Chemistry BSc (Hons)

How will I learn during this Chemistry BSc (Hons) course?

We believe in the benefits of hands-on study which is why a large proportion of your time will be spent in our state-of-the-art laboratories, developing a wide range of practical skills. These practical sessions are complemented by seminars, lectures, tutorials and IT sessions to cement your theoretical knowledge of the subject. You will also take part in problem-solving workshops which will develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.

There is the opportunity to spend a year in industry where you can develop your knowledge and gain valuable work experience to give you a head start in your chosen career.

Regular formative assessment enables you to develop your knowledge and skills and to continually reflect on your performance. By the end of your degree you will have developed the ability to study independently and mastered both research and practical skills, culminating in a major laboratory-based research project in the final year.

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Who teaches the Chemistry BSc (Hons) course?

You will learn from experienced staff at the forefront of their fields, with all teaching staff in the School of Geography and Natural Sciences educated to PhD level. Most academic staff are research active and this knowledge is reflected in their teaching. Staff have an open-door policy meaning they are on hand to provide any guidance that you might need.

Many of our teaching team have previously worked in higher education, research and industry, including at organisations such as Unilever, the John Innes Centre, Roche Products Ltd, and are able to draw on real world experience to keep their teaching current and industry relevant. As members of professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the chemistry team have excellent international links, collaborating with others across the globe in pursuit of ground-breaking advances in chemistry. 

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Where will I learn throughout my Chemistry degree?

Working in our modern laboratories, complete with industry standard equipment, you will learn and develop a range of practical skills in an authentic research environment. You will also develop specific computational chemistry skills, working with sophisticated professional software in our IT suites.

All Northumbria students also benefit from Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) which provides online access to module information, key texts, assessment briefs and a range of teaching-related materials.

A complete list of facilities can be found here.

How is research brought into teaching throughout my degree?

At Northumbria we take a research-led approach to education. As practicing researchers, the majority of our lecturers’ research interests link chemistry to the real world. Learning from those at the cutting-edge of the subject will help you put what you have learnt into context both in the laboratory and the lecture theatre.

We will also support you to develop your own research skills. The final year research project will enable you to develop your own area of specialism. You will be matched with a staff member who has experience in your chosen subject and together you will work closely on a substantial piece of research. For some of our previous students, this has led to publication in national and international scientific journals.

The project will also enhance your skills in areas such as decision-making, team-working, critical analysis, communication, and the ability to study independently, all of which are in demand by employers or are an excellent foundation for continuing on to a PhD.

A programme of regular Chemistry seminars delivered by researchers at the University is open to all of our undergraduate students, providing an opportunity to hear about ongoing research within the school.

How does this course prepare me for my future career?

At Northumbria, our degrees are designed to make you as employable as possible. As well as graduating with a respected degree, this course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem). This Chemistry course also provides the opportunity to spend a year in industry where you can gain first-hand experience of the world of work.

Not only will this enable you to ‘test’ your chosen career, but you will develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and time-management. The practical experience gained through your placement year will complement the learning theory and strengthen your CV. You can boost your employability with short work placements, study abroad, STEM ambassador activities or volunteering.

You will graduate from the BSc Chemistry course with the applied knowledge, strong practical laboratory skills and research skills needed to enter a career in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries or continue on to PhD study.

Throughout the course you will also develop transferable skills appreciated by employers in general, not only in traditional chemistry roles. You will cultivate the ability to think analytically, develop excellent problem-solving, logic and critical thinking skills, and an eye for detail. Previous Northumbria graduates have found employment in areas as diverse as teaching, business and management, finance, law and marketing.

There is also the opportunity to transfer onto the Chemistry MChem course at Northumbria.