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 | AAA - AAB | September 2024 | FC17 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 Per year |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BSc Hons | AAA - AAB | September 2024 | FC17 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 Per year |
Royal Society of Chemistry
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Royal Society of Chemistry
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
including 6 in chemistry at Higher Level
6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
A Levels
GCSE
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Science and Society, Leisure Studies.
AAA-AAB at including chemistry at grade A
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Visa restrictions
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
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Science and Society, Leisure Studies.
including 6 in chemistry at Higher Level
AAA-AAB at including chemistry at grade A
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
A Levels
GCSE
Alternative qualifications
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.
Contextual offers
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.
Foundation progression options
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.
Mature 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.
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget alongside your tuition fees and living expenses, such as an examination-approved scientific calculator and a molecular model kit (optional).
You should be able to access many of the textbooks you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. Due to our commitment to sustainability, we do not print lecture notes, but digital copies are available for download. You will be given five pounds 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.
The university recommends you have a suitable laptop to work on when on or off campus. If you already have a device, it is unlikely you will need a new one in the short term. If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as it is more flexible and many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows. While you will not need a very powerful computer, it is wise to choose one that will last.
The University has prepared a set of recommended specifications to help you choose a suitable laptop. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are struggling to manage your costs, the Hardship Funds may be able to assist you. There are computer labs on campus and many are open 24 hours a day. A small number of laptops are available to borrow.
Scholarships and bursaries
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.
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.
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.
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget alongside your tuition fees and living expenses, such as an examination-approved scientific calculator and a molecular model kit (optional).
You should be able to access many of the textbooks you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. Due to our commitment to sustainability, we do not print lecture notes, but digital copies are available for download. You will be given five pounds 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.
The university recommends you have a suitable laptop to work on when on or off campus. If you already have a device, it is unlikely you will need a new one in the short term. If you are looking into buying a new device, we recommend you buy a Windows laptop, as it is more flexible and many software packages you will need are only compatible with Windows. While you will not need a very powerful computer, it is wise to choose one that will last.
The University has prepared a set of recommended specifications to help you choose a suitable laptop. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are struggling to manage your costs, the Hardship Funds may be able to assist you. There are computer labs on campus and many are open 24 hours a day. A small number of laptops are available to borrow.
Scholarships and bursaries
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.
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.
Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to developing drugs, creating vaccines and treating illnesses.
You will explore the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design. The course is built on core chemistry but also includes modules in physiology and pharmacology. In these modules, you’ll learn about drug delivery, metabolism and targeting, drug structures and toxicities and cancer agents.
Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to developing drugs, creating vaccines and treating illnesses.
You will explore the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design. The course is built on core chemistry but also includes modules in physiology and pharmacology. In these modules, you’ll learn about drug delivery, metabolism and targeting, drug structures and toxicities and cancer agents.
The University of Nottingham is the second-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers. (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2022).
A degree in chemistry will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You’ll develop the necessary academic and practical skills for a career in industry, whether that be in pharmaceutical, petrochemical, cosmetics or others. You’ll also develop your written and oral communication skills, and gain transferable skills such as problem-solving, numeracy and data analysis. These are desired by other industries including finance, media, and management.
