Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of molecules and materials. It is a science with a well-developed theory base which is central to modern life and which continues to make advances in, for example, new materials, antibiotics, semiconductors, trace analysis. It borders on physics, geology, engineering and electronics and also with genetics and other biological sciences.
- We offer employability and professional development training to our Chemistry students in years one and two of their degrees.
- We have two interactive teaching units that concentrate on ethical, environmental and financial issues in chemistry, designed to help you develop team working and presentation skills.
Accreditation
The BSc is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemists (RSC) and the MSci is accredited by the RSC.
Study abroad
There are study abroad opportunities available in years two and four.
Programme structure
Year 1
The topics covered include
- the periodic table and main group chemistry
- transition metal chemistry
- organic chemistry
- chemical kinetics
- theoretical chemistry
- chemical energy changes
- aqueous equilibria and pH
- macromolecules.
Year 2
Your second year builds on the first-year course and involves the following topics:
- molecular thermodynamics
- organic stereochemistry
- quantum mechanics, chemical bonding and symmetry
- organometallic chemistry
- main group chemistry
- enols and enolates
- spectroscopy
- kinetics
- aromatic chemistry
- coordination chemistry
- organic synthesis
- biophysical chemistry
- applied organic chemistry.
Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will study advanced topics in chemistry including aspects of synthetic methods, nanoscience, catalysis, quantum mechanics, biomolecular interactions and transition metal chemistry. In your final year you will undertake a research project at the frontiers of the subject.
You can take Chemistry as an MSci degree which includes an additional work placement year. Placements are usually in the UK, but can also be taken overseas. They happen between third year and the final year of the degree.
Partnership and industry links
The ScotCHEM initiative enables more than 180 chemistry research teams based at Scottish universities, including Glasgow, to pool resources in a world-class research collaboration.
Our international links
The MSci degree offers the opportunity to spend a year doing research in a European university or a work placement outwith the UK before returning for your final year of study.
Career prospects
A Chemistry degree provides not only knowledge of the subject but also training in taking decisions, analysis of problems, communication, calculations, use of computers, recognition of patterns, abstract ideas and symbolism, precision and awareness of risks. Our graduates are employed as chemists working in research, process development or analysis, as well as in management, marketing, environmental control, patents and finance.
Our recent Chemistry graduates have been employed by
- EDF Energy, graduate trainee in nuclear industry
- Quotient Clinical, manufacturing scientist
- Reckitt Benckiser, formulation technician
- Sterling Medical Innovation, research and medical technician
- Synergy Outsourcing, analyst.
Glasgow International College
For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.
BSc
- APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND CHEMISTRY: GF1C
- CHEMISTRY: F100
- CHEMISTRY (FASTER ROUTE): F106
- CHEMISTRY AND MATHEMATICS: GF11
- CHEMISTRY WITH MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY: F103
- CHEMISTRY WITH MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (FASTER ROUTE): F190
MSci
- APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND CHEMISTRY: GF1D
- CHEMISTRY AND MATHEMATICS: FG11
- CHEMISTRY WITH EUROPEAN PLACEMENT: F102
- CHEMISTRY WITH EUROPEAN PLACEMENT (FASTER ROUTE): F107
- CHEMISTRY WITH MEDICINAL CHEM WITH EURO PLACE (FASTER ROUTE): F191
- CHEMISTRY WITH MEDICINAL CHEM WITH WORK PLACE (FASTER ROUTE): F192
- CHEMISTRY WITH MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY WITH EUROPEAN PLACEMENT: F105
- CHEMISTRY WITH MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY WITH WORK PLACEMENT: F104
- CHEMISTRY WITH WORK PLACEMENT: F101
- CHEMISTRY WITH WORK PLACEMENT (FASTER ROUTE): F108
Faster Route
The University offers this degree as a Faster Route programme to highly qualified students. This means that the time you take to complete your degree is one year less than usual.
Joint Honours
At Honours level, Chemistry can be taken as a Single Honours or Joint Honours degree. Glasgow offers one of the widest ranges of Joint Honours programmes in the UK.
BSc, MSci
Highers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer.
Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2012. Higher at B or above in Chemistry.
A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects. A Level at B or above in Chemistry.
IB: 32 points.
BSc, MSci (Faster Route)
Advanced Highers: AAA including Chemistry and Mathematics.
A-levels: AAA including Chemistry and Mathematics.
IB: 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including 6 in Chemistry and 5 in Mathematics, and at least 38 points overall.
For a full list of alternative qualifications please see: Entry requirements.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see: