Chemistry and Physics

The BSc Chemistry and Physics 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 Physics, you’ll cover core physics theory and accrue mathematical skills.

The course allows you to tailor your academic journey in Chemistry to match your evolving interests while in Physics you cover more core content. 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.

Additionally, 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.

Foundations of Physics

introduces classical aspects of wave phenomena and electromagnetism, as well as basic concepts in Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and optical physics.

EITHER

Linear Algebra and Calculus

that builds a deep knowledge of mathematical foundations that is suitable for those with an obsessive interest in Mathematics.

OR

Single Mathematics A and B

has the required mathematical knowledge to support Foundations of Physics.

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.

Practical Chemistry 2 – Measurement

becomes more intensive and advanced in Year 2 such as the interpret of spectroscopic data and complex experimental design.

Foundations of Physics 2A

develops your knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to predictable and unpredictable problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Mathematical Methods in Physics

provides the necessary mathematical knowledge to successfully tackle the Foundations of Physics modules. It covers vectors, vector integral and vector differential calculus, multivariable calculus and orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, Fourier analysis, orthogonal functions, the use of matrices, and the mathematical tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations occurring in a variety of physical problems.

Discovery Skills in Physics

provides a practical introduction to laboratory skills development with particular emphasis on measurement uncertainty, data analysis, and written and oral communication skills. It also includes an introduction to programming.

Properties of Molecules

explores magnetic resonance, and introduces surface chemistry and electrochemistry.

Year 3 modules

Core modules:

Critical Examination or Enterprise module

In the final-year you will embark an experience of a research-led investigation in physics and either a critical examination of a relevant area of Chemistry or take our enterprise module where groups of students develop a business plan to bid for research funding for an applicable innovation. This requirement develops an ability to plan and manage your own learning in preparation for post-university life.

Foundations of Physics 3A

further develops your knowledge to include quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to complex problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Foundations of Physics 2B

develops your knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics.

Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3

builds lab-based skills, such as experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and specific practical skills. It aims to teach electronics as a theoretical and a practical subject, to teach the techniques of computational physics and numerical methods and to provide experience of a research-led investigation in physics 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
• Physics in Society 3
• Planets And Cosmology
• 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.