Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry is a subject of huge importance nationally and globally. In the UK alone the chemical industry contributes 21% to GDP and supports over 6 million jobs. Chemistry is an exciting and dynamic discipline that aims to provide solutions at the atomic level. Advanced chemical knowledge and skills are required to meet the demands of a vast range of challenges facing mankind. The development of new therapeutic drugs, diagnostic medical tests, forensic methods and specialised materials called for by new technologies all require chemists. Arguably the greatest challenge of the modern world is meeting our growing energy needs, chemistry will undoubtedly play a key role in finding a solution. During the Autumn term of first year of study students will tackle the essentials of formulae writing, equation construction and a range of chemistry calculations. During the Spring and Summer terms students will explore concepts in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and green chemistry. By the end of their first year students will have amassed sufficient chemical understanding to synthesise and analyse their own organic compounds. In their second year students will spend the Autumn term building on physical chemistry concepts and inorganic chemistry learned during their first year, followed by more advanced concepts and in organic chemistry in the Spring terms. Various trips take place throughout the course including: days at both Surrey and Sussex University Chemistry departments, UCL X-ray crystallography department and the Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire. In addition during the summer term of the first year, all students are invited to take part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.