F1BC MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences (4 years)
Southampton’s MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences programme is aimed at people who have a passion for chemistry and want to take a second subject – medicinal sciences - to a very high level.
This four-year course is run across the two areas of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, with specialism in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. The course also contains a six-month placement in industry or academia.
Introducing your
course
You will be taught by world-leading researchers and will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and the medicinal side of chemistry.
Combined with an independent research project, this degree provides you with a sound basis for further study or a successful career as a professional chemist in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biological chemistry and life sciences.
All of our Chemistry courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) increasing the employability and enhancing the CVs of our graduates.
You will gain extensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and medicinal sciences, as well as comprehensive training in practical chemistry and an appreciation of the importance of the discipline in different contexts. We will provide a sound basis for a successful career as a professional chemist and provide opportunities for you to develop a range of transferable skills for both chemical and non-chemical careers.
The MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences also aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of chemistry and the fundamental aspects of biological sciences in the context of the medicinal sciences.
You will develop an in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of a substantial area of chemistry and are suitably prepared for employment in the chemical sciences or for studying further at doctoral level.
A key feature of the MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences programme is that you will complete both a research project based in Southampton and a placement project either in industry or in another academic institution. These projects will help to equip you for a successful career as a professional chemist and enable you to fulfil the requirements of the Royal Society of Chemistry for the CChem qualification.
Our undergraduate degree programmes allow a great deal of flexibility, allowing excellent students to switch onto their preferred course
We have a strong focus on enterprise and entrepreneurship, giving our students the opportunity to contribute towards the impact of new research innovations
All applications for the MChem degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences are via UCAS, the course code is F1BC (2076). For more information, visit the how to apply section of the website.
Accreditation
This medicinal chemistry degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) - when you graduate, you will be eligible for full membership status (MRSC) and you will have met the academic requirements to become a Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Programme Structure
Each academic year of your integrated masters degree is identified as a level: the first year is Level 1 (often called fundamental); the second year is Level 2 (intermediate); the third year is Level 3 (advanced); and the fourth year is Level 6 (master's). You are required to undertake a specified number of courses (otherwise called units) in each of these levels.
Each year, you will complete studies which collectively have a value of 120 credit points (CP). A credit point is a measure of the volume of study associated with each academic course that you study. One CP approximates to ten hours of study and this includes timetabled learning, private learning, revision and assessment.
Every course in chemistry and other subjects that you might study normally carry a credit point rating of 15CP. As a consequence you take eight courses in each academic year and these will normally be distributed evenly in each semester.
You will study a proportion of core courses in the first three years of your degree. In your fourth year you will generally be free to control your curriculum and will not be required to take any core courses.
Key Facts
Our degrees are delivered by world-class researchers and teaching staff in an exciting and dynamic research-led environment as part of a multi-million pound department
Our undergraduate students have access to the UK’s only National Crystallographic Service, a multimillion pound facility providing key structural insights into new molecules and materials
Chemistry ranks 2nd in the Russell Group for satisfaction with teaching (Guardian, 2019)
Chemistry ranks 4th in the Russell Group for satisfaction with course (Guardian, 2019)
The University of Southampton was awarded Silver for teaching by the Teaching Excellence & Student Outcomes Framework Panel (TEF, 2018)
I stayed close to home, working for a successful but close-knit company called Vertex Pharmaceuticals near Oxford. They specialise in anticancer therapy and Cystic Fibrosis in a specific subgroup of p
Entry Requirements
Typical entry requirements
GCSEs:
Qualification
Grade
GCSE
If you are not studying Maths at A level (or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University), we prefer an A or 7grade in GCSE Mathematics, but a B or 6 grade will be considered. Otherwise, our minimum requirement is grade C or 4 in English. This is supplementary to your A level (or equivalent) qualifications.
A Levels:
Qualification
Grade
GCE A-level
Our typical offers for students who are studying 3 A-levels are:
AAA to include Chemistry and one further science subject or AAB to include Chemistry and two further science subjects. A Level Biology is strongly advised. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Psychology, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
Each application is considered on its own merit. Standard offers are made based on the application as a whole, including combination of subjects taken, and predicted grades. Offers may be subject to adjustment, based on discussion with the applicant, formal interview (if deemed necessary), or on a contextual basis. Under certain circumstances we may make an offer to an individual applicant which differs from those outlined above.
Students studying Chemistry, with no additional acceptable science/maths subject, may be interviewed to determine suitability for the course. We may also in some circumstances, recommend an alternative offer for the BSc programme. However, our flexible programme structure would allow transfer to single-honours MChem programmes, pending good performance in Year 1. Transfer to MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences would be possible, provided the student studies and passes the pre-requisite Medicinal Science-related modules in Year 1.
