned so far to use in an extended practical project. Students work in the research groups of one of the academic staff and carry out independent research leading to the production of a dissertation which is also defended by an oral examination. 

This module provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension, practical and core skills and reasoned judgements in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and chemistry-related contexts. You will take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures, with classes in place to help support you. The module uses a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, reflection on outcomes, self-guided research, and traditional lecture teaching. A synoptic assessment of the assimilation of knowledge is used, to examine your understanding across the main strands of study in the module. The content starts from a basic, general overview of the main strands of chemistry before diverging into more specific, in-depth topics towards the end of the course.

This mathematics module is designed to reinforce and broaden basic A-Level mathematics material, develop problem solving skills and prepare students for the more advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving scenarios in the semester 2 modules.The priority is to develop the students’ ability to solve real- world problems in a confident manner.  The concepts delivered on this module reflect the skills and knowledge required to understand the physical around us. This is vital as mathematics plays a critical role in the students’ future employability and achievement on their respective undergraduate choices.

This module introduces several principles and processes which underpin most physical science and engineering disciplines, which you are likely to study beyond the Foundation Year. Specifically, you will study topics that include S.I. units and measurement theory, electric and magnetic fields and their interactions, the properties of ideal gases, heat transfer and thermodynamics, fluid statics and dynamics, and engineering instrumentation and measurement. You will attend several lectures and a tutorial each teaching week alongside guided independent study opportunities to develop your understanding of topics more deeply, supported by the use of the university’s virtual learning platform.

This module provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension, practical and core skills and reasoned judgements in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and biology contexts. It follows on from ¿Foundational Chemistry¿, further reinforcing the skills learnt in the first semester module, whilst also supporting the adjacent module, ¿Advanced Chemistry¿, by providing laboratory content that complements the chemistry teaching. Biology content is taught and discussed with topics chosen to support a chemistry degree, and throughout the semester, a group project is carried out by the students, culminating in a group presentation. This module will use a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, reflection on outcomes, self-guided research, and traditional lecture teaching.

This module provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in familiar and unfamiliar chemistry and chemistry-related contexts. It follows on from ¿Foundational Chemistry¿ in semester 1, further reinforcing the skills learnt in the module, whilst going further into the chemistry content. Here the basic content from semester 1 is further built upon, introducing more in-depth topics of organic, physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. This module is supported by ¿Applied Chemistry and Biology¿, whereby laboratory sessions will take place, that relate to the content in this module. This module will use a combination of teaching strategies that encompass cross discipline learning, reflection on outcomes, and traditional lecture teaching.

This module introduces key skills in: Mathematics: for the manipulation of physical laws underpinning Chemistry Statistics: for analysis and significance testing of hypotheses and analytical data in Chemistry Computing skills: for the basics of molecular modelling and presentation of chemical information in a standard format These skills are essential for your understanding of concepts later in the degree program, as well as in the handling of chemical data particularly in the laboratory aspects of all future CHE modules.

This module provides an introduction to Inorganic Chemistry and contains both theoretical and laboratory components. The starting point is basic quantum theory which is built upon to explain the periodic table, key trends and the reactivity of main group and d-block elements. This is underpinned by a review and extension of bonding theories.

The module provides an introductory overview of the main techniques used in analytical chemistry. It provides understanding  of the fundamental principles of chemical analysis as well as the main aspects of their application. The combination of lectures and practical sessions allows the students to get familiarised with the common practices in an analytical chemistry laboratory (calibration of instrumentation, validation, analysis of quality control samples, etc.) as well to introduce them to health & safety regulations and risk assessment.

This module gives an introduction to organic chemistry based on an orbital approach to structure and bonding, then a structure and bonding approach to reactivity, followed by the application of structure, bonding and reactivity to simple functional group organic chemistry.  A practical component will teach basic organic laboratory skills and allow students real-life experience of carrying out some of the chemistry taught in the lectures. 

This module gives an introduction to fundamental laws that govern the behaviour of matter through an understanding of the properties of matter at molecular, atomic and subatomic level. This will in some cases build on your existing knowledge (e.g. atomic structure gained in CHE1042, or pre-university knowledge in thermodynamics), and in others introduces you to new knowledge essential for the understanding of later concepts in Physical Chemistry such as in CHE2040.

This module provides the opportunity to enhance transferable skills including skills necessary for employment and further study. Specifically, students will learn about the principles of scientific writing/reporting, how to research using scientific databases and how to reference content appropriately. Students will gain skills in Excel to visualise data, graphing and statistical functionality for chemical problems, and develop individual presentation skills. 

The module provides an overview of the industrial production of major chemicals at the larger scale, and their use in society. This includes aspects of chemical processes including economics, societal effects, health and safety, and engineering. The module also introduces the numerous interlinked chemical processes, both natural and anthropogenic, that take place within the Earth¿s environment. This includes coverage of the impact they may have for life on Earth along with potential solutions to current environmental issues.

