Chemistry and Mathematics
BSc
3 years full-time
Durham City
FG11
Typical offers
| A Level | A*AA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | D*DD |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
The BSc Chemistry and Mathematics degree is thoughtfully crafted to equip students with essential knowledge and the analytical, critical, practical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers and form the foundation for a wide range of careers in the ever-evolving workplace.
Whether completing the programme in three years, opting for a placement year, or embarking on a year abroad, the choice is yours.
In your first year, you will engage with fundamental aspects of chemistry that are the basics of scientific research while in Mathematics you will focus on pure and applied mathematics providing a solid foundation for more in-depth study in subsequent years. The flexible structure, combined with a variety of optional modules, allows you to tailor your academic journey to match your evolving interests.
During the final year, the selection of optional modules broadens significantly, culminating in a project that offers you the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth or you can take our distinctive interdisciplinary enterprise module, where you can delve into an area that resonates with your passions and leverage the skills honed throughout the course.
Course structure
Year 1 modules
Core modules:
Core Chemistry I
introduces the fundamentals of chemistry. Areas covered include structure and bonding, chemical periodicity, coordination chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical kinetics, units and dimensions, spectroscopy and proof of structure.
Practical Chemistry 1A
develops the basic manipulative, procedural and soft skills required for practical chemistry. The module provides a foundation in research-led practical chemistry.
Calculus
builds on ideas of differentiation and integration in A level mathematics, beginning with functions of a single variable and moving on to functions of several variables. Topics include methods of solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and an introduction to Fourier Series and Fourier transforms.
Linear Algebra
presents mathematical ideas, techniques in linear algebra and develops the geometric intuition and familiarity with vector methods in preparation for more challenging material later in the course.
Analysis
aims to provide an understanding of real and complex number systems, and to develop rigorously the calculus of functions of a single variable from basic principles.
Optional modules:
In recent years optional modules have included:
- Practical Chemistry 1B
- Dynamics
- Programming
- Probability
- Statistics
Year 2 modules
Core modules:
Core Chemistry 2
builds broad knowledge of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry into more specialised concepts such as Thermodynamics, Applied spectroscopy, Quantisation and spectroscopy.
Properties of Molecules
explores magnetic resonance, and introduces surface chemistry and electrochemistry
Practical Chemistry 2 – Measurement
becomes more intensive and advanced in Year 2 such as the interpret of spectroscopic data and complex experimental design.
Year 3 modules
Core modules:
Critical examination or Enterprise module
In the final-year you will either embark on a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of mathematics or Chemistry of real-world issues and examine how it is applied to a problem or our distinctive interdisciplinary enterprise module. This develops an ability to plan and manage your own learning in preparation for post-university life.
EITHER
Chemical Physics 3
develops the fundamentals of chemistry through in-depth discussion of selected areas such as Statistical thermodynamics, soft matter and transition state theory.
OR
Core Chemistry 3
studies further topics to Chemical Physics 3 such as Pericyclic transformations in synthetic organic chemistry, Selectivity in organic transformations, Molecular biophysics and Applied spectroscopy
Optional modules:
In recent years optional modules have included:
- Chemistry into School
- Molecules And Their Interactions and Practical Chemistry 3 – Measurement
- Computational Chemical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Partial Differential Equations
- Differential Geometry
- Mathematical Biology
- Science Enterprise
Additional Pathways
Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on course.
Learning
Our diverse teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, problem classes, seminars, homework problems, practicals, written and oral presentations and individual projects.
For most modules you will attend lectures and the other classes are designed to support and develop learning. For instance, questions may be posed in lectures and may form the topic of discussion in tutorials, problem classes or seminars. Laboratory classes give you the chance to plan experiments and to interpret data. The small-group teaching format is embedded into the learning experience to help you get more out of your studies. We place great emphasis on high-quality one-on-one attention from your personal academic advisor, self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills and collaborative working with other students.
As you move into the final year the focus on self-directed learning and independent research increases as you begin to prepare for professional life. Teaching staff offer drop-in surgeries where a member of the team is available to provide support.
Assessment
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*AA
including A in Chemistry and either A*A in any order in Maths and Further Maths at A level or A* in Maths plus A in AS Further Maths.
Contextual offer – EITHER AA in any order in Maths and Further Maths, B in Chemistry at A level OR A in Maths, AB including Chemistry plus A in AS Further Maths OR A* in Maths, BB including Chemistry plus A in AS Further Maths.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD
IB Diploma score – 38 including 7 in Higher Level in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches), 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and 6 in a further Higher Level subject.
- Science A levels: Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
- There is no advantage in applying for both BSc and MSci degrees.
- Entry requirements are the same for both BSc and MSci degrees.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
Fees and funding
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Natural Sciences
Graduates acquire a valuable range of subject-specific skills across disciplines with the capacity to make creative connections. They are highly employable in a diverse range of careers and sectors.
Natural Sciences graduates have the academic knowledge, flexibility and technical skills to take on roles including consulting, accounting, banking and investment, research, software engineer, data scientist, international development, and government.
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22:
- 82% are in work and/or further study.
Of those in employment:
- 97% in highly skilled employment.
- £35,000 is the average salary.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Natural Sciences
Take a Joint-Honours degree or design your own bespoke qualification that allows you to combine subjects beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Real-world challenges often require multidisciplinary solutions. Our Natural Sciences degrees allow students to combine either traditional Joint-Honours degrees or transcend traditional subject boundaries, bringing together a range of ideas and disciplinary perspectives.
You can study for a BSc or MSci. Both qualifications allow you to design your own degree, majoring in at least one science subject: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology; with the possibility of studying a second science discipline, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Education, Geography, Philosophy or Sport & Exercise Sciences. Focus on two subjects from the outset, or choose a broader range of modules across three or four subjects. These highly flexible courses include the opportunity to undertake a year abroad or a placement year, to develop additional skills and enjoy new experiences.
Natural Sciences is a challenging and rewarding choice for science students who wish to study more than one subject.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
3rd in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.
Facilities
You will have access to a wide range of facilities across multiple departments. Most departments are close to the historic centre of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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FG11
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