Chemistry

Chemists, with their ability to analyse and problem-solve, have played a big part in shaping our world. Our teaching is research-led, so you will learn at the forefront of the subject, tackling genuine scientific work. Solve contemporary problems with our leading academics and work in outstanding purpose-built laboratories to set yourself up for a career in a wide range of industries.

The Chemistry logic

Our world-leading staff teach chemistry in logical stages, in an approach that integrates the topics of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Research conducted by our academics continually shapes the content that they teach, so you’ll never be far from their findings. Part of the Department’s ethos is for all to act as sustainable chemists.

What to expect

With our four-year MChem Hons Chemistry degree, there’s an expansive introduction to the subject in Year 1, covering the fundamentals of atoms and molecules; organic and inorganic reactions; chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. You will build on these topics during the rest of your degree while also developing an understanding of other areas of chemistry.

Year 2 brings you topics such spectroscopy and electrochemistry as well as more advanced areas such as d-block metal chemistry, materials chemistry and quantum mechanics.

In Year 3 there is more flexibility and an opportunity to develop research skills to further equip you with the knowledge and practical techniques relevant to your final year research project. You will also study a series of modules that allow you to meet cutting-edge areas of chemistry.

You may wish to transfer to one of our other MChem programmes should you perform to a sufficiently high standard in your first two years.

Master’s-level training

You can advance your degree in Year 4 by studying Master’s modules and conducting a significant research project, which provides an exciting opportunity for you to address a contemporary research problem as part of one of our research groups, alongside postgraduate students and postdoctoral staff.

Personal development

There will be lots of moments of discovery throughout your degree, whether that's working out the product of an unfamiliar chemical reaction or bringing out your passion for the environment by learning about cutting-edge sustainable chemistry. These small achievements add up to a wealth of transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and time management, all of which make you stand out to future employers.

3 things our chemistry students want you to know:

• We’re part of a close-knit community of students and staff. Small group teaching means a strong support network and a very productive learning environment

• We develop our practical skills in outstanding, research-grade labs. These have been created specifically for chemistry, and to deliver the project work in our third and fourth years

• There's so much support in the Chemistry Department, from academics, lab technicians and teaching office staff. If you need help with your studies, you're encouraged to ask questions in workshops and tutorials. Alternatively, you can contact your lecturers outside of teaching sessions