BSc (Hons) Chemistry

• Benefit from outstanding teaching - 96% of our students were overall satisfied with the quality of the course; 96% said that staff made the subject interesting; and 93% agreed that staff were good at explaining things.*
• Equip yourself for successful employment in a competitive job market – our focus on practical, professional skills means you graduate primed to enter the workplace.
• Benefit from award-winning teaching in small groups and be inspired by staff who are world-leading researchers.
• Hone your practical problem solving skills in our newly-refurbished laboratories, kitted out with the latest analytical instrumentation.
• Our tutorial system ensures that you receive the support and guidance you need to reach your full potential.
• 70% of assessment is based on coursework.
• Experience chemistry in the real world and boost your employability by taking a placement, work-based project in your final year, or working alongside PhD and post-doctoral researchers in our high specification laboratories.
• Graduate with in-demand skills for a range of career paths, from research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and lab-based roles in the food and energy industries, to positions in the science, engineering, healthcare, environmental or technology sectors.
• Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the professional body representing chemistry in the UK.

• Year 1

• In your first year, you’ll take part in workshops, lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, providing you with the essential skills and knowledge for a degree in chemistry. You’ll learn about core chemical principles and chemical problem solving, as well as IT and laboratory techniques. You’ll begin developing personal and professional skills to boost your employability in the science workplace. 

  Core modules

  • Practice of Chemistry (CHM1011)

    This module introduces fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills needed for degree level chemistry. It provides introductory training in practical techniques, embedding core chemical concepts and a robust foundation for good laboratory practice and scientific communication.

  • Solving Chemical Problems (CHM1014)

    This module introduces the application of fundamental theoretical chemical concepts and practical skills to well-defined chemical problems. It provides a basic introduction to research informed teaching via a series of research applications workshops, and starts to build employability with careers workshops.

  • Inorganic Chemistry (CHM1017)

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in inorganic chemistry. It also provides training in fundamental practical techniques and good laboratory practice.

  • Mathematical and Computational Chemistry (CHM1018)

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental IT skills, using both standard Microsoft Office software and more specialist programmes, whilst also providing training in fundamental mathematical techniques. All examples are drawn from chemistry and are thus in context.

  • Organic Chemistry (CHM1019)

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in organic chemistry. It also provides training in fundamental practical techniques and good laboratory practice.

  • Physical Chemistry (CHM1020)

    This module provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts in physical chemistry, practical techniques of experimentation, data acquisition and interpretation and good laboratory practice.

• Year 2

• Building on the theoretical and practical areas covered in your first year, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. You’ll be trained in the use of advanced instrumentation and develop the skills and knowledge to tackle chemical problems in real-life contexts; laying the foundations for more extended projects. You’ll continue your personal and professional development, gaining problem solving and teamwork skills essential to the workplace.
  

  Core modules

  • Inorganic Chemistry (CHM2011)

    This module builds on the fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in inorganic chemistry that were initiated during Stage 1. It also provides further training in practical techniques related to the lecture material and good laboratory practice.

  • Organic Chemistry (CHM2012)

    This module builds on the fundamental theoretical concepts and practical skills in organic chemistry that were initiated during Stage 1. It also provides further training in good laboratory practice and practical techniques of synthesis and structural elucidation in organic chemistry, related to the lecture, workshop and tutorial material.

  • Physical Chemistry (CHM2013)

    This module builds on the theory and practical skills introduced in Stage 1. It concerns the way molecules behave: quantum mechanically, statistically, thermodynamically, electrochemically and as colloids and on surfaces. It is underpinned by mathematics and illustrated by practical exercises.

  • Analytical Chemistry 1 (CHM2014)

    This module introduces the fundamental theoretical concepts in analytical chemistry. It also provides further training in problem solving and teamwork.

  • Analytical Chemistry 2 (CHM2015)

    This module introduces practical laboratory skills in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis. It also provides further training in task management, teamwork and information and data management.

  • Research Skills (CHM2016)

    This module will develop research and professional skills within the context of chemical problems, including a business challenge, and prepare students for modules CHM3011 and CHM3012.

  Optional modules

  • Preparation for the Chemical Industry Work Placement (APIE218)

    This module is designed to assist students in their search and preparation for a work placement and careers. It is aimed at students who would like to undertake the work placement to enhance both programme specific and employment-related skills during Stage 3 and preparation for future careers.

• Optional placement year

• Optional modules

  • Placement in Chemistry (APIE318)

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 6 months in the chemistry sector, with an approved company or host organisation between Stages 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain experience of how chemistry is used in the workplace, be able to apply and develop their chemical knowledge and expertise, and acquire additional skills relevant to the position and more generally.

• Final year

• Studying chemistry at an advanced level, you’ll explore contemporary chemical issues and focus on developing your skills to a professional standard. You’ll hone your practical skills and project management know-how by planning and undertaking a project with an internationally recognised research group, working with the latest instrumentation and paving your way for successful entry into your profession. There’s also an opportunity to experience a work-based learning placement within the industry.
  

  Core modules

  • Advanced Analytical Techniques (CHM3013)

    This series of practical sessions (with supporting lectures) provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the operation and applications of modern instrumental analytical techniques. Emphasis is given to hands on experience of a range of modern instrumental techniques and their application to industrial, environmental, clinical and forensic samples.

  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHM3014)

    Students will apply knowledge and understanding to the solution of unfamiliar chemical problems in selected areas of inorganic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on designing an experimental approach and relating key concepts from all four main branches of chemistry in a variety of contexts, both theoretical and practical in nature.

  • Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHM3015)

    Students will apply knowledge and understanding to the solution of unfamiliar chemical problems in selected areas of organic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on applying key concepts in a variety of contexts, both theoretical and practical in nature.

  • Advanced Physical Chemistry (CHM3016)

    Advanced theoretical and practical concepts in physical chemistry and materials characterisation techniques.

  Optional modules

  • Chemistry Project (CHM3011)

    A research project, normally involving laboratory work, but which may also include fieldwork, on a topic relevant to the degree programme. Both independent research and collaborative team-work is linked to the development of skills appropriate to the management of the project and entry and success in the professional workplace.

  • Chemistry Project incorporating Work Based Learning (CHM3012)

    A work-based project, involving a Summer placement (minimum normally 6 weeks) on a topic relevant to the degree programme. Independent work is linked to the development of skills appropriate to the management of the project, the Summer placement, and entry and success in the professional workplace.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Chemistry Programme Specification 6177

UCAS tariff

104 - 112