What is chemistry?
Chemistry is key to our understanding of the natural and physical world and to the enhancement of our quality of life and the environment. Degrees in chemistry at The University of Nottingham offer the exciting challenge of exploring science at the molecular level through experiment and theory. They also provide you with opportunities to study at the interfaces with other sciences and disciplines either through optional modules or specially structured degree courses.
How will I study?
We provide enthusiastic, innovative teaching in a first-class learning environment with the most modern laboratories and lecture theatre facilities. Typically there are 10 lectures per week and you will also take part in a series of weekly small-group tutorials and module-specific workshops. These provide an opportunity for you to analyse critically material that has been presented in lectures and laboratory classes.
Laboratory experience
You will gain laboratory experience by attending practical classes that run for up to eight hours per week during the first year of your course, and which extend to 12 hours per week in the second and third years. These classes introduce you to the current synthetic and analytical approaches in chemistry and are held in modern, well-equipped and up-to-date laboratories.
Research projects
During their fourth year, MSci students are invited to join an active, world-leading research group within the School to contribute to projects that are at the cutting-edge of chemistry. You will be given greater independence and you will be responsible for driving your own project, although a postgraduate research student and an academic member of staff in your research group will always be close by to help.
Communication skills
We place a strong emphasis on developing your written and oral communication skills throughout your course at Nottingham. This usually involves small-group and individual project work that is assessed continuously. These projects aim to teach you how to research a problem and how to get your message across clearly, accurately and concisely, using modern bibliographic search tools, word-processing and presentation software. Such skills are always highly sought after by potential employers.
BSc or MSci?
The BSc courses provide a strong background in chemical theory and practice and permit entry into a wide variety of careers. If you opt for one of the MSci courses, part of your final year will involve joining a world-leading group in the School to work on a project at the cutting edge of chemistry research. Many of our students decide to pursue a career in research as a result of the excitement that they experience during their research project. Transfer from the BSc to the MSci courses is straightforward throughout the first two years of study.
Accreditation
Details of the accreditation of our courses by The Royal Society of Chemistry may be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry/studywithus.
Assessment
Our courses are assessed in a variety of ways, including traditional written examinations, coursework assignments, dissertations, computing assignments, essays and laboratory reports. The final degree classification is based on marks gained for the second and subsequent years of study. While at Nottingham, you will be assigned a personal and academic tutor who will guide your studies and help you to select modules that match your interests and ambitions. Your tutor is your first port of call in the School if you have any problems or questions, and they will take an interest in your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.
Studying abroad
Our courses also provide opportunities for you to work in industry or to study at a partner university overseas. Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.
Career prospects and employability
As a Nottingham chemistry graduate you will be well prepared for a wide range of prestigious employment and postgraduate study opportunities. Many of our students pursue careers in research, development and management, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and in other science-based industries. Our students are also sought by all sectors of business including the manufacturing and service industries. They are also well qualified to study for higher degrees. Your transferable skills will include problem solving, IT skills, communicating science and teamwork.
The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the School of Chemistry was £18,386.*
* Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time.
Application and interview
We welcome applications from candidates with non-standard entry requirements and from those who wish to defer their year of entry. For more information about the application process please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry
Open days
In addition to our UCAS visit days, pre-UCAS application open days are usually held in June and September and campus tour days run throughout the year. We would be delighted to meet you at other times – please contact us or see www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays