BSc Chemistry

Compulsory modules

Year 1

• 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.

Year 2

• 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 the 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 the 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.

Year 3

• Industrial Placement: Gain experience in 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, and 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.

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.

We incorporate skills development into each year of the degree, giving you a better chance of securing work when you leave university. Upon graduation you will have a range of skills which are essential for chemists but also make you highly desirable in all areas of employment. These include skills such as planning and organisation, handling information, communication, scientific and practical skills, ICT, problem solving, critical analysis, time management and business awareness. The Department also holds a careers fair at which University alumni discuss their careers and advise you on the different options available. Overall, 92% of graduates from Chemistry are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes First Degree Chemistry responders).

Graduates go into a range of professions, including becoming analytical scientists, chemical sales reps, organic synthetic chemists, peptide chemists, research chemists and senior analysts.

Past UG graduates from the department of Chemistry at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as AstraZeneca, Campden BRI, Grant Thirton, Unilever, Deloitte, Pfize, PwC, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thames Water, FDM Group, and RSSL (Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes department of Chemistry responders).