Get documents about "mchem-chemistry
Shared by: xuyuzhu
-
Stats
- views:
- 2
- posted:
- 11/16/2012
- language:
- Unknown
- pages:
- 6
Document Sample
MChem Chemistry
Chemistry at Oxford is a four year course leading to the degree of M.
Chem. (with honours). The course provides a high level education in
the subject with sufficient flexibility to enable students to specialise in
the areas of greatest interest to them and to venture into overlapping
scientific disciplines.
MChem CHEMISTRY
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
Chemistry is the study of the world around us at the atomic and
molecular scale. It occupies a central position among the sciences
interfacing with mathematics and physics, with engineering, and with
biology and medicine.
Why study Chemistry at Oxford?
Kate Hadavizadeh College: University
Year of study: 1st
I chose the course because it was very
broad, and looked exciting. Being surrounded
Chemistry furnishes much of the material Oxford has had a real impact in many of
by some of the best academics and base of modern civilisation, and chemists these areas, for example the cephalosporin
chemists in the world would be a very good
encouragement and working environment. are a constant source of innovation for its family of antibiotics was developed in
The transition from A-level to University study
was at first challenging, but after the first
further benefit. It is hard to imagine any Oxford, the biosensors that are used to
few weeks you get used to the work load, product introduced in recent times that measure blood glucose were invented and
and style of teaching. The biggest change was
having to understand content from lectures, did not require the creative efforts of a commercialised here, the current commercial
and then apply it to the set work; much more
independent. Life at Oxford is quite busy, and
chemist at some stage in its development. lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery
academic, like I was expecting. But there is From the formulation of petrol, through material LiCoO2, which has made portable
also a very good social aspect within colleges
and outside college too, there’s always the materials and colouring of your clothes, electronic devices such as mobile phones
something going on. There is a good balance
between work and social events.
to antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, and laptops possible, was first characterised
chemists have played a key role in shaping as a battery-electrode material at Oxford.
our modern world. The 20th century saw Isotopes were discovered and the first
several industrial revolutions resulting from protein structures were determined.
new materials created by chemists, for
example plastics, the liquid crystal display The study of Chemistry, with its uniquely
on your computer, the etching process that wide span within the scientific spectrum, is
made microchip technology possible, and an excellent way to develop your intellect.
many developments in medicine, antibiotics, You acquire not only a powerful battery
DNA technology. The list is endless and we of analytical skills for problem solving, but
can expect many more civilisation changing also the ability to analyse critically and to
discoveries in this century: molecular ask the pertinent questions. These skills
Russell Woolley College: St Catherine’s machines, molecular opto-electronics, new are transferable to almost any context, and
Year of study: 4th
Life at Oxford was broadly speaking as
magnetic and superconducting materials, are highly valued in the world of commerce
I thought it would be, though I wasn’t smart materials, molecular medicine, medical and finance. The employment potential
expecting the food at College to be so good
and so cheap! I wasn’t expecting how different imaging, fuel cells, the hydrogen economy of an Oxford Chemistry graduate is very
studying the different parts of Chemistry
would be. Also I hadn’t expected there to be
many of these are the subjects of active high, both in Chemistry-related areas and
so much of what I had previously considered research in the Department and this is just elsewhere. Almost all our graduates gain
to be ‘physics’ in a chemistry course! I got
involved in University (Blues) Water Polo and what we have already imagined. Most really immediate employment or continue to a
was able to fit in plenty of training around my
studies and very much enjoyed playing a high
novel discoveries are made in University higher degree. The earnings premium on a
level of sport whilst in Oxford, particularly the research labs where researchers have the Chemistry degree is 30%, similar to Physics
team aspect and the friends that come from
that. During the summer term I also did a bit freedom to follow their curiosity, and of (30%) and Engineering (31%). These are the
of College cricket. course some are completely unexpected. top rated subjects in earning potential apart
from Medicine and Law.
Lucinda Treasure College: Magdalen
Year of study: 1st
Oxford’s reputation speaks for itself. I wanted
a top quality education and to be around
cutting edge research. I also believe that
the tutorial system is fantastic; it provides a
close-knit society where our tutors are able to
get to know us as people as well as chemists.
At first I was worried that I’d be amongst
people who were vastly more intelligent and
hardworking than me and so was scared
that I’d find it just too hard. This course is
broader than I expected it to be; it covers the
whole spectrum of chemistry and delves into
physics and biology. I’ve come to find that
the ‘Oxford experience’ is as amazing as its
reputation promises and the work is definitely
manageable.
