University of Southampton Calendar 2010/11


University Calendar 2011/12 Section IX : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Academic Unit	Chemistry
Final Award	Master of Chemistry
Programme(s)	MChem Chemistry MChem Chemistry with 6-month placement MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement MChem Chemistry with Mathematics MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences
Last modified	July 2011

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

Admissions

Admissions requirements will be as stated in Section IV of the University Calendar (General Regulations), the programme specification and the University Prospectus.

Structure of Programme(s)

The degree is available for full time study, with the normal duration being a period of four years. Refer to the Programme Specifications and the Chemistry website for further details on study modules (core, compulsory and optional), curriculum content and assessment.

MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with 6-month placement
MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement
In each year students will be required to study core modules and a selection of approved optional modules to give a minimum of 60ECTS (120CP) of study. In the first year there are six modules in chemistry (core 37.5 ECTS, 75CP; compulsory 7.5 ECTS, 15CP) and two approved optional modules (15ECTS, 30CP) that may be taken in subjects that are academically and/or professionally related to Chemistry. In the second year there are six modules in chemistry (core, 45 ECTS, 90CP) and two approved optional modules (15ECTS, 30CP) that may be taken in subjects that are academically and/or professionally related to Chemistry. The third and fourth years offer a mixture of core and optional modules entirely in the field of chemistry. This is complemented by a different format of research experience in each of the three degrees. Each includes at least one major independent research project (15ECTS, 30CP) in a chosen field of chemistry, completed in the academic unit. In addition, one programme offers the possibility of a placement in industry in the UK (one year) and another has the opportunity of a research placement in either industry or academia anywhere in the world (six months). See section 6 for more information. The remaining alternative is to stay in the academic environment within Chemistry for the full period of the degree and complete a final year, full time, one semester project (30ECTS, 60CP).

MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences
The programme in the first two years is as described for MChem degrees (see above) except that the compulsory module in the first year and the two optional modules in each year are replaced by core modules (Year 1 22.5 ECTS, 45CP; Year 2 15ECTS, 30CP) in the Medicinal Sciences. The third and fourth years offer a mixture of core and optional modules in chemistry (total of 90ECTS, 180CP) and advanced modules in each year in Medicinal Science (total of 30ECTS, 60CP). Within the chemistry curriculum there is a major independent research project in year three and an opportunity for a six month placement referred to above and in Section 6.

MChem Chemistry with Mathematics
The programme in the first two years is as described for MChem degrees (see above) except that the compulsory module in the first year and the two optional modules in each year are replaced by core modules (Year 1 22.5 ECTS, 45CP; Year 2 15ECTS, 30CP) in the ‘with’ subject. The third and fourth years offer a mixture of core and optional modules in the field of chemistry (total 90ECTS, 180CP) and advanced modules in each year in the chosen ‘with’ subject (total 30ECTS, 60CP). The chemistry curriculum includes an independent research project in year three (15ECTS, 30CP) and year four (30ECTS, 60CP), with the final project being at the interface of chemistry and the ‘with’ subject.

Progression

The detailed rules governing academic progression on, and transfer between, degrees are as indicated in the University Calendar Section IV and in the Progression Rules and Transfer Opportunities information on the Chemistry website.

In addition, any module that contains an assessed laboratory component alongside theoretical studies (for example lecture based) has the requirement that the module is passed as a whole and that the practical component is passed, both at the approved level (normally 40%).

Assessment

The performance of candidates will be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the regulations governing examinations for the relevant programme(s) of study. Details of the assessment for individual modules are given in module specifications held on the Chemistry website.

Award of Qualification(s)

The class of honours awarded is determined by the weighted final average mark in accordance with University regulations.

Exit Awards: in accordance with University Regulations.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

A number of the MChem degrees offer the possibility of an assessed placement as part of the degree programme. A student may be placed with a collaborating organisation on a chemistry centred project suited to the stage of their academic development. In Chemistry we support all students in developing the skills necessary to succeed in gaining a placement and to work effectively while on placement. In the unlikely event of a student not succeeding in acquiring a placement there will be the opportunity to transfer to the MChem degree completed within Chemistry.

MChem Chemistry with 6-month placement
MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Science
These degrees require that the first three years are completed within Chemistry, prior to placement. During year three students apply for placements in organisations that are offering a chemistry project that allows students to demonstrate their theoretical and research skills. Placements are from July to December inclusive and may be taken in industry anywhere in the world, or academia outside the UK. The assessment of the placement period is based entirely on the work completed with the collaborating organisation.

MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement
This degree requires that the first two years are completed within Chemistry, prior to placement. During year two students apply for placements in organisations offering a suitable chemistry project. Placements are for (approximately) a calendar year and may be taken anywhere in the UK based chemical industry. The assessment of the placement year is based on the outcomes of the placement (45ECTS, 90CP) and a proportion of the chemistry curriculum that is delivered by distance learning and supported by academic staff in Southampton (15ECTS, 30CP).

Other

Any other specific requirements for this programme are included in programme regulations.

These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.

Candidates are required to satisfy the academic and attendance requirements of the programme as laid out in the Programme Specification, the Student Handbook and the University Calendar. Those failing to do so may have their course terminated.