BSc
Chemistry BSc (Hons)
A highly-valued degree that can be used as the first step towards further academic learning and research in chemical sciences or take you directly into a role across a wide variety of industries and commerce.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
F100
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*AA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 33,250 per year
Overview
The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK and within the Top 100 across the world.When you choose the BSc in Chemistry you will join a dynamic and focused learning community that is home to multiple research institutes, a range of first-class facilities and experts with close links to industry. Current developments in both research and industry are used to bring theoretical learning to life. Chemistry degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. The BSc in Chemistry contains the same core curriculum in Years 1 and 2 as our other chemistry degrees, and you can switch to one of the other degrees up to the end of the second year. You will learn how chemistry is the central science with learning interfaces with biosciences, earth sciences, engineering, physics and astronomy. You will be exposed to cutting-edge analytical techniques and learn how they can be used to assist research and tackle global issues. Graduates are ready to either move straight into employment in a wide range of industries or advance into further studies and scientific research.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
F100
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*AA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 33,250 per year
What you'll study
You will build strong foundations in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and learn practical skills in our modern teaching laboratories. In your final year, you will continue to learn the core aspects of modern chemistry and examine how it is applied to real-world issues. Your studies will culminate in a research-led dissertation.
Core modules
-
Core Chemistry 1
provides the foundation for your future studies and covers organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
-
Introduction to Materials Chemistry
introduces the fundamentals of solid state and materials chemistry.
-
Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC)
The module builds on your pre-university mathematical skills and ensures that you understand the vocabulary of physics and biology that interfaces with chemistry.
-
Practical Chemistry 1A
and Practical Chemistry 1B are two modules of laboratory work. These will allow you to learn and practise the skills required to accurately and safely use chemical reactions to create target substances and concludes with project work.
Optional modules
-
Molecules in Action
In recent years, optional modules have included: Finally, you will choose some optional modules allowing you to tailor your learning in subjects such as mathematics, biology, languages or the chemistry module .
Core modules
-
Chemistry of the Elements
focuses the principles of bonding as well as the unique chemistry of the transition metals.
-
Core Chemistry 2
builds your knowledge of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry into more specialised concepts.
-
Practical Chemistry
becomes more intensive and advanced in Year 2.
-
Properties of Molecules
advances your understanding of physical chemistry in the areas of magnetic resonance, surface chemistry and electrochemistry.
-
Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
explores how the structure of molecules affects reactions.
Optional modules
-
Biological Chemistry
In recent years, optional modules have included: or Computational Chemistry Once again, you can personalise your studies with one option module, including or Computational Chemistry.
Core modules
-
Chemistry Dissertation
You will also produce a research-led which will demonstrate your attained skills of literature review, data collection and critical analysis as well as literacy and presentation skills.
-
Core Chemistry 3
takes your final year knowledge up to degree standard.
Optional modules
-
In recent years, optional modules have included: Chemistry into SchoolsChemistry and SocietyInorganic Concepts and ApplicationsAdvanced Organic ChemistryMolecules and their InteractionsMaterials ChemistryAdvanced Computational ChemistryComputational ChemistryAdvanced Biological Chemistry.
Learning
The factual and theoretical content of the course is delivered mainly by lectures, supported by tutorials, workshops and private study. In an experimental science, practical lessons are a vital aspect of learning and you will develop your laboratory skills, experiment planning, data analysis and safety management. In your first year the core modules involve seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or workshops and six hours of practicals per week. In addition, each optional module will require between two and six hours of contact time per week, supplemented by independent study. Contact time for the core modules increases in subsequent years, typically with 12 hours of lectures and 10 hours of practicals per week. By the third year, you will have developed as an independent learner and more aspects of learning are student led, in particular the dissertation which requires significant commitment to literature review, data analysis and report writing. A member of academic staff will be appointed as your supervisor for the duration of your dissertation.Assessment
Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and coursework including laboratory reports, essays and project reports and presentations. In your final year, you will submit your research-led dissertation and an oral presentation. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world scenarios.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
9,535 per year
International / EU Students
33,250 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
-
We are a dynamic and diverse international teaching and research community, equipped with modern laboratories and world-class facilities. You’ll be taught by internationally renowned research-active academics with a wide range of expertise. We have a long tradition of interdisciplinary research, from the development of chemical tests for cancer to the theory and computational study of molecular interactions. You will study the design, synthesis and characterisation of societally and technologically important substances, and will benefit from exposure to innovative research programmes and ideas. We have built a large network of national and international industrial partners involved in collaborative research through interactions at many levels with the Department and our BSc and MChem qualifications are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. With flexible pathways to suit your interests and career goals, and the chance to apply for an additional year in industry or an overseas placement, a degree in Chemistry will equip you for a range of careers or further study. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
We are located on the Lower Mountjoy (science) site, near the Palatine Building and Calman Learning Centre, and just a short walk from the city centre or any of our colleges. Chemistry teaching is delivered in lecture theatres within our own building or those nearby. Our practical laboratories and research space are all together. Our research services interact with various UK and overseas companies and with other universities and research institutions. Throughout your degree you will have access to Durham’s virtual learning environment which contains lecture material, support materials and course administration information.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22
87%
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. More at www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
Your next steps
Visit an Open Day
When deciding on whether Durham is right for you we recommend to visit us during an Open Day, where you can find out about everything we offer.
Get a prospectus
Be informed. Get your personalised prospectus in just a few clicks.
Discover student life at Durham
See what student life in Durham is all about from those who know it best - our students
