Course Overview
Overview
Environmental Chemistry is a subject for people who want to understand how the world works.
This programme is studied on campus.
Environmental Chemistry is one of the public faces of chemistry with decisions based on research having enormous consequences for all of us. You may think that Environmental Chemistry is mostly about pollution, but really it is a subject for people who want to understand how the world works.
Environmental Chemistry is concerned with the behaviour of chemicals (natural or man-made) in air, water, soils and sediments. It is an interdisciplinary field at the cross roads of important scientific subjects centred around advanced analytical chemistry. It requires knowledge of fundamental principles of many subject areas, including organic chemistry, soil science, biochemistry, toxicology and ecology.
You will learn about the chemistry of organic and inorganic compounds, whether they are produced on purpose or generated as by-products of industrial processes, and about their reactivity and their interactions with living systems.
AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
DURATION | 48 months |
STUDY MODE | Full Time |
Compulsory Courses
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 1 (NT1021) – 15 Credit Points
- Elements of Chemistry 1 (NT1022) – 15 Credit Points
- Ecology and Environmental Science (NT1511) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (NT1513) – 15 Credit Points
- Elements of Chemistry 2 (NT1522) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
- Frontiers in Biological Sciences (NT1009) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Ecology (NT2020) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy (NT2016) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT2514) – 15 Credit Points
- Shapes, Properties and Reactions of Molecules (NT2516)
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- General Chemistry (NT3032) – 5 Credit Points
- Solid State Chemistry (NT3036) – 15 Credit Points
- Environmental Chemistry (NT3038) – 15 Credit Points
- Global Soil Geography (NT3001) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT3534) – 30 Credit Points
- Molecular Structure and Reactivity (NT3536) – 30 Credit Points
- Professional Skills for Physics and Chemistry (NT30) – 15 Credit Points
Compulsory Courses
- Honours Chemistry Research Project (NT4028) – 45 Credit Points
- Remediation Technology (NT4501) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select 15 credit points from courses of choice at Level 3 or Level 4.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Environmental Chemistry?
- The programme challenges you to think independently and understand answers to fascinating questions. The Environmental Chemist has to know and understand the best methods to use to analyse and also be aware of the likely sources of specific situations in our environment.
- You will get the opportunity to be exposed to the workings of our Environmental Chemistry research group. Led by Prof Jörg Feldmann, the group’s special interests are the interactions of metals with biota, for which they use state-of-the-art advanced analytical equipment.
- The skills and training of the programme mean that that you will graduate with excellent job prospects. For example, a BSc graduate would be well qualified to work for SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), for a water or energy company to be responsible for environmental monitoring of the quality of water and industrial processes; or alternatively, as a chemist in a forensic laboratory, where well developed interdisciplinary skills and a high level of analytical understanding are required.
- You will study the full Chemistry course at all levels, with particular emphasis on analytical chemistry, and in addition take courses on ecology, molecular and cell biology, microbiology, and soil science.
- There is an active Student Chemistry Society, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills and connections away from the classroom.
- Our teaching is research-led and all 1st year students have to opportunity to visit research labs. MChem and Honours project students work with PhD and post-doc scientists on ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ research.
- All lecturing staff are active researchers in one or more of the areas of research strength of the Department: Materials Chemistry, Biomolecular and Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry.
- Innovative methods for learning and teaching ensure that students develop skills in computing and IT, problem solving, and personal skills, in addition to the core theoretical and practical principles of chemistry.
Careers
The skills and training of the Environmental Chemistry programme mean that that graduates have excellent job prospects. For example, a BSc graduate would be well qualified to work , for a water or energy company to be responsible for environmental monitoring of the quality of water and industrial processes; or alternatively, as a chemist in a forensic laboratory, where well developed interdisciplinary skills and a high level of analytical understanding are required.
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions