BSc Chemistry

at Durham University

Year 1

You will study 120 credits per academic year. In the first year, there are 80 credits of chemistry modules that teach you the basics of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, consolidating and building on pre-university courses. Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC) contains courses that develop mathematical and physical concepts as tools for chemistry, and also some background biology and physics. Practical Chemistry is introduced in two cross-disciplinary modules, concluding in a short project.

Compulsory modules:
 

• Core Chemistry 1

• Practical Chemistry 1A

• Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry

• Introduction to Materials Chemistry

• Practical Chemistry 1B.

Examples of optional modules:

You will take 40 credits of modules from those offered by other departments in science and the other faculties. Optional modules have previously included:
 

• Mathematics

• Biology and languages are popular

• We offer an elective Chemistry module ‘Molecules in Action’.

Year 2

You will study compulsory modules to the value of 100 credits. These extend your knowledge of inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry from the first-year introduction, and develop further practical skills.

Compulsory modules:
 

• Core Chemistry 2

• Chemistry of the Elements

• Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry

• Properties of Molecules

• Practical Chemistry 2 – Inorganic

• Practical Chemistry 2 – Organic

• Practical Chemistry 2 – Physical.

Example of optional modules:

Your final second-year modules provide you with an opportunity to specialise or to continue to study with a timetable-compatible module of another subject. You will study one 20-credit module.

Option modules have previously included:
 

• Biological Chemistry

• Computational Chemistry

• A module from another subject.

Year 3

Three compulsory modules ensure that you cover some core aspects of the subject, and also provides you with a research-led project. The remaining modules allow you to study all areas of the subject or to specialise.

Compulsory modules:
 

• Core Chemistry 3

• Chemistry BSc Dissertation

• Either Chemistry and Society Or Chemistry into Schools.

At least one 10-credit module:
 

• Inorganic Concepts and Applications

• Advanced Organic Chemistry

• Molecules and their Interactions.

At least one 10-credit laboratory module:
 

• Practical Chemistry 3 – Inorganic

• Practical Chemistry 3 – Organic

• Practical Chemistry 3 – Physical.

Example of optional modules:
 

These 20-credit modules provide you with the opportunity to further develop your interest in specialised areas of the subject.

Modules have previously included:
 

• Advanced Biological Chemistry (if Biological Chemistry was taken in the second year)

• Computational Chemistry (if not taken in the second year)

• Materials Chemistry

• Advanced Computational Chemistry.

A level offer – A*AA including Chemistry and Mathematics.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL).

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
 

• 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. For more information contact our Admissions Selectors.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry, but encourage a short statement of gap year plans in your personal statement.

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.

The tuition fees shown for students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

Chemistry

Of those students who graduated:
 

• 90% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:
 

• 93% are in high skilled employment

• With an average salary of £28,000.