2024/25 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue
MChem, BSc Chemistry and Mathematics
| Programme code: | MCBS-CHM&MA | UCAS code: | F1GC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: | 4 Years | Method of Attendance: | Full Time |
| Programme manager: | Dr Andrew Burnett | Contact address: | a.d.burnett@leeds.ac.uk |
Total credits: 480
Entry requirements:
Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:
School of Chemistry
Examination board through which the programme will be considered:
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:
Programme specification:
The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme in 2023/2024 or before. For students entering the programme from September 2024 or after, you can find the details of your programme: href="https://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=202425&P=MCBSCHM%26MA-R">MChem, BSc Chemistry and Mathematics(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)
Chemistry is a central science, at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us. From energy to the environment, groundbreaking medicine to cleaning products, chemistry is integral to all aspects of our life, which puts chemical scientists at the forefront of delivering invaluable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and health.
Chemistry is a central science at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us while mathematics has always played an intrinsic role in helping comprehend chemistry and unlocking new perspectives in the chemical world. It’s for this reason that these two fundamental disciplines have become invaluable in tackling global challenges faced by society today such as climate change. This is also why a joint honours degree in both could equip you with skills highly sought after by a wide range of industries worldwide and delivering invaluable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and health.
This Chemistry and Mathematics MChem, BSc degree at Leeds will enable you to understand the fundamental concepts of each field alongside a variety of optional modules available, so you can tailor your degree to what really interests you the most. You will be taught by expert academics, with the unique opportunity to get involved in real-world research happening in the Schools of Chemistry and Mathematics.
You'll have access to specialist facilities right here on campus, alongside exciting opportunities like studying abroad and industrial work placements to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.
In your first year you will undertake an even split of work across both disciplines developing the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin both chemistry and mathematics, along with the ability to apply you mathematical understanding to chemical problems.
In year two you will then choose independent pathways in both chemistry and mathematics that allow you to focus your work on the topics that interest you and to develop a deeper understanding of both subjects while also developing your skills as an interdisciplinary scientist, advancing your skills in research, scientific writing, scientific and professional ethics, personal development, planning, and scientific programming
In your third year, you will have access to a range of options, which allows you to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of chemistry and mathematics along with broader options including ethics and business within the degree programme. You will have the option to apply for industrial experience between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4. Alternatively, you may spend your third year studying chemistry and mathematics at one of our overseas partner Universities.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a significant research project, embedded in one of our internationally recognized research groups. This allows you to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of chemistry, as well as further develop transferable skills such as working independently, communication and time management.
Year1 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| CHEM1102 | Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM1204 | Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology & Synthesis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM1205 | Chemistry of the Material World | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM1302 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| CHEM1403 | Practical and Research Skills for Chemistry and Maths | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH1000 | Core Mathematics Pre-requisite for: MATH2701 Statistical Methods | 40 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH1700 | Probability and Statistics Pre-requisite for: MATH2701 Statistical Methods | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Discovery modules:
Year2 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Progression into year 3 of the MChem programme is dependent on passing at least 100 credits and achieving an average of 60% or higher. Exceptions to this will only be at the discretion of the Progression and Classification Board. Students failing to progress to year 3 of the MChem will be transferred to the BSc programme.
Compulsory modules:
Students will take the following compulsory modules:
| CHEM2131 | Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2191 | Structure and Spectroscopy | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2231 | Quantum Mechanics and Bonding | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2420 | Laboratory Work 2b | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH2080 | Further Linear Algebra | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2365 | Vector Calculus | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2375 | Linear Differential Equations and Transforms | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Students are required to take at least 10 credits from the following list of Chemistry options:
| CHEM2111 | Structure and Synthesis of Materials | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2121 | Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2211 | Organometallic Compounds and their Applications | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2215 | Introduction to Drug Design | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM2221 | Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Pericyclic, Heterocyclic and Bioorganic Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM2292 | Analytical and Applied Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
CHEM2121 is a co-requisite for CHEM2221.
