Chemistry

Chemistry students perform practical work with state-of-the-art instrumentation and staff include internationally recognised researchers in Material Chemistry, Biomolecular and Medicinal Chemistry, and in Environmental Chemistry.

Why Aberdeen?

• The Department is friendly, with helpful and approachable staff
• Our flexible range of courses offers both general and specialised degrees
• All lecturing staff are active researchers in one or more of the areas of research strength of the Department: Materials Chemistry, Biomolecular and Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry
• Innovative methods for learning and teaching ensure that students develop skills in computing and IT, problem solving, and personal skills, in addition to the core theoretical and practical principles of chemistry

Programmes

Accreditation

Our MChem degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry to fulfil the academic requirements for AMRSC and eventual progression to Chartered Chemist (CChem) status. Our BSc degrees are recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry and fulfil the academic requirements for admission to AMRSC.

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

Students study introductory courses in Chemistry, alongside other courses which need not necessarily be science related. There is plenty of choice at this level.

Second Year

The four chemistry courses cover all the main areas of chemistry, including Forensic Analytical Chemistry, and take up half the workload. Four more courses are selected from other departments, usually in science.

Third Year (Junior Honours)

Students spend all their time studying chemistry, including a course on Communicating Chemistry targeted at transferable skills including computing, IT and presentation skills.

Fourth Year (Senior Honours)

All students choose from a range of topics in specialised areas of chemistry, and receive training in methods of research. BSc students undertake a personal research project in fourth year.

Variations

MChem students have group-based practicals on advanced instrumental techniques and a mini-project in fourth year. The MChem personal research project is in fifth year, and usually involves a placement in Europe. For specialised degrees, some courses are replaced by specified courses in other departments.

Teaching and Assessment

In first year, traditional lectures and practical classes are now integrated with the support provided by the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, MyAberdeen. At higher levels, tutorials, individual and group project work, and essay and oral presentations, together with a rapidly increasing range of computer-based learning aids, also form part of the programme.

Careers

Chemistry graduates are very employable, because a degree in chemistry opens many opportunities for employment in areas such as drug development, environmental protection, food chemistry, petroleum chemistry, forensic science and materials development. It is also considered to be an excellent preparation for a career in business, in particular because of the skills developed in problem solving and numeracy.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Chemistry.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 34 points, 5 at HL*
ILC - BBBB
*Including good performance in Chemistry and another Mathematics/Science subject.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB, A Levels ABB, or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Chemistry at A and another Mathematics/Science subject.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide