Why Study Chemistry At Aberdeen?
Chemistry is widely regarded as the central science, and a degree in chemistry provides a student with many key skills which can be used in many areas not necessarily restricted to the discipline. Chemistry has been taught in Aberdeen for more than 200 years, and the Department has a modest claim to fame in that Aberdeen was probably the first university to introduce chemistry as a subject in its own right, rather than as an ancillary to medicine. From the outset, chemistry was offered as a mainstream subject in the general degree curriculum and not just as a specialist part of the medical degree. A strong teaching tradition has continued ever since.
The Department has a friendly atmosphere and is presently in a state of lively evolution, with a stimulating mixture of experienced and younger staff.We have a strong interest in the development of new teaching methods, an explicit commitment to quality in undergraduate teaching, and a wide range of research activities, essential for the well being of any progressive department.We are actively involved in the ERASMUS student exchange scheme, bringing students from all over Europe to the campus.We also receive students from the USA and Canada, Asia and Africa. Our own students, in turn, have opportunities to study abroad, particularly as part of the fifth year MChem placement.
Degrees Offered
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MChem & BSc Degrees In:
Additional MChem Option:
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BSc Major-Minor Programmes:
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Degree Structure And Content
The MChem degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, requires five years of full-time study, a BSc Honours degree requires four years of full-time study, and we also offer a BSc Designated degree in Chemistry after three years of study. Our teaching in the first two years aims to give a balanced treatment of all the main branches of the subject. In the third and fourth years we develop a selection of topics in more depth and include courses that look at the application of fundamental science, and issues ranging from biomaterials to environmental remediation and nanotechnology. Fourth year includes a research project where students have the opportunity to interact with active research groups in the department. For students opting for the MChem degree, this offers the opportunity of a five month placement in an overseas research laboratory. Options enable students to tailor their programmes to suit their own aptitudes and interests. Sponsored summer studentships are available for students in third and fourth year which again, allow an opportunity to gain research experience.
Learning And Assessment
Teaching involves a mix of methods: lectures in whole-class groups, informal small-group tutorials, problem classes and seminars, and practical classes. In addition to formal timetabled teaching, we make extensive use of e-learning materials, group activities, literature work and project work. The teaching of skills in report-writing, communication, information technology and computing is built into the curriculum at all levels.
What Our Students Say!
Sarah Nicoll, Aberdeen
"Studying chemistry is so much more than just performing reactions!While lectures and lab work are important, I've also had the opportunity to learn a range of transferable skills. I don't think that I would have had the chance to learn all these had I studied another subject, and knowing I have them makes me feel I have the ability to choose from a wide range of careers. By choosing the MChem degree I've been able to go on a four-month research placement to Australia, and this has let me put into practice what I've learned in the last five years. It's not all hard work though; I've made a lot of friends along the way and we've had plenty of good nights out, and the biggest one is yet to come......graduation!"
Janine Montero, Gibraltar
"As a non-UK resident I was initially quite anxious about going overseas to study in Scotland. However, I was immediately made to feel at home here in Aberdeen. The atmosphere in the Department of Chemistry is really friendly, and the nights out organised by ChemSoc (the Chemistry Student Society) are a great opportunity to meet lots of like-minded people and make good friends. As an MChem student I have also had the opportunity to travel abroad, and am currently in Italy doing my Masters project, which is certainly proving to be a life changing experience!"
What Are The Career Prospects?
Some of the areas where chemists are to be found are:
- All areas of industry, from the oil, chemical and pharmaceutical companies to a host of smaller enterprises producing new and specialist products
- Public health and environmental protection
- Research in universities, government institutes, industry and private agencies
- Teaching at all levels
- Patent agencies, scientific journalism
- Forensic science
- Numerous other occupations which make direct use of their scientific knowledge
How Do I Apply?
Applications to this degree programme are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You apply online at www.ucas.com and may apply to up to five institutions on the full-price UCAS application.
Prospective students (and their parents/guardians/teachers) are welcome to visit the University at any time, or attend our University-wide Open Day in August. Please contact the Student Recruitment and Admissions Service, who will be happy to make arrangements for a visit.
Where Can I Get Further Information?
Student Recruitment and Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
King’s College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272090/91
E-mail: sras@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras
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