Teaching methods
- Computer labs
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAB | September 2024 | FF31 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAB | September 2024 | FF31 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics accredits bachelor and integrated masters degree programmes for the purposes of the professional award of Chartered Physicist. Chartered Physicist requires an IOP accredited degree followed by an appropriate period of experience during which professional skills are acquired.
An accredited bachelor degree partially fulfils the academic requirement for Chartered Physicist status. Further study to masters level, or equivalent work-based experience, is required to achieve Chartered Physicist.
Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics accredits bachelor and integrated masters degree programmes for the purposes of the professional award of Chartered Physicist. Chartered Physicist requires an IOP accredited degree followed by an appropriate period of experience during which professional skills are acquired.
An accredited bachelor degree partially fulfils the academic requirement for Chartered Physicist status. Further study to masters level, or equivalent work-based experience, is required to achieve Chartered Physicist.
6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
A Levels
GCSE
A Levels
GCSE
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the Chemistry BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
A Levels
GCSE
A Levels
GCSE
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the Chemistry BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget alongside your tuition fees and living expenses, including: scientific calculator model kit (optional) You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don't print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help.
International Students
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget alongside your tuition fees and living expenses, including: scientific calculator model kit (optional) You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don't print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help.
Home Students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
You'll be taught by academic staff from the School of Chemistry and the School of Physics and Astronomy. They will feed your curiosity and develop your approach to independent learning. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos and Sixty Symbols YouTube channels.
This course focuses on the overlap between the established disciplines of chemistry and physics. In the first year, you will study introductory chemistry, physics and mathematics modules. You will take practical chemistry classes in our teaching laboratories. In years two and three you'll develop a more specialised and deeper understanding of chemistry and physics. Some of the topics you can study include:
You'll be taught by academic staff from the School of Chemistry and the School of Physics and Astronomy. They will feed your curiosity and develop your approach to independent learning. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos and Sixty Symbols YouTube channels.
This course focuses on the overlap between the established disciplines of chemistry and physics. In the first year, you will study introductory chemistry, physics and mathematics modules. You will take practical chemistry classes in our teaching laboratories. In years two and three you'll develop a more specialised and deeper understanding of chemistry and physics. Some of the topics you can study include:
Our students have gone onto work in a variety of industries including chemistry, physics and pharmaceutics.
Important Information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 1
Fundamental Chemistry Theory and Practical
Mandatory
Year 1
From Newton to Einstein
Mandatory
Year 1
Computing For Physical Science
Mandatory
Year 1
Basic Mathematical Methods for Physics
Optional
Year 1
Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing
Optional
Year 1
Frontiers in Chemistry
Optional
Year 1
Mathematics for Chemistry 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Core Laboratory Work
Mandatory
Year 2
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 2
Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 2
The Quantum World
Mandatory
Year 2
Classical Fields
Mandatory
Year 2
Experimental Techniques and Instrumentation
Optional
Year 2
Principles of Analytical Chemistry
Optional
Year 2
Force and Function at the Nanoscale
Optional
Year 2
Sustainable Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 3
Chemical Bonding and Reactivity
Mandatory
Year 3
Solids, Interfaces and Surfaces
Mandatory
Year 3
Fourier Methods
Mandatory
Year 3
Atoms, Photons and Fundamental Particles
Mandatory
Year 3
Introduction to Solid State Physics
Mandatory
Year 3
Physics Project
Mandatory
Year 3
Advanced Laboratory Techniques
Mandatory
Year 3
Chemistry and Molecular Physics Literature and Communication Skills
Optional
Year 3
Structure Determination Methods
Optional
Year 3
Bioinorganic and Metal Coordination Chemistry
Optional
Year 3
Catalysis
Optional
Year 3
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 3 October 2023.
This module shows how trends in chemical properties can be related to the structure of the Periodic Table and rationalise descriptive inorganic chemistry.
To provide a fundamental understanding of the basics of organic chemistry, including nomenclature, molecular structure and bonding, stereochemistry and the chemical reactivity of common functional groups and reaction types through an understanding of their electronic properties.
To provide an introduction to fundamental physical aspects of chemistry, which underpins all areas of Chemistry - emphasis will be placed on being able to apply knowledge, especially in solving problems.
To introduce a range of chemical techniques appropriate to the study of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry at first year level, which will act as a foundation for more advanced work in subsequent years.
How does the world really work?
We’ll take you from Newton’s mechanics, the pinnacle of the scientific revolution and the foundation of our understanding of modern physics, right through to our current understanding of physics with Einstein’s theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.
