1. Programme Structure
The aim of the Honours Programme in Chemistry is to introduce students to advanced studies in analytical methods, inorganic-, organometallic- and supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry; to enable students to specialize in various areas of chemistry; and to introduce students to the process of scientific research. In the first semester, the course consists of core modules in each of the Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry sections combined together as Advanced Chemistry (CHEM 761). There is also a Research Methodology (practical) component (CHEM 751). A selection of elective topics in these general areas (CHEM 781), as well as a 12 week research project, is given in the second semester (CHEM 791).
2. Taught modules
Core modules
(i) CHEM 751 Research Methodology
Content: Research methods; communication and presentation of research results; Theory and practice of advanced spectroscopies and characterization methods for molecular compounds and materials; analyses methods, synthesis methods; lab assignments.
(ii) CHEM 761 Advanced Chemistry
Content: Analytical: Sampling and sample preparation methods. Separation science. Spectrometry and other detection techniques. Chromatography. Inorganic: Inorganic and organotransition chemistry. Catalysis. Supra-molecular chemistry. Bioinorganic chemistry. Ligand design. Materials chemistry. Green Chemistry. Nanochemistry and -technology. Characterization techniques. Applications. Organic: Reactions and mechanisms of redox reactions. Organic synthetic chemistry. Chirality and stereochemistry. Analytical methods. Enantiomeric purity, asymmetric synthesis. Retrosynthesis. Physical: Symmetry elements and symmetry operations, Point groups. Schoenflies notation, character tables. Vibrational spectroscopy, atomic and molecular orbitals. Basic concepts in photochemistry, principles in absorption and emission of radiation. Activated complex theory. Applications.
Elective modules
(i) CHEM 781
Content: A number of elective courses will be available in the second semester. Note that a course will only be offered if there is >40% attendance. As an example, if the whole Honours class has 30 students, a minimum of 13 students need to attend a course (43%), while 11 students (37%) would be insufficient; these students then need to find another course. Each student needs to take 4 electives and usually 5-6 different courses are eventually given (out of a potential 10 or so on offer).
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Comments |
| CHEM 751 16 credits | CHEM 761 48 credits | CHEM 781 32 credits | CHEM 791 32 credits | Code credits |
| Dr Maguire | Prof Bala | Dr Moodley | Dr Owaga | Coordinator |
| 100% continuous assessment | 20% continuous assessment | 20 % continuous assessment | 10% supervisor 70% report | Assessment |
| No written exam | 80% Written End of Semester | 80% Written End of Semester | 20% Oral End of semester | Exam |
| None | 4 x 100 marks 3 hrs each | 4 x 50 marks 1.5 hrs each | 20 min oral examination | Exam structure |
| 64 credits | 64 credits | Semester sub-total |
| 128 credits to earn the degree Minimum of averaged 60% for progression to next degree. | Total |
3. Projects
List of projects 2016
List of projects 2017 (TBA)
4. Additional information
The Honours Booklet is available here.
For more information please contact Dr. Bernard Owaga.