Jeongmin Han College: St John’s College
Year of study: 3rd year
Life at Oxford has been better than it was
ever expected, because not only the university Chemistry at Oxford is a four year course
provided me with a chance to fulfil my
curiosity on the subject but also provided me leading to the degree of M. Chem. (with
with the opportunities to meet countless new
people with diversity and let me pursue my
interest in music. The Chemistry course is not
honours). The course provides a high level
only simply exciting on its own but also has
provided me with a lot of job opportunities.
education in the subject with sufficient
Throughout the course, I received countless
e-mails regarding a variety of internship from
flexibility to enable students to specialise in
numerous different industries and countless
job opportunities. the areas of greatest interest to them and to
venture into overlapping scientific disciplines.
How is the course structured?
There are no joint degree courses available involving Chemistry.
Oxford seeks to cater for committed Chemists. However, examinations taken in the summer, Part IA, cover material from
Chemistry at Oxford has a uniquely wide scope; there is ample the first two years and count 15% towards the degree.
opportunity for branching out in the second and third year • The third year continues coverage of core material but
and even more so in the fourth year, when students can also also offers a choice of more specialised Options (a choice of
undertake research in neighbouring disciplines where Chemistry 3 from 16) which cover a wide range of topics, some relating
has a significant role. The Oxford course has been judged to research interests in the Department. Part IB examinations
excellent by the Higher Education Funding Council for England are taken at the end of the year and comprise 6 general papers
(HEFCE) and is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. relating to accumulated core material and one paper covering
all the Options. These examinations count 50% towards the
The key features are: degree.
• A very broadly based first year course designed to • The practical course is an integral part of the first three
provide a solid foundation for the subsequent three years. years. Practicals are assessed throughout the course, and
In addition to the traditional areas of Chemistry, it includes the second and third year practical assessments count 10%
coverage of Biological Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics for towards the degree.
Chemistry. • The fourth year is spent entirely on a research project,
• The second year covers much of the core material for the working with a supervisor chosen by the student. A thesis
Chemistry course with opportunities to diversify into other is submitted for assessment at the end of the year, and the
areas via optional supplementary subjects. Topics available evaluation incorporated in the final degree result. This project
include the History and Philosophy of Science, and a modern counts 25% towards the degree.
language as well as topics closer to Chemistry. The three
Fangni (Tracy) Zhang College: Trinity
Year of study: 2nd
To study at Oxford University has been
a dream to me since young, because of
its history, prestige and its excellence in Teaching at Oxford University Core Practical Classes
academia. Lectures are very fast paced
which means you are moving forward at a There are three distinctive features that The aim of the practical course is to
rapid rate every day. Tutorial work takes a
lot more time and effort than what I was make the Oxford course unique. ensure that students are able to perform
used to in A-levels. The course builds up your
analytical and critical thinking skills not just in
a chemical investigation accurately, safely
the field of chemistry, but of course through • The tutorial system: students are set and efficiently, so that by the end of the
understanding of chemistry, you will be closer
to finding out the truth of nature and our work by their college tutor every week, course they are ready to work in a chemical
world. You will be equipped with the ability
to think independently, and to judge or make
and then have a tutorial to discuss it research laboratory. Experimental Chemistry
a decision intelligently. I would definitely with their tutor, usually in a group of is taught in rotation at each of the three
recommend the course and it comes with the
most vibrant, diverse, intellectual community two. This regular high-intensity close main departments. The practical course
you would ever encounter.
contact with the academic staff means teaches the essential experimental skills,
that teaching is tailored to the individual from the synthesis and characterisation
student, and that students have an of compounds to the operation of
unrivalled opportunity to stretch their spectrometers and other instruments
intellect to its limit. for physicochemical and analytical
measurements. It also makes tangible much
• The non-modular nature of the course: that is covered in lectures and tutorials. The
the course is not sub-divided into practical assessments count 10% towards
modules, and nor are the examinations. the final classification.
