Chemistry

OVERVIEW

Prepare for a career in drug research, materials science and specialty chemicals, environmental analysis, analytical chemistry or forensic science with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Chemistry degree.
Featuring practical sessions designed to develop your analytical, problem-solving and numeracy skills as well as workshops, tutorials and presentations to improve your communication and presentation skills, this programme will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in chemistry.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Teaching on this programme provides a balanced overview of the main branches of Chemistry and allows you to progress to in-depth study in Honours years.
• Flexible study options allow you to tailor your studies to suit your interests.
• Between Years 3 and 4 you’ll get the chance to take part in a year’s work experience focused on your chosen specialism.
• This programme combines strong academic content and practical experience with modern chemical instrumentation – with a focus on analytical chemistry,
industrial chemistry and formulation, health-related fields and the
environment.
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry students can join UWS’s Couper Chemical Society. Named after the renowned Scottish chemist Archibald Scott Couper, this student-run society organises academic and social activities throughout theyear, including guest lectures and science outreach, to help students of all levels on the Chemistry and Forensic Sciences programmes get to know one another.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Offering access to high-quality laboratory environments and with links to active research groups, the range of subjects and practical opportunities available on this programme are based on real-life examples from industry to prepare you for the workplace.

CAREERS

UWS’s BSc (Hons) Chemistry programme is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and recognised by employers for its impressive analytical and applied focus. Graduates from this programme have gone on to secure roles in the chemical industry with companies such as GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK), Sellafield Ltd and SB Drug Discovery Ltd. BSc (Hons) Chemistry graduates consistently progress into postgraduate study and research, and are also sought by non-scientific employers such as stockbrokers thanks to their numerical and problem-solving skills.

Year 1
During year 1 you will cover general aspects of chemistry including organic, inorganic and physical chemistry along with two other science subjects. Laboratory sessions develop practical and communication skills.You will study a range of core modules which include the following: Structure of Chemistry, Chemistry and Reactions, Scientific Investigation, and ASPIRE.*
ASPIRE is a set of core modules which aim to enhance the academic, personal and professional development of students at UWS.
Year 2
In Year 2 the core chemistry modules are designed to extend your knowledge of the traditional subject areas of inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry, in addition to introducing aspects of applied chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. Each of the modules contain both practical and coursework components allowing students to develop, practice and demonstrate a wide range of professional skills.
The core modules include the following: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Laboratory Techniques, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis and Evaluation, and ASPIRE.
*ASPIRE is a set of core modules which aim to enhance the academic, personal and professional development of students at UWS.
Year 3
You will study chemistry modules that provide a foundation for the remaining honours year, as well as dealing with applied chemistry issues, the modules you will study include the following: Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical
Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Designer Drugs, Safety, Health & Environmental Protection.
Sandwich Year (optional)
The Honours sandwich course offers a year’s paid work experience between years 3 and 4 within an environment relevant to your specialism. Students have undertaken placement/work-based learning with organisation such as Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Doosan Babcock and Taytech Environmental Solutions.
Year 4
In the Honours you will study advanced topics in chemistry including aspects of synthetic methods, medicinal chemistry, colloids, catalysis, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and main group, and transition metal chemistry. In your final year you will undertake a research project at the frontiers of the subject, this project forms a substantial part of your studies.During the final year you will study the following modules: Research Project, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Physical and Inorganic
Chemistry 4.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops and guided laboratory work. There will also be group work, literature reports and research projects in order to ensure our degrees provide a strong set of additional skills, such as presentational and communicative skills.
Our Chemistry degrees use a variety of assessment methods. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:
• Written examinations
• Oral presentation
• Written reports
• Coursework
• Academic posters

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

• Chemistry, Royal Society of

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS