05-13 Chem Highlights AMEND:Chem news - University of York

Chem Highlights Feb 2013
NEW advanced organic synthesis option
As part of a continuing commitment to refresh and revise our
undergraduate degree programmes, we have recently introduced a
new third year option called Advanced Synthesis – From Nature to
the Lab. First, the module outlines how biological systems achieve
the synthesis of complex natural products. Advanced retrosynthesis
is then covered, followed by aspects of stereoselective synthesis, and
finally, approaches to prepare nitrogen-containing functional groups
present in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. January saw the launch of this new
module which has proven to be extremely popular, with nearly 90 students on the course.
It is led by Peter O’Brien, one of our organic chemistry professors, who says:
“This is a fantastic and exciting addition to our organic chemistry teaching,
focusing on how complex molecules are synthesised. It is ideal preparation
for students who are planning a
4th year in the pharmaceutical industry.”
Short-listed for
Outstanding Departmental
Administration Team
The National Student Survey (NSS)
runs until the end of April 2013 and we
encourage all chemists in the final year
of their course to complete the survey.
This year the Student Hardship fund will
receive £1 for every survey completed.
The University of York has an
outstanding reputation for teaching
and research, featuring consistently in
the top few places in the league tables
of UK universities, and we hope that
this continues for next year.
Following on from last year’s NSS we
will be improving the way we inform
students of our actions to their
feedback. This includes asking module
coordinators to detail the changes to
a given course on the basis of student
feedback and this information will
be published (e.g. on a noticeboard
and/or online).
Record breaking placements
This summer, a record
number of over 50 of
our students will be
spending a Year in
Industry. The Chemical
Industry seems to
appreciate the extra
maturity and the enhanced background
in Chemistry shown by our Year 4 students.
Dr Brian Grievson, our year in
industry co-ordinator noted: “The
future of our MChem(Industry)
scheme looks very healthy,
which is fantastic news for students
considering York as a place to study.”
The Department of Chemistry Administration
Team were shortlisted for the Outstanding
Departmental Administration Team at the
Times Higher Education (THE) Leadership
and Management Awards 2012. The team
were short-listed for their exceptional
communication, co-operation and strong
team spirit, which underpin all the activities
within the Department. In 2012, the team
brought in innovative procedures and
processes to provide examples of best
practice across the University and HE sector,
with many innovations being adopted
by other departments.
Professor Brian Fulton, Academic
Coordinator for the Sciences, says:
“The Chemistry Admin team are
known throughout the University
for their professionalism, attention
to detail and innovative practices, and
a key part of operating such a large
and vibrant Department.”
York Graduation July 2013
The Chemistry Graduation Ceremony
will be held on Wednesday 10 July 2013
at 3.30pm.
50 years of changing the world
Follow the QR code
for a reflection on
the University’s
first 5 decades. See
photos of student
life in the 1960s!
Useful Links:
The Careers Service
www.york.ac.uk/services/careers/index.cfm
The Careers Service is for all University
of York students (undergraduates and
postgraduates of all years and subjects
of study) and graduates. This service
can help our students think about
their future career, with advice and
information about the options open
to them. For example, current students
can attend recruitment events and
workshops on aspects of job search,
whereas recent graduates can access
individual careers guidance interviews.
The Careers Service is on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/yorkcareersv=info:
Chemistry Alumni
www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/alumni/
Following graduation, the Department
is very keen to keep in touch with its
former students. We’d like to hear about
their employment news, job changes,
personal achievements, life changes
and any other news that they may have.
Our alumni can interact with us in
a variety of ways, including attending
our research seminars or Open Days,
talking about their careers to our
undergraduate students at careers
events, or contributing to Chemistry
Review, a full colour magazine
for post-16 chemists, which is
commissioned and edited at York.
Professor Dave’s Podcasts
Professor David Smith has produced a
series of podcasts on amazing molecules,
which can be viewed on youtube.
For the latest podcast by
ProfessorDaveatYork,
“Bad Pharma Good Pharma – a response
to Ben Goldacre’s book Bad Pharma and
his campaigning on the issue”, see:
www.youtube.com/user/
ProfessorDaveatYorkob=0
Find out about the latest news in the
department using twitter:
http://twitter.com/chemistryatyork
Website:
www.york.ac.uk/chemistry
Admissions:
undergraduate:
chem-ugrad@york.ac.uk
postgraduate:
chemgrad@york.ac.uk