Chemistry is a linear, quantitative subject containing a significant volume of factual material. It is an experimental science where practical work, and development of practical skills, is important. This three-year course is delivered through a mixture of “Core” and “add-on” modules using lectures, tutorials, problem classes and laboratory practical work.
Lectures provide the key information on a particular area and form the main basis by which you will learn the fundamental concepts and facts of the subject. In tutorials and workshops you will acquire and consolidate subject-specific knowledge, and also develop problem-solving skills embodying the concepts from lectures in a formative environment.
Revision classes are used in the first year in preparation for the end of year examinations. Problem classes are used in the first year to develop mathematical and other quantitative skills in a problem-solving environment. We use laboratory classes to teach, develop and refine subject-specific experimental skills of synthesis, measurement and characterisation that characterise a competent chemistry graduate, whilst applying concepts from lectures in an experimental environment.
Throughout the course, you are expected to spend a minimum of one subsequent hour per hour of lecture contact on private study, reading and problem-solving using textbooks and other resources. Additional private study is preparing for tutorials, workshops, writing reports of laboratory work and revision for examinations. In the four compulsory modules in the first year, you will attend seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or problem classes and six hours of laboratory work each week. Additionally, a third of the year’s credits are from elective modules which involve between two and six hours of lectures and laboratories each week. Individual learning forms an important part of academic study.
In the second and third years, you will typically attend 12 hours of lectures or workshops per week and 10 hours of laboratory work. A component of the third year is a literature survey-based dissertation, where you will undertake a detailed study of a particular area of current chemical research under the supervision of a member of academic staff who you will typically have three or four one-to-one supervisory meetings.
We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2022 entry from September 2021.
For more information on this course, please see our website.
Course Details - Modules
You will spend three years developing an understanding of a broad range of modern chemistry covering organic and inorganic synthesis, physical characterisation methods, and chemistry at the interfaces with biosciences, engineering and physics. You will also gain a broad range of practical skills in synthesis, physical measurement and data analysis. In your third year you will have an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills you have developed. Throughout the degree you will develop your chemical understanding, problem-solving and practical skills, whilst learning how to learn. Graduates of this degree are well-prepared for Masters level study, work in the chemicals sector, and roles requiring problem-solving and numeracy skills.
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.
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.
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.
We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2022 entry from September 2021.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
F100
Institution code:
D86
Campus Name:
St Mary's College
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Specific subjects/grades required for entry:
Chemistry at grade A. Mathematics at grade A.
Specific subjects excluded for entry:
Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Information:
Applicants taking Science A-levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This refers only to English A Levels.
We will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If an applicant has not been able to take 3 Advanced Highers, offers may be made with a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or on a number of Highers. Must include Chemistry and Mathematics.
We require 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 (or equivalent). Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A.
Specific subjects/grades required for entry:
Chemistry and Mathematics at grade A.
Eighteen points (6, 6, 6) from Higher Level subjects including HL Chemistry and HL Maths.
Under the new scheme we will accept HL Maths Analysis and Approaches or HL Maths Applications and Interpretation.
Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A.
Subject specifics required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics.
Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A.
Subject specifics required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics.
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level AAB (or equivalent) which includes Mathematics and Chemistry both at grade A and a grade B (or equivalent) in another subject. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/contextualoffers/.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses.
It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course.
Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
