Chemistry with a Foundation Year

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 need additional preparation, the optional Foundation Year offers an excellent introduction to higher education. It will help you develop the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to succeed in your undergraduate degree. It is ideal if you need more support after further education or are returning to study after a break. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress to Year One of your BSc.

In Year 0, you will typically study areas including: Foundational Scientific Skills; Elementary Chemistry; Methods of Analysis and Detection; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Synthesis and Analysis; Reactions and Products.

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, 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.

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

• Chemistry, Royal Society of