University of York

University of York

Master of Chemistry Honours in Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment with a year abroad

The Master of Chemistry Honours in Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment with a year abroad in Chemistry is offered by University of York.

Program Length: 4 YEARS.

Master of Chemistry Honours in Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment with a year abroad offered by the University of York

Learn how the natural environment functions to evaluate the impact of human activities across the globe.​


Chemistry is often referred to as the 'central science' as it covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human genome project.

Environmental change raises important concerns over the future well-being of our planet. Although it is apparent that some changes result at least in part from human activities, it is equally clear that natural variations also play a major role.

This course will give you the opportunity to learn about the chemical basis of the environment and to understand our impact upon it.

Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, assuring the quality of our teaching. This course meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Course highlights

  • Chemical evolution of the Earth
  • Chemical oceanography
  • Meteorology and climate change
  • Archaeological environments in the geological past
  • Atmospheric modelling and measuring techniques
  • Impact of air pollution on climate and human health

Course content
Each year you'll take a range of core modules which balance a good understanding of the basic principles of chemistry with specialist modules which focus on atmospheric and environmental processes. There are plenty of opportunities to see the exciting contributions chemistry can make in the modern world.

Take a look at a typical week in Year 1
They aim to break down the artificial barriers between different branches of chemistry, helping you to understand chemistry as a unified discipline with common underlying principles.

The chemistry courses are designed to be flexible, so you can transfer between MChem and BSc courses at any time during the first two years. The title of your final degree will depend on the modules you take from Year 2 onwards.

Study abroad
There are other opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:
Explore global opportunities

Year 1
You will take a set of core modules, each of which integrates the major areas of Chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, theoretical, analytical and biological.

The Autumn term introduces themes of structure and bonding, and chemical change and reactivity, with practical courses complementing the lectures.

The Spring and Summer terms are divided into two interdisciplinary modules that introduce key chemical principles in the areas of spectroscopic analysis, bonding and chemical change, and chemical reactivity and mechanisms.

You will carry out experiments in analytical and physical chemistry, and a two-week integrated chemistry project as an introduction to research.

Core modules
Core 1: Fundamentals of Chemistry (30 credits)
Core 2: Chemical Properties and Analysis (30 credits)
Core 3: Molecules and Reactions (30 credits)
Year 1 Practical Chemistry (20 credits)
Skills for Chemists (10 credits)

Academic integrity module
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2
A significant proportion of your second year is made up of core Chemistry modules and practical work which is common to all our Chemistry courses. Your specialist module Dynamic Earth introduces the chemical foundations of a range of natural processes.

Core modules
Core 4a: Molecules in Action (20 credits)
Core 4b: Theory, Analysis and Mechanisms (20 credits)
Core 5: Reactivity (30 credits)
Core 6: Spectroscopy and Chemistry (30 credits)

Specialist module
Dynamic Earth: Origins, Evolution, Biogeochemistry and Climate (20 credits)

Year 3
You will continue your studies through a series of core modules in advanced inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The specialist module Atmospheric Chemistry looks at the chemical and physical processes important in controlling the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere.

You will also choose two option modules, to complement your core learning or branch out into new areas of chemistry.

Core modules
Core 7: Advanced Core Chemistry I (20 credits)
Core 8: Advanced Core Chemistry II (20 credits)
Core 9: Advanced Core Chemistry III (20 credits)
Advanced Practical Research Training (20 credits)

Specialist module
Atmospheric Chemistry (20 credits)

Option modules
Choose one of the following option modules:

Synthesis: from Nature to the Lab (10 credits)
Chemical Biology and Molecular Interactions (10 credits)
Chemical Theory and Computation (10 credits)
Choose one of the following option modules:

Analytical and Forensic Chemistry (10 credits)
Bioinspired Chemistry (10 credits)
Lasers in Chemistry (10 credits)

Year 4
You'll spend your final year working on a research project at one of our overseas partner universities.

You will have a personal supervisor at your host institution, and regular contact - including a visit - from a supervisor at York.

Core modules
Advanced Research project (Abroad) (90 credits)
Literature review skills (10 credits)
You will carry out a research project with a focus on atmospheric and environmental chemistry. Recent projects have investigated:

application of analytical science in environmental research 
atmospheric chemistry 
mass spectrometry and environmental organic chemistry 
gas phase tropospheric chemistry
Taught component (20 credits)

Alongside your project work you will have a taught component which varies according to the university you attend. For example, you could take Core 10: Advanced Chemistry, an open learning module exploring topics at the frontiers of science, based on cutting edge research carried out at York and taught in collaboration with experts who are closely involved.



Locations where you can study Master of Chemistry Honours in Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment with a year abroad en University of York


Schools where you can study Master of Chemistry Honours in Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment with a year abroad en University of York

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