Students are required to take at least 10 credits from the following list of Mathematics options:
| MATH2017 | Real Analysis | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2041 | Logic | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2042 | Logic with Computation | 15 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH2051 | Geometry of Curves and Surfaces | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2230 | Discrete Mathematics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2231 | Discrete Mathematics with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2391 | Nonlinear Differential Equations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2600 | Numerical Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2601 | Numerical Analysis with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2625 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2650 | Calculus of Variations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2715 | Statistical Methods | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2740 | Environmental Statistics | 10 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH2800 | Mathematics into Schools | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| NATS2100 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Please note that some level 2 Maths modules may be inactive for 2024/25; see the online catalogue for further details.
MATH2601 is mutually exclusive with MATH2600.
# In order to enrol for MATH2800 (Mathematics into Schools), you must contact the School of Mathematics by a specific deadline (check the Module Catalogue for more information). The module is mutually exclusive with CHEM3437 (Literature-Based Project Work) and CHEM3666 (Chemistry into Schools).
When choosing your options and discovery modules, you should take into account which modules you intend to take at level 3, to ensure you achieve the necessary prerequisites. If in doubt, contact your Programme Manager for advice.
In order to progress to year 3 of the honours programme, students must pass at least 100 credits including at least 40 level 2 credits in each subject, and including CHEM2420.
Discovery modules:
Students are also able to take up to 20 credits of discovery modules. You may wish to take modules in chemistry and/or mathematics, from the above lists of level 2 options (check the Module Catalogue for any prerequisites). Recommended discovery modules are not shown on the online enrolment system.
You may use your Discovery credits to take:
CHEM2200 Science and Society: The Critical Interface
CHEM2600 Chemistry: Idea to Market
Year3 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Progression into year 4 of the MChem programme is dependent on passing at least 100 credits and achieving an average of 60% or higher. Exceptions to this will only be at the discretion of the Progression and Classification Board. Students failing to progress to year 4 of the MChem programme will be transferred to the BSc programme.
Students failing CHEM3720 will be required to change onto the BSc programme.
Compulsory modules:
Students are required to take the following compulsory modules:
| CHEM3720 | Laboratory Work 2M | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
You are required to choose at least 80 credits from the following modules, with at least 20 credits of chemistry and 40 credits of maths.
No more than a total of 10 credits of level 2 modules may be taken at level 3.
Students must take a minimum of 20 credits of the following modules:
| CHEM3126 | Strategy, Methods and Reaction Technology for Organic Synthesis | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3136 | Energy, Molecules and Chemical Change | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3146 | Medicinal Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3185 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3211 | Properties and Applications of Materials | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3216 | Advanced Organometallics and Catalysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3226 | Process chemistry and reactive intermediates in synthesis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3281 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (10cr) | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3282 | Topics in Fundamental and Theoretical Chemistry (20cr) | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3283 | Topics in Fundamental Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3291 | Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (10cr) | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| CHEM3292 | Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (20cr) | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
-Students may only take one of the following three modules as they are different variants of selecting from the same group of topics: CHEM3281, CHEM3282, CHEM3283
-Students may only take one of the following two modules as they are different variants of selecting from the same group of topics: CHEM3291, CHEM3292.
In addition to the minimum 40 credits in chemistry, students may also take the following skills modules:
| CHEM3212 | Big Data, Big Science | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| NATS3200 | Machine Learning Approaches to Scientific Data Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
NATS2100, CHEM3212 or a comparable introductory Python module is a prerequisite for NATS3200.
If you are taking 60 or more credits of Chemistry, you may select one of the following:
| CHEM3621 | Ethical Issues in Chemistry | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| CHEM3666 | Chemistry into Schools | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Students who have taken MATH2800 (Mathematics into Schools) may not take CHEM3666.
Choose 40-80 credits from the following modules (check the Module Catalogue for pre-requisites and mutually exclusive modules). At most 10 maths credits may be at level 2.
