Laboratory staff helping second year undergraduates in a chemistry lab session, Chemistry building, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Chemistry BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. This includes developing new drugs and vaccines, researching clean energy resources, and feeding a growing population.

You'll be taught by experts who will feed your curiosity for this exciting subject. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos YouTube channel.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 1

Chemistry Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Calculations in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing

Optional

Year 1

Molecules of Life

Optional

Year 1

Frontiers in Chemistry

Optional

Year 1

Mathematics for Chemistry 2

Mandatory

Year 2

General Inorganic Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Principles of Analytical Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Synthesis and Spectroscopy

Mandatory

Year 2

Core Laboratory Work

Mandatory

Year 2

Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Atmospheric Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology

Optional

Year 2

Advanced Calculus and Differential Equation Techniques

Optional

Year 2

Sustainable Chemistry

Optional

Year 2

Introduction to Python for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Mandatory

Year 3

Catalysis, Bioinorganic and Supramolecular Chemistry

Mandatory

Year 3

Chemical Bonding and Reactivity

Mandatory

Year 3

Synthesis and Reactive Intermediates

Mandatory

Year 3

Solids, Interfaces and Surfaces

Mandatory

Year 3

BSc Chemistry Project

Optional

Year 3

Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Optional

Year 3

Chemical Biology and Enzymes

Optional

Year 3

Structure Determination Methods

Optional

Year 3

Protein Folding and Biospectroscopy

Optional

Year 3

Contemporary Drug Discovery

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 22 February 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

  • The majority of this course is designed to be delivered in–person, Online methods may form part of a few modules. The style of teaching delivery includes: 
  • Laboratory practical sessions
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops/Seminars

The academic year is divided into two semesters, and you will complete 120 credits of study per year.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with year three worth 67%.

Assessment method

  • Written exam 
  • Coursework, such as:
    • Lab reports
    • Research project
    • Group project

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules for 120 credits each year. As a guide, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work including consolidation. 

There are typically 8-10 one-hour lectures. In addition, you will spend 8 to 10 hours in laboratory classes per week. A typical week will also include an academic tutorial covering one of the core modules.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you through your studies and help guide your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.

Core modules are typically delivered by assistant professors, associate professors, or professors. Lab classes will also include PhD demonstrators and technicians.

Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.

  • Recent graduate destinations include:
  • Boots
  • Cancer Research
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • HSBC
  • NHS
  • Unilever

Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.

Average starting salary and career progression

89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

 

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Course data

Open Day June 2022