Chemistry BSc

Program Overview

The Chemistry BSc program at the University of Sheffield provides a solid scientific foundation in chemistry, emphasizing sustainability and global challenges. Through hands-on laboratory work, research projects, and industry connections, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities necessary for careers in chemical sciences and related fields. The program holds accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry and is supported by the University's world-leading research facilities and expert faculty.

Program Outline

Chemistry BSc (University of Sheffield)

Degree Overview:

This three-year BSc Chemistry course is designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in chemistry.

• To develop students' practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis.
• To foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Sustainability modules are integrated throughout the curriculum, emphasizing the role of chemistry in creating a sustainable future.
• The program covers a broad range of chemistry topics, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
• Students benefit from regular tutorials, small group teaching sessions, and personalized support from tutors and experts.
• The third year includes a group research project, providing valuable independent research experience and hands-on training in state-of-the-art research labs.
• Summer Research Placement: A guaranteed summer research placement is offered to students who meet the requirements of the Undergraduate Research Scholarship scheme.
• Start Something Amazing: The program fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, with many academics and students contributing to university spin-out companies in fields like medicine, polymers, and instrumentation.
• Research Excellence: The University of Sheffield boasts world-leading research in chemistry, with 95% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Chemistry in a Sustainable Future (10 credits):
Explores the role of chemistry in creating a sustainable world, focusing on green chemistry and combating global warming.
• Fundamentals of Chemistry (80 credits): Covers fundamental concepts in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, along with essential practical skills.
• Essential Skills for Chemists (20 credits): Introduces students to broader academic and professional skills, including physics, mathematics, data analysis, computing, and scientific literature.
• Optional Modules (10 credits):
• Chemistry in the Biological World Around Us:
Explains the chemical principles behind biological processes, including healthcare, medicine, and nutrition.
• Chemistry in the Physical World Around Us: Explores the chemical principles behind everyday technologies, products, and structures.

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Enterprise and Employability (10 credits):
Focuses on the application of chemistry in business and society, including business development and career exploration.
• Environmental, Analytical & Sustainable Chemistry (20 credits): Examines the interaction of chemicals with the environment, sustainability assessment, and analytical chemistry techniques.
• Inorganic Chemistry: Structure, Bonding & Reactivity (30 credits): Deepens understanding of inorganic chemistry, including main group compounds, transition metal complexes, and inorganic solids.
• Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (30 credits): Covers quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, polymers, and colloids, emphasizing the physical principles behind chemical structures.
• Synthetic, Mechanistic and Biological Aspects of Organic Chemistry (30 credits): Builds on organic chemistry knowledge, focusing on functional groups, reactions, mechanisms, and biopolymers.

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Organometallic, Solid State and Coordination Chemistry (20 credits):
Covers the properties of compounds in solution and the solid state, including organometallic compounds, coordination compounds, and crystallography.
• Chemistry Employability Skills and Projects (30 credits): Develops practical and transferable skills for a career in chemistry, including data analysis, presentation, and independent research.
• Mechanisms, Pericyclic Reactions and Synthesis (20 credits): Expands organic chemistry knowledge, focusing on reaction mechanisms, synthetic approaches, and aromatic and heterocyclic systems.
• Statistical Thermodynamics, Spectroscopy, Surfaces, Colloids (20 credits): Introduces advanced concepts in physical chemistry, including statistical thermodynamics, spectroscopy, surface chemistry, and colloids.
• Optional Modules (30 credits):
• Chemistry in Space:
Explores astrochemistry, extra-terrestrial chemistry, and astrobiology.
• Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Synthesis: Covers the principles of medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and drug-target interactions.
• Light-Matter Interactions and Applications (for analytical sciences and sustainability): Introduces advanced optical techniques and their applications in environmental chemistry, solar energy, and sustainability.
• Properties of Inorganic Materials: Examines the properties of inorganic materials, including their applications in electronics and energy generation.
• Structure and Mechanism of Biomolecule Function: Focuses on protein function, ligand binding, enzyme catalysis, and the development of enzyme inhibitors.
• Supramolecular Chemistry: Explores the chemistry of molecular assemblies, including their applications in sensing, catalysis, and materials science.
• Sustainable Chemistry, Energy Generation and Storage: Covers modern approaches to energy generation and storage, including biomass utilization, photovoltaics, fuel cells, and nuclear energy.
• Molecular Modelling: Introduces theoretical modelling techniques for investigating molecular structures and dynamics.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include laboratory work, coursework, online quizzes, examinations, essays, and other written work.
• The program specification outlines the aims, learning outcomes, and assessment methods for each course.

Teaching:

• Learning takes place through lectures, small group tutorials, workshops, practical sessions in the lab, and research projects.
• The University provides outstanding facilities, study spaces, and support, including 24/7 online access to the library.
• Students have access to a range of online resources, including specialist chemistry software.

Careers:

• The program equips students with the skills needed for a wide range of careers in the chemical sciences and related fields.
• Graduates find employment in pharmaceutical companies, consumer goods companies, industrial manufacturing, and other sectors.
• A chemistry degree from the University of Sheffield can also lead to careers in fields like finance, computer programming, and communications.

Other:

• The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is home to world-class research facilities, including the Lord Porter Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory and the Soft Matter Analytical Laboratory.
• The University of Sheffield is ranked highly in national and international rankings, including being ranked number one in the Russell Group for student satisfaction.
• The University offers a variety of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in a placement year or study abroad program.

Tuition Fees

Home students 2024 annual tuition fee: £9,250 Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee: £29,110