EDUC3060 counts towards the credit requirement for Maths modules.
| COMP3910 | Combinatorial Optimisation | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| COMP3940 | Graph Algorithms and Complexity Theory | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| EDUC3060 | Mathematics Education | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun), Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2017 | Real Analysis | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2041 | Logic | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2042 | Logic with Computation | 15 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH2051 | Geometry of Curves and Surfaces | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2230 | Discrete Mathematics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2231 | Discrete Mathematics with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2391 | Nonlinear Differential Equations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2600 | Numerical Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2601 | Numerical Analysis with Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2625 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2650 | Calculus of Variations | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH2715 | Statistical Methods | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH2740 | Environmental Statistics | 10 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH2800 | Mathematics into Schools | 10 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH3001 | Project in Mathematics | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| MATH3017 | Calculus in the Complex Plane | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3033 | Graph Theory | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3104 | Proof and Computation | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3113 | Differential Geometry | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3120 | Models and Sets | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3143 | Combinatorics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3355 | Hamiltonian Systems | 15 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH3365 | Mathematical Methods | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3385 | Quantum Mechanics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3397 | Nonlinear Dynamics | 15 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH3414 | Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3424 | Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3458 | Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3459 | Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics | 15 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH3476 | Numerical Methods | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3565 | Mathematical Biology | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3567 | Evolutionary Modelling | 15 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH3620 | Fluid Dynamics 2 | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3714 | Linear Regression and Robustness | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3723 | Statistical Theory | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3772 | Multivariate Analysis | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3802 | Time Series | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH3823 | Generalised Linear Models | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH3860 | Introduction to Clinical Trials | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Please note that some some level 2 Maths modules may be inactive for 2024/25 and some level 3 Maths modules are only offered in alternate years; see the online catalogue for further details.
MATH2601 is mutually exclusive with MATH2600.
MATH3001 should only be selected if 80 credits of Maths are selected.
# In order to enrol for MATH2800 (Mathematics into Schools), you must contact the School of Mathematics by a specific deadline (check the Module Catalogue for more information). Students taking MATH2800 must take this in addition to 40 credits of maths modules. The module is mutually exclusive with CHEM3437 (Literature-Based Project Work) and CHEM3666 (Chemistry into Schools).
The following modules have a high mathematical content and may be taken to count towards your credits in maths:
| PHYS3011 | Cosmology | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHYS3190 | Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3151 | Dynamics of Weather Systems | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3250 | Inverse Theory | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
PHYS3011 is a near equivalent to MATH3532 Relativity and Cosmology.
SOEE3250 has links to applied mathematics and statistics.
SOEE3151 is suitable for students with an interest or background in meteorology.
Discovery modules:
Students may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
Year4 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Compulsory modules:
Students are required to take the following compulsory modules:
| CHEM5440M | Laboratory-based Project Work 4M | 40 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| CHEM5604M | Advanced Topics in Chemistry (40 Credit) | 40 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Students will be required to study 40 credits from the following optional modules.
| COMP5940M | Graph Theory: Structure and Algorithms | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH5104M | Advanced Proof and Computation | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH5113M | Advanced Differential Geometry | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH5120M | Advanced Models and Sets | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH5356M | Advanced Hamiltonian Systems | 20 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH5366M | Advanced Mathematical Methods | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH5386M | Advanced Quantum Mechanics | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH5398M | Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics | 20 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH5424M | Advanced Entropy in the Physical World | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH5458M | Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MATH5459M | Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics | 20 credits | Not running in 202425 | |
| MATH5566M | Advanced Mathematical Biology | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| MATH5567M | Advanced Evolutionary Modelling | 20 credits | Not running in 202425 |
Note: Some M-Level modules are only offered in alternate years; please see the online catalogue for further details.
The following modules have a high mathematical content and may be taken to count towards your credits in maths:
| PHAS5120M | General Relativity | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHAS5420M | Quantum Field Theory | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE5675M | Inverse Theory | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
PHAS5420M is suitable for students who have taken MATH3385/MATH5386M.
PHAS5120M is suitable for students who have taken MATH3532.
SOEE5675M has links to applied mathematics and statistics.
Discovery modules:
Last updated: 13/05/2024 15:22:25
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