Chemistry

Summary
Chemistry is at the centre of solving the world’s biggest challenges. From human health to climate change, it helps us understand and improve the world around us.

On this course, you will explore the science behind these challenges while developing the skills to make a real impact. You will study topics that spark your curiosity, from sustainable chemistry and chemical biology to computational chemistry, where chemistry meets digital innovation.

Your learning is shaped by research. At Southampton, you will be taught by academics whose discoveries are changing fields from clean energy to disease treatment, bringing the latest thinking into your lectures and labs.

This is a degree that opens doors. Whether you choose to become a professional chemist or apply your skills in another sector, you will graduate ready to take your next step.

Key features of the course
Learn in industry-standard labs. Work in modern, refurbished laboratories equipped with advanced technology such as benchtop NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers.

Gain hands-on experience. Design and carry out your own experiments, analysing samples using the same equipment found in industry and research labs.

Focus on sustainability. Incorporate green chemistry practices into your lab work, reflecting how the industry is evolving.

Be part of cutting-edge research. Learn from academics advancing areas such as battery technology, drug design and disease modelling, and work with their research teams during advanced practicals.

Shape your future. Develop skills that open pathways into careers in science and beyond, including finance, management, law and teaching.

Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering guidance on your studies and helping you navigate your academic and personal development.

You will be part of a supportive Chemistry community, where the department becomes your space to study, connect and collaborate.

Further information
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), supporting your progression to professional recognition.

You will be based at Highfield Campus, the heart of the University, with access to teaching spaces, social areas and facilities that support both your studies and student life.

Course Modules

Core modules in the first and second year are shared across all of our chemistry degrees. This makes it possible to transfer if you decide you’d like to do the MChem or one of the placement degrees. Depending on your optional module choices or level of maths study, there’s also the possibility of moving to one of our specialist MChem courses.

The year one and two core modules cover the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as laboratory skills. In the first year you’ll also take a chemistry skills module that develops your mathematical and analytical chemistry skills.
In years two and three you can personalise your learning by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. Topics include:
• environmental chemistry
• programming
• biochemistry
• global sustainability
• cell biology and physiology

In year three you’ll choose advanced practical projects linked to real research being carried out by one of our academics. Our extensive research portfolio means you’ll have a wealth of topics to choose from.

There are written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of material presented in the lectures and workshops. Many modules also have coursework components that feed into module marks as well. The coursework can take on a variety of forms from analysing data, to working through problem sets. The practical work is continuously assessed primarily through written reports.

A written literature review related to research areas of interest is assessed. Alongside these summative assessments are several formative pieces of work where feedback can be provided to allow for continuous improvement of your chemistry skills.

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

• Chemistry, Royal Society of