The subject is treated as a whole and
examinations are synoptic, covering Research Project
all aspects of the course covered so
John Harfield College: St John’s
Year of study: 1st far. This means that students get a In your fourth year you will be required to
Studying chemistry is what I expected in very deep understanding of how the carry out a research project. A wide choice
general, however there are elements of the
course which are slightly more curveball, subject fits together rather than a set of of research projects is available in both pure
generally where the lecturers/tutors show
off their interests, always enjoyable and seemingly disconnected modules. and applied Chemistry, and also in related
occasionally it sparks something in me to sciences. You will be supervised by a senior
find out more. I have taken up rowing since
starting in Oxford, as well as trying ultimate • The fourth year, which is entirely member of the academic staff and have
frisby cricket and croquet. Oxford has such a
diverse range of people all with such different devoted to a research project, with no full access to the research facilities of your
passions and motivations that you never know additional teaching or examinations. host laboratory. This provides you with an
where your next conversation could lead, its
very exciting. This means that students benefit exciting opportunity to carry out a piece
from being active members of their of original research and it is not unusual for
chosen research group, and have the the results to be reported at a scientific
opportunity to make a real contribution conference or published in a scientific
to chemical research. This is when many journal. Besides contributing to the pool
students make up their minds to pursue of scientific knowledge, the Part II year
a career in research. There is nothing provides a unique experience of the world of
like the buzz of being the first person research and, very importantly, allows you
to do, make or understand something to make an informed decision as to whether
entirely new. to continue in research by proceeding to a
doctorate.
Eisai is a pharmaceutical company that engages in research and
development, production, distribution, and sale of pharmaceuticals,
Matthew Shribman College: Magdalen
with an emphasis on prescription drugs.
Year of study: 3rd
Our human health care (hhc) philosophy is to give first thought to
It’s a major commitment choosing to study
patients and their families, and to increasing the benefits that health
a degree at Oxford, but it is a commitment
care provides.
that is well worth making. You will have more
We aim to make a meaningful contribution under any health care system
resources than you could possibly need, and
while observing the highest legal and ethical standards in business
countless more opportunities than you could
activities
ever grasp. You will mix with fascinating and
brilliant people from all different backgrounds,
Eisai is associated, through the sponsorship of this brochure, with
and you will be taught by the very best. And
Chemistry at Oxford University
once you’ve immersed yourself in it all, and
found yourself over the shock of how busy
and rich a life at Oxford is, you will realise
that you are experiencing some of the most
important years of your life.
Is this course for me?
If you are a highly motivated student who
is passionate about studying Chemistry, the You will be well qualified for this course
University of Oxford offers an unrivalled if you are studying Chemistry and
environment in which to study. The Mathematics to full A level or equivalent.
course will introduce many topics that are Mathematics is strongly recommended
completely new to you but is sufficiently because of its importance in the quantitative
wide-ranging that you do not need to decide parts of the subject, and Mathematics at
Alexander Waldo Saville College: New College
Year of study: 4th year
immediately the areas in which you will AS level or equivalent is a requirement.
I chose to study at Oxford because it is an ultimately specialize. The number of students admitted without
in-depth course covering a wide range of
material branching out into the 3 areas of mathematics A level is small (typically 4 or
chemistry for the first 3 years and offering
a final year to get practical and in-depth What qualifications will I need? 5), and special arrangements have to be
experience in an area of your choice. I enjoyed made for their tuition. Physics and Biology
the 4th year the most because I was able to
focus on an area of organic chemistry that The standard departmental offer is are also very helpful, but not essential.
I love and enjoy and I was able to use my
passion and drive to publish a paper and get
A*AA with the A* in either a Science or The requirements of colleges may vary
some good research done. I would recommend Mathematics. General Studies will not be slightly, for example some colleges require
applying to Oxford. It is a fantastic place,
offering so many opportunities with tutors included in the offer. Typical offers for other Mathematics at A2 level and some do not;
who are often the leaders in their fields and
are passionate about teaching. A brilliant
qualifications, such as the International if in doubt the Tutor for Admissions at any
working environment where one can work and Baccalaureate or Scottish Highers are particular College may be consulted.
play hard and achieve great results and make
some great friends. available on the Web at http://www.ox.ac.
uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/
international_students/
What is the role of the college?
