Course structure

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules typically worth 10–20 credits. In Year 1 you will take Core Chemistry (60 credits), which cover the fundamentals for organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and theoretical chemistry. You will also take Laboratory modules (40 credits), which develop practical skills and consolidate fundamental theory, with embedded communications and employability skills. You will also take a Chemistry-focused Maths module (10 credits) and a Data analysis and presentation module (10 credits).

If you take Chemistry with a Modern language, the Maths and Data modules are replaced by one language module, such as in Mandarin, Japanese, French, Spanish and German (20 credits).

If you take Chemistry with Business management, half of the Laboratory modules and the Maths and Data modules are replaced by business modules covering economics, finance, management and marketing (40 credits).

In Year 2 you will build on the core theory and skills learnt in Year 1 with further Core Chemistry (60 credits) and Laboratory modules (40 credits). You can then choose Optional chemistry courses to further your understanding of particular subjects, such as Analytical, Bio-organic, Computational and Medicinal chemistry, Data analysis and Science communication (20 credits).

If you take Chemistry with a Modern language, the Optional modules are replaced by one language module, such as in Mandarin, Japanese, French, Spanish and German (20 credits).

If you take Chemistry with Business management, half of the Laboratory modules and the Optional modules are replaced by business modules in economics and either human resource management or marketing (40 credits total).

Year 3 continues with Core Chemistry (60 credits) and advanced Laboratory/Research/Education modules that involve a Research project (BSc) and/or Methodology courses, which prepare you for the major research project in the MSci fourth year (40 credits). Our advanced Optional courses include Solid-state, Bio-organic and Computational chemistry (20 credits).

If you choose the MSci with Study abroad degree, your Year 3 is spent at your chosen university (120 credits).

If you choose the MSci with Study abroad degree, your Year 3 at your chosen university (120 credits) is followed by a week-long lab course back in Birmingham to help you reacclimatise and prepare to enter year 4.

If you take Chemistry with a Modern language, the Optional modules are replaced by one language module, such as in Mandarin, Japanese, French, Spanish and German (20 credits).

If you choose Chemistry with Business management, the Research Methodology and Optional modules are replaced by modules in corporate finance and supply chain management, and strategic and innovation management (40 credits).

In the fourth year, there is significant flexibility for you to take a range of courses pitched at the cutting edge of Chemistry, including Materials, Supramolecular, Bio-inorganic and Polymer chemistry, Natural products, Soft matter, Surfaces and interfaces, and Statistical mechanics (60 credits).

 In addition, you will perform a major research project in the group of one of our leading academic staff, which for many students is the most exciting and enjoyable part of their degree (60 credits).