IB:
Qualification
Grade
International Baccalaureate
36 points on the IB scale, with a 6 in Chemistry and one other acceptable science subject at Higher Level.
The same consideration will be given to IB students studying Chemistry, with no additional acceptable science/maths subject at Higher Level, as those A-level students, as detailed above.
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
AAAA(AA), to include Chemistry plus one other acceptable science subject at Advanced Higher.
Irish Leaving Certificate
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, to include Chemistry and one other acceptable science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3D3D3, to include Chemistry plus one other acceptable science subject.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A in core (2015), plus A*A, to include Chemistry plus one other acceptable science/maths subject, as described above. The Welsh Baccalaureate is not accepted where Chemistry is the only accompanying science/mathematics A-level.
European Baccalaureate
Average of 85% across all units of study with a minimum of 8 in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Selection process:
Intake:
Total undergraduate intake 160-190
Average applications per place:
5
Once you have applied and submitted your application to study on this combined-honours MChem degree programme, your application will be sent to us by UCAS as soon as possible. On arrival we consider every application on its individual merits and determine whether or not we are prepared to make an academic offer on the basis of the information provided.
If we decide that we will be able to make you an offer, we will send confirmation of your offer, and invite you to visit us on one of our UCAS Visit Days as a Post-Offer Applicant.
We sometimes require a formal interview, prior to making an offer, to discuss aspects of your application, and to assess your Chemistry background in detail. In this case, you would be invited to attend one of our UCAS Visit Days, as a Pre-Offer Applicant.
The Chemistry UCAS Visit Day is your chance to get all the detailed information you need, experience the atmosphere and environment on a working day, and gain invaluable student feedback, to help you in making your decision at this stage in the application process.
You will have the opportunity to discuss anything related to your application and offer, in an informal Post-Offer Applicant meeting with a member of academic staff, or Pre-Offer Applicant interview.
Our Admissions team and Admissions Tutor are always available to answer your enquiries and to discuss your application and offer in detail. Please contact us prior to your application, if you have any queries about your qualifications, the course requirements or the application process.
The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students flagged in this way will be given additional consideration and not be rejected solely on the basis of their predicted (or actual) grades.
We welcome applications from Foundation Year, BTEC and Access to Higher Education Course students who have studied courses with a substantial component in chemistry and who have achieved a high standard in doing so. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and decisions are made on the basis of the particular course that you are studying and by interview (in most cases). Access Course and BTEC students are normally required to study on our Science Foundation Year programme before progressing on to their degree of choice, but exceptional candidates, identified with the aid of a reference request later in the UCAS cycle, may be accepted directly on to this MChem degree programme, subject to a successful formal interview.
Diploma and Advanced Diploma (overseas applicants)
We are happy to receive applications to study MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences from students who have taken college/ polytechnic diplomas in chemistry and will make offers, usually for entry into the first year only. Second year entry is usually not possible due to Year 1 programme requirements, unless the applicant has a suitable background in medicinal sciences. For second year entry you must also have achieved a very high standard in your diploma and your curriculum must have included the majority of the chemistry that we teach in our first year.
Modules
Typical course content
In the first two years of this chemistry with medicinal sciences degree you will take certain core modules in each of the disciplines to give a minimum of 120CP of study. The modules are graded introductory/fundamental (HE1).
In year three you will take certain core modules and a selection of approved optional modules to give a minimum of 120CP of study. The modules are graded intermediate (HE2) and advanced (HE3): the first number in the module code also indicates the level of study in which the module is normally taken. You will undertaken a sixth month placement during the fourth year.
Year
1
There are no optional modules for this year.
Transfer opportunities to related programmes are available at the end of the year, subject to you fulfilling specific performance criteria. Please refer to Progression rules and transfer opportunities in the programme overview tab.
Semester One
Core
[?]
A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.
CHEM1031Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
Transfer opportunities to related programmes are available at the end of the year, subject to you fulfilling specific performance criteria. Please refer to Progression rules and transfer opportunities in the programme overview tab.
Semester One
Compulsory
BIOL1012Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
Six month placement in semester one. Four optional courses three from chemistry at level 6 and one approved from level 3 or 6 module in pharmacology or a related subject. They are to be taken in semester two.
Semester One
Compulsory
CHEM6102Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your
course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this programme typically also have to pay
for:
Type
Description
Cost
Printing and copying
Where possible, coursework such as essays, projects and dissertations is likely to be submitted online. However, there are some items where it is not possible to submit online and students will be asked to provide a printed copy. The University printing costs are currently:
A4 - 5p per side (black and white) or 25p per side (colour)
A3 - 10p per side (black and white) or 50p per side (colour)
Please note: Paper sizes not recognised by the printing devices will prompt you to select the size and then charge a minimum of 50p per black and white copy and a maximum of £1 per colour copy.
