Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the structure, properties and synthesis of matter. It informs everything, from developing new pharmaceuticals that will help fight disease to arresting climate change. Bristol offers a unique environment in which to study Chemistry. We are home to Bristol ChemLabS, the country’s only Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning devoted to chemistry. Our strong reputation for teaching and research means that you will be taught by internationally renowned scientists in world-class laboratory facilities.

Chemistry courses

Why study Chemistry at Bristol?

We are renowned as one of the UK’s top Chemistry departments. Our teaching is supported by an innovative new online Dynamic Laboratory Manual that will allow you to practise experiments using interactive virtual instruments and watch video clips of techniques.

Degrees are flexible, allowing you to transfer at the end of your first year between each of our three-year BSc and four-year MSci courses. Our degrees have a common first year in which you will study basic chemistry together with optional units offered by other departments. You will also take a unit in mathematics to help underpin your study of chemistry.

You will attend lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem classes and lab classes. Lectures provide an introduction to a subject while small-group teaching sessions allow you to develop a proper understanding of the material. Practical work is important. Final-year research project work provides training in the areas of experiment design, interpretation of new experimental results and presentation methods. Assessment is by examination and continually assessed lab and project work.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Anyone with a love of Chemistry and excellent A-level (or equivalent) performance in Chemistry and Maths should really enjoy these degree programmes. Students without a science background who have a passion for Chemistry would be well suited to the BSc Chemistry with a Preliminary Year of Study Programme.

How is this course taught and assessed?

The course is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and other small group teaching as well as practical classes. The practical aspects of the course are delivered through our unique Dynamic Laboratory Manual (DLM). The DLM is used to inform and test your ability to prepare for and carry out experiments in the teaching laboratory. The majority of assessment is carried out by written examinations for each year of the programme. Both practical and written examination assessments in the second, third and fourth years of each degree course contribute to the overall degree mark.

What are my career prospects?

Chemists are employed for their technical knowledge and expert understanding. A wide range of employers value the transferable skills that chemists possess.