All students who come to Oxford University Chemistry students split their working week
are associated with an Oxford College. Each between College and Department based
college has its own particular history, ethos activities: lectures and practical work are
and architecture, provides students with based in the Department, while tutorials and
affordable accommodation for at least two small classes are provided by the College. At
(and often for all four) years of the course, their College students receive at least one
Sacha Wason College: Somerville and acts as a social hub. The extracurricular tutorial each week: a tutor will typically set a
Year of study: 3
I really loved the idea of going to a collegiate
opportunities to be found within colleges substantial and stretching work assignment,
university, so looked at both Oxford and are almost limitless, and whatever your and the tutorial is an opportunity for the
Cambridge. The transition from A-level to
University at first seemed immense, but interests – music, drama, sports, politics – student to make sure that they understand
once we’d woken up after the summer
holiday, it got better (we were better at
there will be a society for you in Oxford. You the material, and for the tutor to ensure
managing our time). I didn’t really know can name a college at the application stage, that the student is constantly challenged.
what to expect from Oxford. You only see
all the ceremonial stuff in the media, so was but it is not necessary to do this. A third of The form of the tutorial is flexible, enabling
very glad when I found it to be much more
relaxed than that! I enjoy tutorials, as only
students happily end up at a college different tutors to tailor methods and material for
having a small group means you can really from the one they originally applied to! their individual students, ensuring that their
clear up areas you find difficult. I also really
like the problem solving nature of Chemistry students cover the syllabus as efficiently and
(and this course involves a lot of it!). I
found time to play in the Oxford University
deeply as possible.
Symphonic Band, sing in a University choir
and enjoy going to events at the Oxford
What are the tutors looking for?
Union and listening to speakers at the
Scientific Society.
Your application will be assessed on the • Ability to listen and respond to ideas
basis of the UCAS application form and, if put forward during discussion, to draw
selected, an interview. At present there is inferences from them and to work
no pre-interview aptitude test and we do through them.
not require written work. • Ability to put forward coherent and well
thought out proposals and responses
In your application our tutors will be looking You are not expected to know material
for evidence of exceptional academic ability outside your normal syllabus, but you will
and of your motivation to study Chemistry. be tested on how well you understand the
They will base their judgement on your material you have encountered already,
Rowena Scott College: Somerville academic record, your academic reference whether you have thought about it and what
Year of study: 3rd
A-level is very different to university. The and your personal statement. you can do with it. This will almost certainly
key difference is learning how to think in
different ways, and problem-solve using
involve applying principles you know in
new approaches. I enjoy all parts of my If selected for interview, our tutors will be unfamiliar situations.
course: one of the reasons I find chemistry
interesting is because of its variation and looking for the following qualities:
scope. Nevertheless, I have found time to get
involved in the Oxford University Scientific
• Clarity of analysis and presentation of
Society, the Inklings (a creative writing ideas
group), the Vegetarian Society (of which I am
also a co-founder - the society is still in it’s
first year), and others.
What can I do after I finish my degree?
Chemistry is a door-opening degree. There is a Open Days
substantial traditional chemical industry in this country There’s no better way to find out what Oxford is really like than to
(pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, fine chemicals etc.); visit us. Many colleges and departments welcome arranged visits
in addition there are many opportunities in analytical throughout the year, but our three University open days remain
chemistry, in industry, the environment and in forensics. the most popular time to visit. You don’t need to book to attend
In all these areas there are both large and small Open Days. We will give you a tour of the department, a talk on
companies, all needing well qualified chemists, either admissions, a chance to talk to tutors and students about the course,
directly from the M. Chem. or following a postgraduate and in the Summer open days there is also the opportunity to see
degree. The Oxford Chemistry department also has an the annual Chemistry Show. You will also have plenty of time to visit
unrivalled record at commercialising its own inventions colleges where you can talk directly to tutors and students to help
through spin-out companies, whose current valuation you make your decisions. For details, please see www.chem.ox.ac.uk/
(2011) is almost £2 bn. teaching/opendays.html
Not all our graduates pursue the subject directly after For more information on applying to Oxford, please visit www.
their degree, some enter professions such as Law, admissions.ox.ac.uk. The University’s Admissions Information
Teaching and Patent Agency, and others enter Financial Centre (admissions i) at 55 Little Clarendon Street can help answer
Services, where their quantitative and analytical questions about applying to undergraduate or graduate degrees
training is highly valued. offered by Oxford. Please contact: +44 (0) 1865 288000 or
undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk
Get in touch...
The Department’s website www.chem.ox.ac.uk
provides more information on the course, advice on
applying, suggested reading as well as information
about the department itself and its excellent and
award winning research.
If you have any further questions regarding studying
Chemistry at Oxford,
please do email: admissions@chem.ox.ac.uk
Department of Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
South Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3QR
Telephone +44 (01865) 272568
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
