📖Program Curriculum
Our Integrated Master's is an enhanced undergraduate degree. You will gain a strong grounding in chemistry supplemented by specialist knowledge of advanced research-focused topics in years three and four of your studies. This includes a substantial independent research project in an area of your choice. Integrated Master's are highly valued by employers as you will graduate with an enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge and a range of advanced skills and competencies needed for particular specialist roles in the field.
YEAR ONE
The programme is carefully designed to bring together the learning experiences across the cohort and in your first year you will develop the knowledge and skills to enable you to become a professional chemist. Practical classes will develop your core skills through hands-on experience of key techniques and procedures and from the first semester of year one you will have access to research-standard equipment that is used in industry - such as our ultra-violet visible spectrometry 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 also 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 and you will start to specialise in studying more spectroscopy analytical and medicinal chemistry. During practicals you will learn advanced experimental techniques including handling air-sensitive reagents. To develop your appreciation of the wider context of the subject you can also explore the economic international and sustainability issues surrounding industrial chemistry.
YEAR THREE
Year three will allow you to 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. You will also have the opportunity to align your degree to your career aspirations and interests by choosing from a variety of optional modules such as mechanisms of drug action.
YEAR FOUR
In your final year of study you will study advanced topics at the cutting-edge of chemistry and medicinal chemistry and develop your research skills by exploring areas including funding publishing research integrity and ethics. You will complete a substantial independent research project where you will work alongside PhD and postdoctoral researchers in contributing to the advancement of chemical science. This may include contributing as co-author to papers in scientific literature.
Examples of our research topics include:
A chemoenzymatic approach to β-amino acid derivatives
Exploring the structure activity relationship of thienopyridine anticancer compounds
Improving metal-organic framework stability through ligand design
Computer modelling of materials for optical and energy applications
Energy storage for the future - heterogeneous frustrated Lewis pairs
SPEND A YEAR IN INDUSTRY
In an increasingly competitive job market employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge skills and an understanding of the workplace. Between years two and three of your degree you can choose to spend a year gaining practical experience with a chemistry-focused company or organisation. This will benefit you by providing familiarisation with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the chemistry skills and theories you have learnt.
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 during your studies - specific marks and thresholds apply.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR
In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand education from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
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 benefit from the support of a academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team.
