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TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a Subject > University Courses > Chemistry Degree

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Contents 1 Course Overview 1.1 Universities offering Chemistry 2 Admissions 2.1 Academic Requirements 2.2 UCAS Form & Personal Statement 3 Course Structure 4 Life as a Chemistry Student 5 Graduate Destinations and Career Prospects 6 See Also 6.1 Discussions

Course Overview

Universities offering Chemistry

UCAS course list for Chemistry on its own as a single subject, in combination and associated degrees (e.g. Biomedical or Forensic sciences)

Admissions

Academic Requirements

This is dependent on the university in question. Fortunately, there are a range of academic requirements offering from AAA (Oxford, Imperial, Durham) to BCC (Birmingham etc.). Chemistry is a demanding yet rewarding career choice, but in recent years, several universities have chosen to close their chemistry departments because of the high cost of running such programs.

You will obviously need chemistry at A-level, many leading universities prefer (and sometimes require) maths at A-level due to the large mathematical content of the course, additionally a further science subject is useful (particularly physics).

UCAS Form & Personal Statement

Read sample chemistry personal statements.

Course Structure

The chemistry course structure varies considerably between institutions but as a rough guide:

First year

Introductory math/physics/key skill modules. Physical modules that introduce quantum mechanics as well as more familiar topics such as kinetics and thermodynamics. Inorganic modules that explore transition metal complexes and molecular orbital theory. Organic modules that build upon A-level mechanistic knowledge.

Second year

Physical modules that expand on topics as quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, computational chemistry etc. Inorganic modules that expand on topics such as molecular symmetry, ligand field theory, main group chemistry, F block etc. Organic modules that explore heterocyclic chemistry, stereochemical selectivity, functional group interconversion etc.

Third/Fourth years

Depending on whether your doing a BSc or an MSci/MChem the third and fourth years will differ, but a range of advanced modules in all main and interdisciplinary areas are normally accompanied with an extended research project in the final year.

Life as a Chemistry Student

Get help with your course with these University level chemistry revision notes.

Graduate Destinations and Career Prospects

See Also

Discussions

• Chemistry Study Help Forum - get help with homework and coursework or just ask general academic questions about chemistry here.

• Biology, Chemistry and Physics Uni Course Forum - thinking of applying for chemistry courses at uni? Asks your questions here.