Modern facilities Put theory into practice in our modern labs and facilities
Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Optional modules Choose from a range of optional modules that interest you
Flexibility to transfer between most chemistry degrees
Small-group learning Benefit from small-group tutorials that support your learning
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
Introduction to Structure, Periodicity and Coordination Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 1
Introduction to Spectroscopy, Energy and Bonding in Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 1
Introduction to Organic Molecules and their Reactivity
Mandatory
Year 1
Foundation Laboratory Work
Mandatory
Year 1
Chemistry Study Skills
Mandatory
Year 1
Calculations in Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 1
Human Physiology
Optional
Year 1
Molecules of Life
Optional
Year 1
Introduction to Green Chemistry and Processing
Optional
Year 1
Frontiers in Chemistry
Optional
Year 1
Mathematical Toolkit
Mandatory
Year 2
General Inorganic Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 2
Synthesis and Spectroscopy
Mandatory
Year 2
Core Laboratory Work
Mandatory
Year 2
Energy, Spectroscopy and Solid State Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 2
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
Mandatory
Year 2
Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Biology
Mandatory
Year 3
Bioinorganic and Metal Coordination Chemistry
Mandatory
Year 3
Catalysis
Mandatory
Year 3
Chemical Bonding and Reactivity
Mandatory
Year 3
Organometallic and Asymmetric Synthesis
Mandatory
Year 3
Pericyclics and Reactive Intermediates
Mandatory
Year 3
Solids, Interfaces and Surfaces
Mandatory
Year 3
Chemistry Project
Mandatory
Year 3
Contemporary Drug Discovery
Optional
Year 3
Chemical Biology and Enzymes
Optional
Year 3
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry
Optional
Year 3
Protein Folding and Biospectroscopy
Optional
Year 3
Molecular Microbiology and Infections
Optional
Year 3
Structure Determination Methods
Optional
Year 3
Prospects for Personalised Medicine
Optional
Year 3
Complementary and Alternative Medicines
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. This content was last updated on Friday 10 March 2023.
This module builds on your previous studies in chemistry and provides a firm foundation in topics including:
You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.
In this module you will learn about the development of quantum theory and the spectroscopy of the hydrogen atom. You will examine the theories used to describe the bonding in molecules and will develop an understanding of microwave and infra-red spectroscopies.
The module also introduces you to some of the key concepts in thermodynamics including enthalpy, entropy and free energy and their application in describing equilibria and electrochemical processes. You will develop an understanding of the key concepts in reaction kinetics.
You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.
You’ll examine the fundamental principles of organic chemistry. This will include nomenclature, bonding concepts, orbitals and the shape, stereochemistry and acid-base properties of organic molecules.
Later the module will focus on reactivity and important reactions and transformations in organic chemistry.
You’ll attend two lectures per week for this module.
This module introduces you to the essential laboratory skills that are required in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
You’ll spend around eight hours per week in laboratory practicals performing experiments, and collecting and analysing data.
You’ll present written reports of your experimental work that will form part of the assessment for this module.
You’ll follow this introductory module right at the start of your course. It is designed to develop your study skills so that you can work effectively at University.
The module will also introduce you to first-year undergraduate laboratory chemistry.
You’ll spend around four hours in your first week in practical sessions studying this module.
This module is for those who already with A level maths will teach you the essential mathematic skills required for chemists. You will learn how to use your maths skills to solve a variety of problems in chemistry.
There will be two hours of lectures per week with a one hour workshop.
In this module, you will be introduced to the physiology of major systems such as cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal, including some aspects of drug action. This module will allow you to understand your biochemical and genetics knowledge in the context of the intact organism. This module includes lectures and laboratory classes.
You’ll learn about Nature's building blocks including the structure and functions of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleotides. You'll also learn about the reactivity of these molecules and their biological roles through case studies.
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:
You’ll gain a firm understanding of the use of mathematical equations in a chemical context through the study of topics including: scientific notation and significant figures; common chemical units and conversions between them; the rearrangement of chemical expressions and their graphical representation; trigonometry, differentiation and integration, and differential equations for chemical problems.
This module is compulsory for students not offering A level mathematics (or equivalent); optional for students offering A level mathematics or equivalent.
You’ll spend two hours per week in lectures studying topics including the synthesis, bonding and reactivity of organometallic compounds, the use of symmetry and group theory to interpret infra-red spectra and NMR spectroscopy in inorganic chemistry.
Further support is provided by tutorials every third week.
In this module, you’ll discuss the reactivity of, suggest synthetic routes for and interpret the spectroscopic characterisation of organic compounds including some natural products.
