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School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Foundation Year

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UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F101
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

If you are interested in chemistry but don’t have the qualifications to apply for a degree, this could be the pathway for you. Build your skills and knowledge on this new four year degree route, which incorporates a foundation year. Successful completion of the foundation year will enable you to progress onto Year 1 of our chemistry degree.

Careers with this subject
The skills you learn during your degree make you very attractive to employers across a range of sectors. Although you could use your chemistry skills directly, in areas such as research and development within the pharmaceutical industry or in other laboratory-based analytical roles (for example within the brewing or food industries), many of our graduates choose to move into multi-disciplinary teams across the science, engineering, healthcare, environmental and technology sectors.
You could use your graduate-level skills in occupational areas as diverse as marketing, scientific writing, legal careers, IT, administration or finance. There may be opportunities to travel as many organisations, particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry, are global. A significant percentage of our graduates go on to postgraduate study, including masters and PhD positions, which can be a way of specialising and gaining valuable research skills. Teaching (both primary and secondary) is another option open to you.
Career opportunities
You’ll be offered a work placement module as a final year option so that you can gain first-hand experience with employers - we see this as a key driver for employability of our graduates.

Key features
  • 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 based on coursework.
  • Experience chemistry in the real world and boost your employability by taking a work-based placement 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.
  • The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Foundation Year

  • We introduce you to the world of chemistry, applying the principles across a wide subject area. We focus on practical, hands-on learning. You will also gain study and mathematical skills for science - from scientific writing and time management to mathematical skills and independent study.

    Core modules

    FYM001
    Becoming a Successful Global Scientist 30 credits

    This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    FYM002
    Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences 30 credits

    This module introduces learners to the study of physical and environmental science. It covers the very small scale from atoms to large scale global systems. This module teaches the fundamental concepts and analysis methods for chemical, environmental and earth system sciences. No prior knowledge is assumed. Emphasis is placed on building understanding of core principles and confidence in essential practical techniques.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    FYM004
    Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes 30 credits

    This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester (FYM002), introducing a range of additional physical, earth and environmental concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in earth, environmental and chemical sciences.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    FYM006
    Sustainable Development Project 30 credits

    This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CHM1011
    Practice of Chemistry 20 credits

    Ignite your passion for Chemistry. Get hands-on as part of a team, be trained in practical techniques, develop your laboratory practice, and enhance your scientific communication skills. This module will support your transition to university level study whatever your background.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    CHM1017
    Inorganic Chemistry 20 credits

    An exploration of atomic structure, relating the concepts of electron energy levels and atomic orbitals to real-world applications. Students will construct the periodic table, discussing its history, structure, and uncovering trends in elemental properties. Learn and apply bonding theory for simple molecules, metal complexes and crystal structures, through hands-on laboratory experimentation and analysis.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    CHM1019
    Organic Chemistry 20 credits

    Join us on a voyage of molecular discovery. In a series of hands-on lab sessions, workshops, and small group tutorials, you will explore the wonder of organic chemical reactions and gain a deep understanding of the concepts underpinning them.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    CHM1020
    Physical Chemistry 20 credits

    Further your ability to predict and model chemical parameters. Understand the states of matter, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. Workshops will provide you with opportunities to investigate and ask probing questions, and lab sessions will train you in accurate observation and data collection.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    CHM1021
    Approaches to Data Analysis 20 credits

    Learn how computing, maths and chemistry interweave. Enhance your IT skills and gain a thoroughly supported experience using the programming language “R” to process, analyse and present environmental chemical data sets.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    CHM1022
    ChemAnalysis: Tools of the Trade 20 credits

    Enhance your analytical skills as we equip you with a foundation of fundamental techniques and delve into their theoretical concepts, working principles, and real-world applications. Using a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on exercises, this module sharpens critical thinking skills as you discover the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, empowering you to make informed decisions on your analytical endeavours.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

Approximate cohort size is 20 students per year.
A levels: from a minimum of 2 A levels to include at least one pass in a science subject.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP – from a science related subject.
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP – from a science related subject.
BTEC National modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access courses: pass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.
T level: Pass (D or E on the core) 72 points or above. Any subjects related to Science/Engineering/Health.
GCSE: Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.
International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.
Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details.
Progression onto chemistry F100 - achieving 120 credits in the specified course and an average of at least 50 per cent across all 120 credits.
English language requirements .
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Additional information

Why study chemistry?
Chemistry facilities - student using lab equipment

Chemistry facilities

Student experience - Adam
students being taught in a lab
Our teaching
PALS hero
Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS)

Progression routes

After successful completion of your Foundation Year, you will have the choice of progressing onto:
 
 

Find out more about our graduates

Dr Roy Lowry, Associate Professor of Chemistry runs a YouTube channel designed to help teachers and students get to grips with the important concepts in chemistry.

Here is Roy explaining 'The Peculiar Atom'