Chemical Physics

Chemical Physics is the study of matter and its properties and covers a range of fundamental and applied science. You will discover how atoms and molecules interact and how techniques such as spectroscopy, diffraction and electron microscopy may be used to investigate their structure and properties. You will also study nanoscience, liquid-crystals, polymers and surface science. A Chemical Physics degree is perfect if you enjoy chemistry, physics and mathematics and wish to develop your knowledge and skills in a challenging and rewarding subject.

Chemical Physics courses

Why study Chemical Physics at Bristol?

Chemical Physics is taught jointly by the School of Chemistry and the School of Physics and draws on the established strength and international reputation of both departments in research at the interface between the two disciplines. Our Chemistry and Physics teaching labs are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment. You will also benefit from innovative teaching methods and resources, such as the online Dynamic Laboratory Manual that was developed as part of the Bristol ChemLabS Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning project.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Chemical Physics would suit students who are interested in the fundamental physics and chemistry of atoms and molecules. The course sits at the middle ground between the two disciplines and incorporates aspects of the physical side of Chemistry (with less emphasis on synthetic chemistry) and the chemical side of Physics (with less emphasis on nuclear physics and electronics), as well as including aspects of Materials Science, Technology and Engineering. You should be literate and highly numerate, with an enquiring mind and an interest in basic fundamental science and technology.

How is this course taught and assessed?

This course is taught using lectures, tutorials and workshops by staff in the Physics and Chemistry Departments. Lab classes and problems classes are held in both subjects. F323 students also do some lecture units via web-based distance learning while on their year in industry. Lecture content is assessed every year by examinations in both the Physics and Chemistry Departments. Laboratory work is assessed continually by marked scripts with feedback given to the students to allow them to improve their write-ups. Project work is assessed by students writing a thesis which is marked, with marks split between performance in the lab and quality of the thesis. F323 students who spend their third year in industry also have to write a report on their year's work, which is marked by the Industrial and Academic supervisors.

What are my career prospects?

Chemical Physics graduates are highly sought after. Our graduates have excellent knowledge and superb practical and problem-solving skills. They are highly literate and numerate, and are capable of working both independently and as part of a team. Many of our graduates go on to careers in research, using their subject-specific knowledge and skills in a variety of scientific environments, while others apply their excellent transferable skills in areas outside science.

Why did you choose Bristol?

The course is relatively small which means that students can support each other, and the overlap between the two disciplines sheds real light on both of them, giving a deep understanding of the subject.

Phil Legg
BSc Chemical Physics