BSc Chemistry

Compulsory modules

Mathematics for Chemists

Learn the mathematical tools that will underpin and support all years of your chemistry degree programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience by practicing your new skills in the supportive environment of weekly workshops, and by using the additional online resources.

Chemistry Practicals 1

Develop your basic skills in practical chemistry and study the principles described in the accompanying first-year chemistry modules. You’ll learn to use fundamental software packages that are required for chemical report writing.

Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Understand the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry by learning the core aspects of atomic structure, key bonding theories, and principles of solid-state chemistry. You’ll also learn about trends in chemical and physical properties of elements, and key concepts of solution chemistry. You’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge in core inorganic chemistry.  

Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry

Learn the basic concepts of organic chemistry, such as the structure of organic compounds and their isomerism, the concept of a functional group and their predictable reactivity, and the unifying concept of mechanisms. You’ll build a foundation for studying organic chemistry in greater depth in later modules.

Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation

Develop your knowledge of the fundamental principles of physical chemistry by studying core concepts of physical processes and molecular organisation. You’ll learn the key concepts during lectures and develop your skills by applying knowledge during workshops.

Contemporary Problems in Chemistry

Explore the role of green chemistry in reducing the impact of chemistry, both in research and industry, on the environment. You’ll also explore the role of societal issues and their application to the chemistry context.

Compulsory modules

Further Inorganic Chemistry

Develop your understanding of key aspects of inorganic chemistry. You’ll learn the core aspects of transition-metal chemistry and its application to properties of inorganic complexes. You’ll also explore trends in inorganic and organometallic chemistry, and ideas and concepts of symmetry.

Further Organic Chemistry

Learn the chemistry necessary to make key bonds and structural motifs in some of the most important molecules that you encounter every day, including in medicines, household products and cosmetics. You’ll learn the core concepts of organic chemistry and develop your ability to manipulate starting materials and make new C-C bonds.

Further Physical Chemistry

Develop your understanding of key aspects of physical chemistry related to equilibrium and molecular structure. You’ll examine questions raised in tutorials and workshops, and analyse numerical problems on relevant material.

Chemistry Practicals 2

Apply and further develop the skills you acquired in the Part 1 practical module and consolidate your Part 2 learning. You’ll learn new experimental techniques, develop your science writing and communication skills, and build a foundation for the research project that you will undertake in your final year.

Optional modules

Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1

Discover the concepts and general principles relating to chemical biology. You’ll learn about bioinorganic chemistry, aspects of pharmacology, pharmacy practice related to drug discovery, drug design and metal-based diagnostic agents, and develop your knowledge of the drug discovery process.

Core Cosmetic Science 1

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the science behind cosmetic products. You’ll learn about the chemistry of key cosmetic ingredients,  consumer perception, and the ethics of the cosmetics industry, and formulate your cosmetic items.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Industrial Placement

Gain experience of conducting research and practical chemistry in an industrial setting. You’ll develop independent research skills and a range of transferable skills relevant to a wide range of careers.

Chemistry Project 3

Gain experience of working on an extended project, as you research a topic using the tools of modern chemistry. You’ll develop your academic skills in chemistry techniques, computation, independent thought and practice, and express those ideas in written and oral presentations.

Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic)

Explore advanced topics in organic, coordination and organometallic chemistry, and build your knowledge to better understand the primary chemical literature.

Chemistry Core 2 (Physical and Analytical)

Develop your knowledge of both physical and analytical chemistry by studying the core topics in depth. You’ll learn key concepts, explore your understanding in workshops and have the opportunity to gain skills by applying the knowledge you’ve acquired.

Optional modules

Further Cosmetic Science

Deepen your understanding of the scientific principles that underpin the development and production of cosmetic products. You’ll critically analyse a range of products available in the market today, gain insight into how colour is formulated in products, and discuss the practicalities of preservation. You’ll also learn about the complex regulatory landscape surrounding cosmetic products.

Further Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Learn the causes and pathology of several common diseases and understand the development of chemotherapeutic strategies to treat them. You’ll gain an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of the subject by drawing on the relevant aspects of pharmacology and biochemistry.

Chemistry in the Natural World

Enhance your knowledge of chemical processes  in the natural world and increase your awareness of contemporary environmental issues. You’ll study key chemical reactions and examine the source, transport, and effect of pollutants on the environment and in living systems, as well as relevant mitigation measures, gaining a valuable insight into role of chemistry in nature and society.

Polymers in Nature and Industry

Learn about bio- and man-made polymeric materials, their synthesis, biology and chemistry. You’ll explore how amino acids and carbohydrates can be oligomerised to form a variety of materials with a myriad of functions. You’ll also study the basics of synthesis, physical characterisation and functional applications of synthetic polymers.

Further Analytical Techniques

Explore a range of modern analytical chemistry techniques relevant to the molecular sciences. You’ll master these techniques in lectures and workshops delivered by renowned field specialists. Techniques include mass spectrometry, multi-nuclear magnetic resonance and voltammetry.

Solid State Chemistry

Learn about important aspects of solid-state chemistry, including applications in energy and sensor technologies. You’ll also learn how X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques are employed to determine the crystal structures of solids. You’ll be engaged in learning through lectures, workshops, quizzes and hands-on experience.

School Education Project

Inspire the next generation of chemists whilst gaining teaching experience in a secondary school. Working as a mentor alongside specialist teachers, you will learn about the needs of individual pupils and staff responsibilities and have the opportunity to research, design, and implement a chemistry-based work project. Placement is subject to a selection process and DBS check 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.