Chemistry and Mathematics MSci

With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the necessary skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond.

The MSci Chemistry and Mathematics degree is meticulously crafted to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills in Chemistry and Mathematics. It leads to a diverse range of careers and sectors including consulting, accounting, banking and investment, product development, pharmaceuticals and research. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience taught by subject discipline specialists.

You can also apply for a one-year work placement, increasing the course from four years to five or the potential to substitute the existing Year 3 with a year abroad.

In Year 1, you will study the fundamental aspects of Chemistry and Mathematics that are the basics of scientific research and underpinning Mathematics.

Year 2 concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning.

Year 3 places a strong emphasis on research, with the taught content directly linked to research being carried out.

The final year focuses on an interdisciplinary research project at postgraduate level that is delivered by the Department of Chemistry or Mathematics. It runs through the academic year, providing hands-on experience working alongside academic staff doing world-leading research.

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.

Practical Chemistry 1B

build on and extends the practical work in Practical Chemistry 1A

Dynamics

develops anunderstanding of elementary classical Newtonian dynamics with an ability to formulate and solve basic problems.

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.

Complex Analysis

introduces the theory of complex analysis through the study of complex differentiation; conformal mappings; metric spaces; series and uniform convergence; contour integrals and calculus of residues; and applications.

Mathematical Methods

provides an understanding of calculus in more than one dimension, together with an understanding of, and facility with, the methods of vector calculus. It also explores the application of these ideas to a range of forms of integration and to solutions of a range of classical partial differential equations.

Methods of Mathematical Physics

provides a mathematical appreciation of the conceptual framework of classical and quantum physics by following the development of mechanics after Newton's laws to the introduction of quantum mechanics.

Year 3 modules

Core modules:

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.

Computational Chemical Physics

explores the application of chemical knowledge and analytical methods.

Molecules and their Interactions

explores catalysis mechanisms, natural product biosynthesis and molecular recognition.

Practical Chemistry 3 – Measurement

builds on the expertise gleaned in Year 2 that also complements Molecules and their Interactions through practical work to expand knowledge and understanding in physical chemistry.

Quantum Mechanics

explains its basic formalism and how this can be applied to simple situations, to show the power in quantum theory over a range of physical phenomena and to introduce students to some of the deep conceptual issues it raises.

Optional modules:

In recent years optional modules have included:

• Partial Differential Equations
• Differential Geometry
• Mathematical Biology
• Science Enterprise

Year 4 modules

Core modules:

Project

introduces research in Chemistry or Mathematics and imparts analytical, theoretical and problem-solving skills through a project potentially including laboratory work, and the writing of a research report that could be of publishable novelty and quality.

Optional modules:

In recent years optional modules have included:

• Advanced Research Concepts in Chemistry
• Advanced Computational Chemical Physics 4

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.