Chemistry BSc

Within this module, we explain the importance of metals in catalysis, with applications in industrial and biological processes. You will explore the roles that metal centres play in controlling the structure and function of supramolecular systems and metal-organic frameworks.

Completing this module will allow you to accurately explain structural and functional properties of hard and soft materials, and analyse their applications in various scientific and technological contexts, including catalysis. You will also be able to evaluate the reactivity or stability of transition metal complexes by determination of their electronic arrangements.

In this module, you will explore fundamental concepts in medicinal chemistry – the use of molecules to influence biological systems. You will examine a variety of therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, antivirals and anticancer drugs, and consider how factors such as metabolism and bioavailability affect their effectiveness.

You will also study the mechanisms of action of biopharmaceuticals, such as antibody-drug conjugates and vaccines. In addition, you will be introduced to the chemistry behind biomedical imaging. With Nottingham as the birthplace of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), you will learn how chemistry is used to enhance the images produced by this groundbreaking technique.

Through this module, you will gain a deeper understanding of how small molecules interact with cells and enzymes in the treatment, monitoring and diagnosis of disease.

Through this module you’ll gain an understanding o how the quantum mechanical behaviour of molecules and materials determines their properties and chemical reactivity. You’ll use advanced concepts from quantum and statistical mechanics to describe molecular structure, reactivity and dynamics. The module aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand key elements of quantum chemistry, including the ability to explain how the quantum nature of matter can be harnessed in a wide variety of real-world devices, and how to use photoelectric effect as a spectroscopic tool. You’ll also explore the chemistry of surfaces and interfaces that connects molecular-scale and bulk phenomena.

Develop essential transferable research skills while enhancing proficiency in synthetic and analytical techniques. Emphasising safety, precision, and critical evaluation, you will continue to develop skills to identify and reduce hazards, plan and conduct experiments collaboratively, and maintain accurate records to ensure reproducibility and reliability.

The module also involves conducting comprehensive literature reviews to inform experimental design and contextualise findings. Additionally, it fosters teamwork and communication skills, with a strong focus on producing high-quality laboratory reports and effectively presenting scientific findings in various formats.

Reflective practice is embedded throughout the module, encouraging you to critically assess your own learning, laboratory techniques, and decision-making processes. This approach supports continuous improvement and prepares you for independent research and professional practice in chemistry.

This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry

In this module, you will focus on characterising proteins and enzymes to understand their roles in biochemical processes and real-world applications. You will explore physical and chemical methods for analysing protein structure and behaviour, drawing on techniques from both analytical chemistry and bioinformatics.

You will also learn how to interpret structural data and compare it across expanding datasets to uncover functional insights, gaining a deeper understanding of how proteins contribute to complex biological systems.

In this module, you will explore the structure and function of enzymes, focusing on how they can be harnessed and engineered for catalysis and the production of valuable compounds. You will learn to understand enzyme-catalysed reactions from a chemical perspective and appreciate the role of enzymes as biocatalysts in synthesis.

Building on your knowledge of protein structure and reaction mechanisms, you will be introduced to bioengineering tools that demonstrate how simple organisms can be modified to create new and useful products.

This module explores modern strategies for designing small organic molecules that target specific biological sites to treat diseases. Throughout the module you will develop an understanding of the important terminologies of drug discovery, and the different stages taken when conducting the drug discovery process.

You will learn how chemical structure influences drug-like properties, including potency, selectivity, and the ability to reach the site of action. Topics include drug-target interactions, lead optimisation, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity.

You will also have the opportunity to review case studies of successful and failed drugs to illustrate key medicinal chemistry principles. You will understand and evaluate biological data to inform small molecule design, and use medicinal chemistry insights to justify decision making.

This module aims to explai how to determine the structures of materials and surfaces. 

You’ll compare and contrast methods for obtaining structural information and Summarise diffraction and microscopy-based techniques for measuring the structure of surfaces and materials. You’ll also be able to describe and explain the state-of-the-art techniques that yield structural information, including X-ray, neutron and electron-based methods.

This module provides an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience being involved with science education and communication. You will undertake a placement alongside qualified science educators in a local classroom environment and, through involvement in a range of teaching activities, will improve your transferrable skills in addition to learning about teaching practices in science. Throughout the module, you will be required to apply reflective practice on your learning, and directly utilise this to identify, demonstrate and enhance your communication skills.

This is a classroom-based module for learning, actioning and reflecting upon key skills including communication, presentation, team-working, active-listening, time management and prioritisation. Enhanced transferrable skills can aid in confidence with strong links to employability, with the provision of classroom experience being vital if you are considering teaching as a potential future career.