What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about the application of chemistry to a range of sectors including the process industry and the pharmaceutical/biotech sectors. You will explore the process of applying the fundamental principles of core chemistry to specific industrial, environmental or research problems. Illustrative themes include:
•Drug design, applications and mechanisms of actions: applications in the pharmaceutical sector
•Chemical process development: synthesis of fine and commodity chemicals, polymer and materials synthesis.
•Chemical analysis of the environment: elemental analysis, the process of analysing a contamination in an environment
• Industrial application: based on a Chemistry Clinic approach where the student as part of their practical work for the module will work on a real-world problem proposed by external sources
Out of the range of topics available, you will be able to chose a subset of them (those which most interest you) to be assessed on.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, computational laboratories and independent learning. The lectures and laboratories will outline relevant theories and concepts which will equip you with knowledge and understanding that will enable you to predict and rationalise the outcomes of new situations. Independent learning will give you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your learning journey through this module will be supported by a range of teaching materials that will be available on the module’s eLearning Portal site. Topic leaders will be identified and will provide support through the teaching of lectures, laboratories and online discussion boards.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1.You will be able to demonstrate your ability to apply underlying principles of chemistry to real world problems.
2.You will be able to perform relevant laboratory and computational analysis to support a line of enquiry.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3.You will develop analytical skills and abilities relating to the subject area and be able to think independently, understand and justify your own opinions. These skills are important employability competences.
4.You will be able to explain your findings orally and visually to an expert and a general audience.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5.You will be able to apply your subject knowledge to raise your awareness of the place of chemistry in industry, academic and research.
How will I be assessed?
This module will be assessed by
•3 continual assessments (75%) in the form of open book multiple choice tests, case study assignment and lab book marks. Feedback from the assessments will be given electronically. MLO 1, 2, 3 and 5.
•A poster presentation session (25%)which will allow the students to demonstrate one aspect of their studies, and be questioned on it by members of staff. Feedback will be given immediately as part of the questioning process.
MLO 4
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
‘Applied Chemistry’ will allow you to discover and appreciate how chemistry can be utilised across chemical and chemistry-using sectors to solve problems or promote new methods. You will engage with the subject area through lectures, laboratory work, problem solving (enquiry-based learning) and independent learning, and will be able to choose which aspects of the syllabus you wish to be assessed in. ‘Applied Chemistry’ will be assessed by continuous coursework in the form of multiple choice tests conducted through the eLearning Portal, and a poster-based presentation and questioning assessment. Feedback will be given on the assessments electronically or in person at the poster session. This module is designed to aid your employability in the chemical and chemistry-using sectors.
Course info
UCAS Code F101
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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