This three-year course has a student satisfaction rating of 90%.
Can you see yourself working abroad or using a foreign language at some point in your career? As the world becomes smaller and boundaries dissolve, such opportunities will be increasingly available for the next generation of scientists. If you enjoy languages, but your main interest is chemistry, then our Chemistry with a Modern Language programme might be for you.
You can currently choose to study one of four languages at Birmingham: French, German, Japanese,or Spanish. Three different three-year streams are available for students entering either as beginners, at GCSE standard, or at A-level standard.
Course Structure
Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, which is delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits. In each year, you will take 60 credits of core chemistry courses, which cover the fundamental aspects of the subject. These courses include a significant practical component, which not only allows us to develop your practical skills and techniques in a range of experiments, but also to consolidate the theory you will have covered in associated lectures. You will also take 20 credits of language modules in each year, which develop both communication skills and cultural awareness. These courses are delivered by staff based in the University’s Centre for Modern Languages. The remaining 40 credits comprise modules designed to support these core courses and include optional chemistry modules, mathematics courses, laboratory modules, as well as courses which focus on communications skills and employability.
This degree programme does not require you to spend time abroad. However should you wish to spend some time at a foreign university, for example to carry out a Summer research project, we can make enquiries on your behalf using the contacts, we have set up through our Chemistry with Study Abroad programmes (F102 and F106).
Generic skills-training, focusing on transferable skills and employability, is embedded throughout the course and from the outset, and will ensure that you are equipped with the ICT, presentation, team-working and problem-solving skills, which are seen as crucial by employers.
BSc or MSci? The first two years of this BSc course are interchangeable with, and identical to, our MSci programme (F1RY), which means you can delay your final choice of degree (BSc or MSci) until the end of Year 2. MSci study is dependent upon performance so you will need to successfully complete Year 2 with a high 2ii to transfer on to the MSci programme.
First year
In Year 1, you will take substantive core modules in the traditional sub-disciplines of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, all of which include an extensive laboratory work programme as well as 20 credits of your chosen modern language. Everyone also takes a maths module in Semester 2, and if you don’t have A-level maths at grade B or higher, you will take a further introductory maths module in Semester 1. Both of these courses are taught by staff from Chemistry, which ensures you learn those aspects of maths that you will need to understand and tackle the more physical and theoretical aspects of our courses.
Second year (contributes 25% to overall degree mark)
In Year 2, you will build on material from your first year as we employ a mix of lectures and practicals to further develop your understanding of the fundamental aspects of chemistry. In addition to core courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, you will further develop your language skills.
Third year (contributes 75% to overall degree mark)
Alongside lecture courses in the three core chemistry sub-disciplines, and advanced classes in modern languages, you will also carry out a sizeable 40-credit chemistry research project, which can include practical lab work, computer-based research or a literature dissertation. Education-based projects are also available to those interested in entering the teaching profession. You will choose the topic of your project from a pool of titles and work with your project supervisor to tailor the project to your particular research interests.
Other options
Related links
Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.
Core courses (60 credits in each year) are taken by all students enrolled on both single honours and major/minor degree programmes and cover those fundamentals of the subject that we deem essential. These courses include a significant practical component, which not only allows you to develop your practical skills and techniques, but also to consolidate the associated theory from your lectures.
The remaining 60 credits in each year comprise modules designed to support these core courses and include optional chemistry modules, mathematics courses, laboratory modules, and courses which focus on communications skills and employability.
Module details are located on the course breakdown page on the School of Chemistry website.
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAB–ABB
Required subjects and grades: A level subjects must include Chemistry; one (or more) from Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and a modern language is highly desirable but not essential. An appropriate modern language at GCSE grade B minimum is required if you intend to study at a non-English-speaking university.
General Studies: not accepted. Critical Thinking: not accepted. However, a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer
The decision to remain on (for MSci-registered students) or transfer to (an option for BSc-registered students) an MSci programme is made at the end of Year 2, and is based on your Year 2 mark (and not your A-level results). Our entry requirements are therefore the same for both BSc and MSci degree programmes.
Additional information:
International students:
International Baccalaureate Diploma: Typical offer 34–35 points; must have Chemistry at HL; one or more additional science subjects at HL is regarded as advantageous; a minimum of 5 in SL English and 4 in SL Maths is required for those students who do not have a minimum grade C in these subjects at GCSE.
Learn more about international entry requirements
Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in the Birmingham Foundation Academy, a specially structured programme for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on the foundation academy web pages.
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