Chemistry with a Year in Applied Research

Studying Chemistry at Swansea will give you a strong foundation in both the theoretical principles and practical techniques that underpin the chemical sciences. You will explore major areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, biological, medicinal, theoretical and computational chemistry, developing a broad understanding of how each discipline contributes to real scientific challenges.

From the very beginning of your degree, you will build practical skills through hands on laboratory experience. You will learn how to work safely and accurately in the lab, record and analyse data, interpret results and use a range of modern chemical techniques. As you progress, you will develop your numerical, mathematical and analytical skills, enabling you to work confidently with data, solve complex problems and communicate your findings clearly.

You will learn how chemists apply their knowledge to understand the world around us, from designing new materials and medicines to analysing environmental samples and investigating molecular behaviour. You will also develop the independent learning skills needed to evaluate information, tackle new challenges and grow your scientific expertise.

Clear and effective communication is an important part of the course. You will practise presenting ideas, explaining scientific concepts and writing reports using appropriate sources and scientific conventions. These skills are highly valued by employers and will support your success in a wide range of scientific and professional settings.

If you choose the MChem pathway, you will take your learning even further. You will deepen your conceptual understanding, gain enhanced practical and research skills and apply specialist knowledge to a substantial research project. This advanced training prepares you for professional accreditation and is an excellent route into scientific research and specialist careers.

You may also choose our Year in Applied Research, which gives you the opportunity to work alongside active researchers for up to twelve months. During this time, you will gain practical laboratory experience, strengthen your data analysis skills and build a professional portfolio that showcases your work.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Chemical Thinking; Structure and Bonding 1; Chemical Reactions 1; Chemical Practice; Structure and Bonding 2; Chemical Reactions 2.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Further Inorganic Chemistry; Further Physical Chemistry; Further Organic Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry; Professional Development and Career Planning; Biological and Medicinal Chemistry; Computational and Theoretical Chemistry.

In Year 3: Year spent in Applied Research.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Advanced Topics in Organic, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry; Advanced Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry; Advanced Topics in Physical, Instrumental and Analytical Chemistry; Chemistry Project; Integrated Topics in Chemistry.

Students will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and discussion groups, supported by practical classes and field courses. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including examinations, coursework and a practical research project. The structure of the degree follows the same pattern as the BSc Chemistry but Year 3 will be dedicated to the industrial placement.