You can pay for your printing by using the money loaders or by using print copy payment service by going to www.printcopypayments.soton.ac.uk.
Please remember that we are unable to refund any credit that has not been used by the end of your course, so please consider this when topping up your printing/copy account. You will be given a printing allowance of £5 per 7.5 ECTS CHEM towards the costs of printing lecture handouts and/or practical scripts.
The University Print Centre also offer a printing and copying service as well as a dissertation/binding service. Current printing and copying costs can be found at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/copyrooms/service.page. They also provide a large format printing service, e.g. academic posters. Details of current costs can be found at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/exhibition/academicposters.page?
5p - £1
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
Type
Description
Stationery
Approved Calculators: Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo.
Stationery
You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationary items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Books
Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Equipment
Laboratory Equipment and Materials: All laboratory equipment and materials are provided.
Equipment
IT - Computer Discs or USB Drives: Students are expected to provide their own portable data storage device.
Equipment
IT - Software Licences: All software is provided.
Equipment
IT - Hardware: It is advisable that students provide their own laptop or personal computer, although shared facilities are available across the University campus.
Clothing
Lab Coats and Safety Spectacles: One laboratory coat and a pair of safety spectacles are provided at the start of the programme to each student. If these are lost the student must replace them at their own expense.
Placements
Students on placement programmes can expect to cover costs for health and travel insurance, accommodation and living expenses, travel costs and visa costs. This will vary depending on which country you are travelling to. Specific details on what additional costs there will be are detailed in the individual module profiles which can be found under the modules tab of the programmes details of your programme.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
Career Opportunities
At Southampton we believe employability is about more than just getting a job. Our aim is to help our students gain the necessary experience for a future career, along with the skills to identify opportunities and make the most of them.
A Chemistry degree is third only behind Medicine and Dentistry as the qualification with the highest financial return over the term of the graduate’s career but we realise that a successful career is more than just a measure of income. We believe you will build your confidence and broaden your options by meeting employers.
As the holder of a degree in chemistry with medicinal sciences from the University of Southampton your career path will be limited only by the level of your commitment and your own ambition.
Learning & Assessment
The standard of our teaching is renowned. We encourage a close working relationship between you and your academic tutors who will develop your understanding in an inspiring and rewarding fashion. We use the following methods to deliver the curriculum and help you learn and understand the wide variety of chemistry that is covered in our degree courses.
Lectures and workshops
Our MChem degree in chemistry with medicinal sciences lectures are often interactive, with discussions, question and answer sessions, informal quizzes as well as the more conventional lecture style. In most lectures you are provided with handouts to summarise key points and structure your note taking.
Workshops then convert your knowledge to understanding. Working in small groups of peers, you will explore problems and link this to material you have recently covered in lectures. Workshops allow you to learn from each other and gain confidence in your own abilities.
The tutorial system
Tutorials on this integrated masters degree involve a group of six to eight students and one tutor. You will work on problems in advance of the tutorial and submit your work for assessment. Your tutor will then tailor each session to suit your developing knowledge. You will have the opportunity to lead as well as contribute to discussions, and these sessions provide a forum at which you can present your ideas.
Electronic resources
Blackboard is our virtual learning environment, where we will post copies of lecture notes and other alternative teaching media like videos and self-assessment tests for you to access to enhance your self-study.
Laboratory work and practical sessions
You will spend time each week in practical sessions to develop your lab technique and exemplifying the theoretical concepts covered in lectures. These sessions are hard work but sociable, and will allow you to obtain your own results and generate supporting laboratory reports.
Assessment methods
There are written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of material presented in the lectures and workshops. The practical work is continuously assessed primarily through written reports. Project work is assessed by group presentations and poster presentations, a thesis and oral examination together with a report on your relevant skills from your supervisor.
Coursework exercises based on the lecture material are set each week and marked promptly. In some cases your grade is used to calculate your overall mark for the particular unit of study. However in most cases the grade is simply to give you an indication of your progress.
Breakdown of study time and assessment
Proportion of time spent in scheduled learning, teaching and independent study
Learning, teaching and assessment stage
1
2
3
4
Scheduled learning & teaching study
34%
36%
22%
10%
Independent study
66%
64%
29%
41%
Placement study
0%
0%
49%
49%
Proportion of assessment by method
Learning, teaching and assessment stage
1
2
3
4
Written exam assessment
75%
75%
30%
54%
Practical exam assessment
22%
19%
23%
12%
Coursework assessment
3%
6%
47%
34%
Study Locations
Chemistry, Highfield Campus
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