Topics studied include:
You’ll attend two lectures each week in this module and tutorials every third week.
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.
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 will examine in depth the analysis of drug action, and its application to the design and use of current therapeutics. We will define what drugs are, the different ways they act at the cellular and molecular level, and pharmacokinetic principles underlying drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. This framework will provide the basis to explore the rationale and goals of treatment for clinical therapeutic case studies. These will highlight major current challenges to human health – in cardiovascular and respiratory disease, diabetes and obesity, CNS disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Overall, the student will develop a deep understanding of what the discipline of pharmacology represents, and its application to both basic biological research and current and future medical advances.
The fundamental building blocks of life are essential for life as we know it but what exactly are they and how can this aid us in the development of medicinal drugs? This module will provide you with the fundamental concepts in molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, enabling you to understand the mode of action of anti-cancer agents, antibiotics and toxins.
You’ll study:
You’ll attend two lectures each week for this module.
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.
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 module will introduce you to a range of reagents and synthetic methodology. You will learn how to describe how it is applied to the synthesis of organic target molecules.
By the end of the module you will know how the use of protecting groups can be used to enable complex molecule synthesis and how modern palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions can be used to synthesise useful organic molecules.
Your problem-solving and written communication skills will be developed.
Use of frontier molecular orbital analysis to explain and predict stereochemical and regiochemical outcomes of pericyclic reactions (Woodward-Hoffmann rules etc).
Examples will be drawn from Diels-Alder reactions, cycloadditions [4+2] and [2+2], [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements (eg Claisen and Cope), [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements (eg Wittig and Mislow-Evans).
Generation and use of reactive intermediates in synthesis (ie radicals, carbenes, nitrenes).
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.
For the project, you will put into practice methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising the chemical literature. The module will provide experience in experimental design and methodology, the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data (both in written and verbal form).
What influence does a chemist have in the modern drug discovery process? And how can chemists use their knowledge to aid the development of new therapeutics? In this module you will apply knowledge of how chemical structures influence drug potency, pharmacokinetics, and their safety. You will gain insight onto the developmental process of designing a drug and their action once they have reached their desired target.
You’ll study:
Students should gain a good appreciation of the applications for a range of enzymological, chemical and molecular biological techniques to probe cellular processes and catalysis at the forefront in chemical biology research.
This module represents a culmination of principles and techniques from a biophysical, molecular, biochemical and genetic perspective.
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
This module will develop an understanding of protein structure, stability, design and methods of structural analysis. In addition you will understand the protein folding problem and experimental approaches to the analysis of protein folding kinetics and the application of site-directed mutagenesis.
You will also be expected to develop a number of spectroscopic experimental techniques to probe protein structures.
There will be two hours of lectures a week.
This module focuses on the molecular biology that drives the fundamental principles behind the survival of microorganisms and their interaction with humans.
Lectures will discuss the interaction between the host and pathogens and how they drive the mechanisms of infection and immunity.
There will be two hours of lectures a week.
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.
This module aims to facilitate
(i) awareness of the types, frequency and range of individual genetic variation in proteins linked with disease prevalence and drug action
(ii) evaluation of pharmacogenetic evidence using pre-clinical case studies in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, and cancer
(iii) in depth understanding of the major class of GPCRs in man, and their wider roles as drug targets, through a focus on polymorphisms in these receptors and related proteins
(iv) evidence based understanding of the scientific challenges, risks and benefits of targeting such polymorphic variants therapeutically to deliver future medical advances.
This module introduces students to the issues surrounding the use of complementary and alternative medicines. It covers topics including:
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 professors, assistant professors or associate 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.
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.
Average starting salary and career progression
86% of undergraduates from the School of Chemistry secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,121.*
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).
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 Medicine and Health Sciences
3 years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
BBB
UCAS code
B740
Faculty of Science
4 Years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
AAB
UCAS code
B23B
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.