This module builds upon the basic concepts taught at FHEQ level 4 and prepares students for the advanced research-led concepts of FHEQ level 6 and, where applicable, for relevant placements. Specifically, new reactions leading to carbon–carbon bond formation are explained, while the concepts of aromatic chemistry are expanded to heteroaromatics.

This module discusses the theoretical knowledge and skills required for the interpretation of NMR, IR, Raman, MS and UV-Vis spectra

Enhancing a knowledge and application of analytical chemistry including an awareness of the operation of modern instruments in research and industrial environments.

The students will gain understanding of the fundamental concepts behind materials involving extended inorganic and organic structures, along with their properties and applications (encompassing Sustainability and Global and Cultural Capabilities pillars). This includes an introduction to characterisation techniques that are more specific to materials chemistry (e.g. diffraction techniques, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, and characterisation of magnetic and conduction properties) compared to small molecule chemistry.

This module builds on concepts introduced at level 4 to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Intermediate topics in Physical Chemistry. The student will learn fundamental and applied aspects of phases and equilibria, spectroscopy, surfactants, colloids and emulsions and gain hands-on experience of a range of experimental techniques that reinforce the learning outcomes of the module. 

This module builds on knowledge from the Inorganic Chemistry module at level 4 and expands on the principles of bonding and reactivity to include p-, d-, and f-block elements and gives students an introduction to molecular symmetry. The associated laboratory component further develops skills in the synthesis and characterisation of inorganic compounds.

This module builds on fundamental concepts introduced to students in Level 5 (CHE2036 Applied Organic Spectroscopy). This is a high level, problem solving, module in structure determination using one and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Structural determination problems from synthetic organic chemistry and natural products chemistry will be undertaken.  This module is to be undertaken as a distance learning module during the first part of semester 5 (teaching weeks 1 to 8) and has two units of assessment; assisted (20%) and unassisted (80%) distance learning coursework. Failure to submit as described above will invoke the deadline penalty, resulting in a 10% reduction per day in the overall mark awarded for each 24 hour period after the deadline, up to and including the third day after submission (30%). The mark recorded for assessed work submitted after the next 24 hour period (72 hours) or not submitted at all, will be zero. Any student in a position whereby they cannot submit assignments by the due deadline and believe they have valid ground for Extenuating Circumstances must submit to their Programme Administrator an Application for the Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances form along with supporting documentation. Please refer to Section F of the University Regulations http://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality_enhancement/regulations/index.htm for further information.

This module is to be undertaken as a distance learning module during the second part of semester 2 of the Placement Year and has two units of assessment; assisted (20%) and unassisted (80%) distance learning coursework.  The module will build on previous aspects of Physical Chemistry encountered in CHE1043: Physical Processes in Chemistry and CHE2040: Phases, Colloids and Electronic Transitions and also introduce the physical chemistry of electronic conduction, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, superconductors and related devices. 

This module is a distance learning module, undertaken by MChem students while completing their placement. The module revisits and expands on level 5 inorganic chemistry content (symmetry / group theory) and extends the concepts to applications of molecular symmetry to molecular orbital theory and bonding, and to the rationalization of vibrational spectra. Other spectrometric and resonance characterization techniques are considered including electronic (UV/vis) spectroscopy, NMR, EPR, Mossbauer and EXAFS, some of which have been previously studied. However, previous study at level 5 is given in the context of organic chemistry and this module provides similar concepts applied to inorganic compounds. For example, the use of P- or F-NMR, as opposed to H- and C-NMR. Leading on from EXAFS, a new characterization technique, single crystal X-ray diffraction, is introduced. Throughout students are able to analyze real experimental data to solve problems. Therefore, this module builds upon level 5 content and provides knowledge and experience that may be useful at level 7, for project work where these techniques and their theory can be applied to novel research questions.

Enhancing personal, professional and research skills with an aim to enhance professional employability. This module will enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.

Organic chemistry research is dominated by synthesis and this is very much the underlying concept of this module, although the indispensable mechanistic aspects that underpin synthesis are prominent. There is much emphasis on strategy and critical analysis of work that is at the forefront of the topic and the application of the knowledge to real-world examples. 

The module is designed to build upon knowledge from Inorganic modules at level 4, 5 and 6. This is achieved by introducing areas of inorganic chemistry that have not been addressed previously and by expanding towards the applications of topics that were previously introduced. The aim is to develop an advanced understanding of Organometallic chemistry and its applications in homogeneous catalysis, involving both d-block transition metals and main group elements.

This module builds on levels 4 and 5 physical chemistry (but also on spectroscopy, inorganic modules and maths) to inform, analyse and stimulate enquiry into Physical Chemistry research in problems of relevance to industry and the environment. It features green chemistry, catalysis, surface science, nanomaterials and photochemistry.

This module is the culmination of the learning journey for MChem students and is intended to allow final year MChem students to put all their knowledge learned so far to use in an extended practical project. Students work in the research groups of one of the academic staff and carry out independent research leading to the production of a dissertation defended by an oral examination. The work must be of MChem standard and requires critical appraisal of the work and literature. It is not enough to just do the project.