This module will underpin your entire physics degree. It contains all the ideas and principles that form the basis of our modern world. As you’ll find out, some of these ideas are very strange indeed.
You’ll study:
You’ll receive training in basic computing techniques using Python, and will be introduced to their use in solving physical problems.
You’ll spend two hours in computer classes and a one hour lecture each week.
This year-long module covers the mathematical background required for the majority of undergraduate-level study of physics and astronomy. It will complement the material studied in other first-year physics degree modules.
The structure of the module has been designed to ease students into the level of maths required for the early stages of your degree.
The topics covered in this module are:
In this module you’ll look at green chemistry in its broadest sense, covering the fundamental concepts and chemistry involved in making chemical processes cleaner and more environmentally benign.
You’ll spend one hour per week in lectures, seminars and workshops over the whole year studying this module.
This module will introduce you to selected topics at the forefront of current research in chemistry from a physical chemistry perspective.
Example topics include:
This module provides ancillary mathematics knowledge and skills for students majoring in chemistry-based courses.
Complex numbers are introduced and used with a study of solutions of linear second-order differential equations. Matrix algebra is developed to solve systems of equations and to study eigenvalue problems. The differential calculus of several variables is introduced. An introduction is provided to algebra of matrices and their applications in chemistry. Topics are
This module builds on the practical, analytical and communication skills developed in the first year and introduces experiments across the range of chemistry, based on your second year theory modules.
You’ll spend around 10 hours per week in practicals for this module.
This module aims to survey the classical and new chemistry of the main group elements. To use group theory as a tool in the analysis of vibrational spectra in inorganic chemistry. To give a concise introduction to the organometallic chemistry of the transition metals. To use multinuclear NMR spectroscopy as a tool for the characterisation of molecules.
In this module you'll study the physical principles underlying chemical phenomena, with emphasis on energy, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. You'll also be introduced to solid-state chemistry, including the structure, characterisation, energetics and the band theory of solids.
You’ll attend two hours of lectures each week in this module.
This module provides an introduction to the theory and elementary applications of quantum mechanics, a theory that is one of the key achievements of physics. Quantum mechanics is an elegant theoretical construct that is both beautiful and mysterious. Some of the predictions of quantum mechanics are wholly counter-intuitive and there are aspects of it that are not properly understood. Nonetheless, it has been thoroughly tested empirically for nearly a century and, wherever predictions can be made, they agree with experiment.
The notes, videos, and simulations for the first semester of The Quantum World are all publicly available and freely accessible. Check out the notes online, which include embedded links to the videos and interactive simulations.
You’ll study:
In this module you will explore the concepts of scalar and vector fields. You will learn the mathematics of vector calculus, which give us a powerful tool for studying the properties of fields and understanding their physics.
You will then study its application in two important and contrasting areas of physics: fluid dynamics, and electromagnetism. We use examples such as water draining from a sink or wind in a tornado to provide intuitive illustrations of the application of vector calculus, which can then help us to understand the behaviour of electric and magnetic fields.
You’ll study:
In this module students will receive:
You’ll be introduced to the principles of analytical chemistry, including the principal types of instrumentation used and the statistical treatment of analytical results.
You’ll attend two lectures each week studying this module.
We will study some of the fundamental forces at the nanoscale and look at the role of key concepts such as entropy. We will also learn how we can visualise and measure the nanoscale structures that form.
The nanoscale world is very different from our regular experience. Thermal energy pushes and pulls everything towards a state of disorder whilst nanoscale forces allow for materials to resist this and stay together. We will study some of the fundamental forces at the nanoscale and look at the role of key concepts such as entropy. We will also learn how we can visualise and measure the nanoscale structures that form.
While the forces we will study operate over distances as small as 1 nanometre we will explore how these concepts are responsible for phenomena in our everyday world we often don’t even think about:
This module covers material related to developing a more sustainable approach to chemistry. You will learn what constitutes sustainable chemistry, the significance of new technologies such as synthetic biology, and recognise the problems in achieving sustainability.
To provide a fundamental understanding of molecular structure and of the requirements for reactivity.
To introduce modern electronic structure theory and demonstrate how it can be applied to determine properties such as molecular structure, spectroscopy and reactivity.
This course aims to teach the relationship between structure and properties of solids, structure of Solids and characterisation.
It aims to teach a general introduction to Interfaces and Surfaces.
Knowledge of waves and oscillations is needed to understand many physical phenomena. In this module you’ll learn some very useful mathematical tools (Fourier methods) for describing them.
