University Calendar 2008/9
Section VIII : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics
School of Chemistry



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School School of 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
MChem Chemistry with Ocean and Earth Sciences
Last modified July 2008

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


1. Admissions
 
The standard offer for A-level entry to these programmes is between ABB and BBB including Chemistry at grade B and preferably one grade from Mathematics, Physics or Biology. It is also expected that students have at least grad B in GCSE Mathematics if not offered at AS or A-level, and also grade C in GCSE English Language (or an internationally recognised equivalent).

Equivalent levels of performance in other internationally recognised qualifications (including BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate, the French Baccalaureate, the German Abitur, Scottish Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate) are also acceptable. Candidates whose first language is not English are required to reach a satisfactory standard in an approved test in English.

Mature students without any of the above qualifications are encouraged to apply if recent successful study has been undertaken at an appropriate level in Chemistry and Mathematics. The Admissions Tutor is happy to talk to candidates in advance of a formal UCAS application.

All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (eg: hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
Full-time study period is over four years. Refer to the Programme Specifications and the School website for further details such as modules, core modules, credits and content.

MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with 6-month placement
MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement

In each year students will take certain compulsory and core modules and a selection of approved optional modules to give a minimum of 120 CP of study. There is an extensive menu of modules in a wide range of subjects that are academically or professionally related to Chemistry including Biological Sciences, Ocean and Earth Science, Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, Economics and Modern Languages.

MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences
MChem Chemistry with Ocean and Earth Sciences

In Years 1 and 2 the programme is fully prescribed, but in Years 3 and 4 students will be able to select some modules in topics of particular interest to them. The total workload in any year is 120 CP. However, students without A-level Mathematics or equivalent will be required to take additional studies in aspects of Mathematics that are essential for the study of Chemistry and Biological Sciences/Chemistry and of Ocean and Earth Science.


3. Progression
 
The rules governing progression are as indicated in the University Calendar (Section IV).

In addition, students must complete the Chemistry practical programme in any year in order to progress or graduate. Practical laboratory work is an essential part of the programme.

MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with 6-month placement
MChem Chemistry with Ocean and Earth Science
MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Science
MChem Chemistry with Mathematics

Students on these programmes must also fulfil the following progression criteria:

Year 2: Pass all core modules and achieve an average mark of **55%+ for all of the above mentioned degrees except for the MChem Chemistry (F103) (which does not offer an external placement) in which achievement of between 50.0 and 54.9% aggregated over all 120 CP may lead to progression.

MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement
Students on this programme must also fulfil the following progression criteria:

Year 1: Pass all core modules (pass mark 40%) and obtain an average of **55% or greater over all modules of study (corresponding to 120 CP). Students achieving an average of between 40 and 55% over all modules of study may transfer to one of the other MChem degrees.

Year 2: Pass all core modules (pass mark 40%) and obtain an average of **55% or greater over all modules of study (corresponding to 120 CP). Failure to meet these progression criteria at the end of Year 2 will result in the option of transferring to MChem Chemistry (if the average is between 50 and 55%) or to the BSc (if the average is <50%).

Year 3: Students cannot graduate with a BSc after completion of Year 3 (level H) of the MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement given its substantial placement component. Once past the end of Year 2 (level I) students are committed to completion of the degree in full or to suspending. The placement scheme does make provision for the student if the placement is terminated through no fault of their own - their degree continuity is ensured.

** The School of Chemistry requires that these criteria are met at the first time of asking.


4. Assessment
 
The performance of candidates will be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the School's regulations governing examinations for the relevant programme(s) of study.

Students who do not achieve the appropriate level of performance will be required to undertake successfuly additional study and/or re-examination during either the summer vacation or the following academic year before proceeding.

MChem Chemistry
This programme includes an assessed distance learning module (30 CP) as well as an assessed research project (90 CP).


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 

The class of honours awarded is determined by the weighted final average mark as follows:

MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with 6-month placement
MChem Chemistry with Ocean and Earth Science
MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Science
MChem Chemistry with Mathematics

in accordance with University regulations (Calendar, Section IV).

MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement
in accordance with University regulations (Calendar, Section IV) except that the weighting is:
Year 2 : 20%
Year 3 : 30%
Year 4 : 50%

Exit Awards
In accordance with University regulations (Calendar, Section IV) and in addition:

Year 1: <120 CP : Certificate of Credit (which is not an award of the University).

The final award is awarded by Senate on the recommendation of the School Board to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements.



6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
During an MChem external placement, students will be assigned a supervisor at the collaborating organisation (who will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision) as well as a Southampton academic to act as an advisor maintaining close contact with the student and the supervisor (including at least one site visit during the placement period).

MChem Chemistry
MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Science

These MChem degrees are 4-year full-time programmes involving the possibility of a 6-month external placement from July of Year 3 to the end of the Semester 1 in Year 4, subject to meeting the appropriate progression criteria detailed above.

MChem Chemistry with 1-year placement
This MChem degree is a 4-year full-time programme involving a 1 year external placement during Year 3.


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


Assessment Regulations : Faculty of Engineering, Science & Maths
Institute of Sound and Vibration Research
School of Chemistry
School of Civil Engineering and the Environment
School of Electronics & Computer Science
School of Engineering Sciences
School of Geography
School of Mathematics
School of Physics & Astronomy
School of Ocean and Earth Science


Submitted by the Secretariat
Last reviewed: 25-Jul-2008
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