Chemistry

Courses offered:
MChem Chemistry: 5-6 students per year.

Fellow:
Grant Ritchie, MA, DPhil

Lecturers:
Ann Chippindale, MA, DPhil
Rachel Quarrell, MA, DPhil

The College normally admit 6 students each year to read Chemistry at Worcester. The Oxford Chemistry course extends from the borders of atomic and molecular physics on the one hand to the biological sciences on the other. The teaching of Chemistry in Worcester is intended to develop both enjoyment and critical understanding of the subject, and is by a combination of tutorials and classes which are closely related to the University lectures and practical classes. All chemists are tutored in the three main branches of the subject, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry together with the necessary mathematics. The College encourages the development of specialised interests by the study of Supplementary Subjects in the second, third or fourth year; all students have a free choice of research topic in the fourth year.

Dr Ritchie’s (physical chemistry) research focuses on the application of laser-based spectroscopic techniques to a variety of fundamental and applied problems in the areas of gas phase reaction dynamics, optical micromanipulation and medical diagnostics (see http://ritchie.chem.ox.ac.uk/). Dr Chippindale (inorganic chemistry) uses X-ray crystallography to study the relationship between the solid state structures of inorganic compounds and their properties. Dr Quarrell (organic chemistry) has publications in medicinal chemistry including the synthesis of new anti-malarial and anti-cancer drugs, combinatorial synthesis techniques, solid-phase peptide synthesis and enzyme inhibition.

In order to cope with the requirements of the course, candidates are required to have Chemistry to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. Mathematics is also highly recommended at the same level; only a small number of students are admitted to the University each year without Mathematics at A-level or equivalent. Candidates are expected to have Mathematics AS-level grade A or equivalent as an absolute minimum. Another science or Further Mathematics can be helpful to students in completing this course, although they are not required for admission.

A booklet, Chemistry at Oxford, is available from the Admissions Secretary, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QR, (01865) 272568.  Extensive information is given on the web at http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/

Further advice on A-levels, AS levels and equivalent qualifications for students interested in applying to Oxford is available at www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses

For information about international qualifications please go to www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/int