Chemistry BSc

During your first year you’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin chemistry. In your second and third years you will build upon these foundations and cover a wide range of different aspects of chemistry.

All of the theoretical modules are backed up by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, allowing you to perform experiments that reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures. In addition, small tutorial groups are used to support the teaching, so you get regular feedback from the academic staff helping you solve any problems that you might have with a particular topic.

As you advance through the course you can select which modules you study in order to explore advanced topics in more detail. You can investigate how chemists use their skills to understand complex biological systems or synthesise molecules in just one of two mirror image forms. You may wish to explore the exciting fields of supramolecular chemistry in which molecules are designed to assemble into large molecular architectures or discover all about the latest catalysts which improve the efficiency of chemical transformations. You can also study the chemistry of the atmosphere and find out how critically important chemical reactions in the atmosphere are in understanding human interaction with the climate.


Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Modern Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
• Mathematical and Physical Concepts for Chemists
• Practical Skills in Chemistry
• Studying in a Digital Age (Chemistry)

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Structure and Synthesis of Materials
• Introduction to Organic Synthesis
• Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
• Structure and Spectroscopy
• Organic Structure and Mechanism
• Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
• Organometallic and f-block Chemistry
• Equilibrium and Analysis: from Ions to Proteins
• Laboratory Work 2a

Optional modules

• Science and Society: The Critical Interface
• Chemistry: Idea to Market
• Advances in Colour and Polymer Sciences

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Organometallics and Catalysis
• Organic Synthesis
• Chemistry at the Molecular Level
• Project Work for BSc Students
• Laboratory Work for BSc Chemistry Students

Optional modules

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Chromatography and Analytical Separation
• Properties and Applications of Materials
• Big Data, Big Science
• Reactivity in Organic Chemistry - Principles and Applications
• Soft Matter: Self-Assembling and Polymeric Materials
• Fundamental Supramolecular Chemistry
• Chemistry: Making an Impact
• Ethical Issues in Chemistry
• Chemistry into Schools
• Characterisation and Analysis of Polymers and Colorants