Why study this course?
More than an introduction to the fundamentals, this chemistry degree provides intensive basic training that is designed to give you the core laboratory, IT and performance skills to succeed in your chosen career.
The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and provides partial exemption from the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist status.
More about this course
With access to 280 workstations and specialist labs, you’ll get the chance to explore electrochemical analysis, gas and liquid chromatography, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry and many other modern techniques used in the industry today.
The first year of your undergraduate course will cover the fundamentals of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry to prepare you for the study of forensic, pharmaceutical, medical and analytical science. As the course progresses, you’ll have the chance to explore the practical and technical aspects of chemistry at a more in-depth level as well as having the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you such as forensic chemistry or bioanalytical science.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a year-long research project on a topic of your choosing within the chemistry sector. You’ll also have the option to undertake an on-the-job placement as part of your degree, giving you valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the industry.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Foundations of Physics (core, 15 credits)
Fundamental Chemical Concepts (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits)
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Laboratory Skills (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Organic Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Key Principles in Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Coordination and solution chemistry of d and f block complexes (core, 15 credits)
Kinetics and Surface Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Organic Ring Systems (core, 15 credits)
Organic Unsaturated Molecules (core, 15 credits)
Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits)
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Spectroscopic Methods (core, 15 credits)
Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry (core, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Advanced Inorganic Techniques (core, 15 credits)
Advanced Organic Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Advanced Physical Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Medicinal Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Research Project (core, 30 credits)
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (option, 15 credits)
Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy (option, 15 credits)
Sandwich Placement (option, 30 credits)
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
You’ll leave this course ready to pursue a career in the high-technology, science-based industries. You could choose to work in sectors such as education or healthcare, with roles such as developer, lab technician and researcher on offer.
Many of our previous graduates are now employed by companies such as Mundipharma Research. Others have gone on to postgraduate study.
You’ll also develop the IT, research and analytical skills that are valued by employers in many different industries such as finance and commerce.