Knowledge of waves and oscillations is needed to understand many physical phenomena. In this module you’ll learn some very useful mathematical tools (Fourier methods) for describing them.
You’ll study:
This module will introduce students to the physics of atoms, nuclei and the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. The module will also develop the quantum mechanical description of these.
Topics to be covered are:
Solid state physics underpins almost every technological development around us, from solar cells and LEDs to silicon chips and mobile phones.
The aim of this module is to introduce to you the fundamental topics in solid state physics. We start by looking at why atoms and molecules come together to form a crystal structure. We then follow the electronic structure of these through to interesting electronic, thermal and magnetic properties that we can harness to make devices.
You’ll study:
You will carry out a project drawn from one of several areas of physics. The project may be experimental or theoretical in nature. Many of the projects reflect the research interests of members of academic staff. You will work in pairs and are expected to produce a plan of work and to identify realistic goals for your project. Each pair has a project supervisor responsible for setting the project. You will also be required to maintain a diary/laboratory notebook throughout.
Occasionally the work from these projects is used in scientific publications, and the students involved are named as authors on those publications.
Depending upon the type of project that you decide to do, you will design and carry out your own experiments, theoretical calculations or computational work and use them to generate what are often new and interesting results. The project culminates in your writing a scientific report which is submitted for assessment along with your laboratory notebook.
This course aims to teach advanced experimental techniques in chemistry.
To provide experience in the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data.
To put into practice the methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising the chemical literature.
You’ll undertake a literature review on a selected topic in the area of chemistry and molecular physics, presenting your work as a written report.
You’ll also develop your communication skills through group work, presentations and writing for the general public.
You’ll spend around two hours per week in workshops for this module.
A general introduction to lasers, including laser radiation and its properties will be given.
A number of current laser spectroscopic methods will be reviewed, which allow the determination of vibrational frequencies and structures.
Examples will cover ground and excited state neutral molecules, radicals and complexes, as well as cations of these.
An introduction to modern diffraction methods will be given, involving neutrons, electrons and X-rays.
Applications will cover solids (crystalline and amorphous), liquids and gases.
Throughout, there will be extensive examples from the research literature.
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of coordination chemistry in the context of macrocyclic, supramolecular and bioinorganic chemistry and its applications in metal extraction and synthesis.
You will gain an appreciation of the importance of metals in biological systems, and be able to explain the relationship between the structure of the active centres of metallo-proteins and enzymes and their biological functions.
The module is assessed by a two-hour written exam.
This module aims to provide a framework for understanding the action of heterogeneous catalysts in terms of adsorption/desorption processes and for understanding catalyst promotion in terms of chemical and structural phenomenon and also describes a wide variety of homogeneous catalytic processes based on organo-transition metal chemistry.
This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry
Teaching methods
The academic year is divided into two semesters and you will complete 120 credits of study per year.
Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with year three worth 67%.
Assessment methods
There are typically 10 lectures in addition to 8 to 10 hours of laboratory classes per week.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you through your studies and help you make the most of the opportunities available at Nottingham. Your personal tutor will guide your personal and academic development, offering you help, encouragement and guidance.
Core modules are typically delivered by assistant professors, associate professors, or professors.
Our graduates can find roles in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drink, and energy sectors. This course will develop your skills in practical and theoretical chemistry, data-analysis and problem-solving. These skills are also valuable for careers in finance, education and the media.
Recent graduate destinations include:
Many students continue their studies in chemistry or a related discipline working towards a PhD degree. Read our chemistry alumni profiles to see what careers some of our recent graduates have gone into.
The University of Nottingham is the second-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers. (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2022).
Average starting salary and career progression
89.00% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,216.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
The Institute of Physics accredits bachelor and integrated masters degree programmes for the purposes of the professional award of Chartered Physicist. Chartered Physicist requires an IOP accredited degree followed by an appropriate period of experience during which professional skills are acquired.
An accredited bachelor degree partially fulfils the academic requirement for Chartered Physicist status. Further study to masters level, or equivalent work-based experience, is required to achieve Chartered Physicist.
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Faculty of Science
4 years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
F101
Faculty of Science
3 Years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
AAB-ABB
UCAS code
F100
Faculty of Science
4 years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAB
UCAS code
FFH1
Faculty of Science
4 Years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAA-AAB
UCAS code
F103
Our webpages contain detailed information about all processes in your student journey. Check them out alongside our student enquiry centre to find the information you need. If you’re still struggling, head to our help page where you can find details of how to contact us in-person and online.