Chemistry

Why study this course?

More than an introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry, this degree provides intensive basic training that is designed to give you the core laboratory, IT and performance skills to succeed in your chosen career.

You'll be taught in our £30 million Science Centre, which has more than 280 cutting-edge work stations, and gain hands-on practical experience alongside analytical techniques such as UV and infrared spectroscopy. Our lecturers are often industry experts or active researchers and there are opportunities for on-the-job experience through our work placement scheme.

The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and provides partial exemption from the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist status.

More about this course

With access to 280 workstations and specialist labs, you’ll get the chance to explore electrochemical analysis, gas and liquid chromatography, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry and many other modern techniques used in the industry today.

Your first year will cover the fundamentals of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry to prepare you for the study of forensic, pharmaceutical, medical and analytical science. As the course progresses, you’ll have the chance to explore the practical and technical aspects of chemistry at a more in-depth level as well as having the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you such as forensic chemistry or bioanalytical science.

In your final year, you’ll undertake a year-long research project on a topic of your choosing within the chemistry sector. You’ll also have the option to undertake an on-the-job placement as part of your degree, giving you valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the industry.

The modules listed are subject to change. Please visit the university website for full, up-to-date module details.

Example Year 1 modules include:

General Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Foundations of Physics (core, 15 credits);
Introduction to Laboratory Skills (core, 15 credits);
Fundamental Chemical Concepts (core, 15 credits);
Introduction to Organic Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling (core, 15 credits);
Key Principles in Chemistry (core, 15 credits)

Example Year 2 modules include:

Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits);
Organic Unsaturated Molecules (core, 15 credits);
Coordination and Solution Chemistry of d and f block Complexes (core, 15 credits);
Kinetics and Surface Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Spectroscopic Methods (core, 15 credits);
Organic Ring Systems (core, 15 credits);
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry (core, 15 credits)

Example Year 3 modules include:

Advanced Organic Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Advanced Physical Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Advanced Inorganic Techniques (core, 15 credits);
Research Project (core, 30 credits);
Sandwich Placement (year-long) (option, 30 credits);
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Medicinal Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (option, 15 credits);
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits);
Atomic and Molecular Spectra (option, 15 credits)

You'll be assessed through mini-tests, practical reports, posters, presentations, essays, short-answer tests and examinations.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chemistry, Royal Society of