Chemistry plays an important role in our society. It is central to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. This includes developing new drugs and vaccines, researching clean energy resources, and feeding a growing population.
You'll be taught by experts who will feed your curiosity for this exciting subject. You may even recognise some of our staff from the popular Periodic Videos YouTube channel.
You will study all the key areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical chemistry, and gain experience in practical synthetic and analytical chemistry. Optional modules allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests, such as studying the links between chemistry, physics and biology.
Sustainable chemistry
Green and sustainable chemistry is a key research interest here at the University of Nottingham. We have active research in using chemistry as a tool to tackle global challenges. These challenges include developing benign synthesis for manufacture, decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels for power generation and how to develop next-generation materials that impact batteries and solar panels. On this degree, you can study optional modules in green and sustainable chemistry. These modules will give you an understanding of how to make chemical processes more environmentally friendly, and how to use chemistry to tackle environmental challenges.
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
You will explore the interplay between chemistry and biology to develop an understanding of human disease and drug design. The course is built on core chemistry but also includes modules in physiology and pharmacology. In these modules, you will learn about drug delivery, metabolism and targeting, drug structures and toxicities and cancer agents.
Year in Industry
You will have the opportunity to spend an assessed year in a research laboratory of a chemical company in year three. You will be a paid employee where you will work on a research project. You will develop your skills and gain experience to prepare you for a job in industry when you graduate. In addition, you will complete three distance learning theory modules.
Recent destinations for placement students have included: AstraZeneca, BP, Croda, GlaxoSmithKline, Lubrizol and Sygnature.
100% of the students from this course go on to work andor study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2020-21).
Fourth year research project
You can choose from a range of medicinal and biological topics in chemistry for your research project, depending on your interests or career aspirations. You will join one of our research groups to work on your chosen project. You will benefit from the active research and latest insight of these groups, as well as state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
Careers and employability
The University of Nottingham is the third-most targeted university in the UK by leading employers (High Fliers' Graduate Market in 2025). A degree in chemistry will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You will develop the necessary academic and practical skills for a career in industry, whether that be in pharmaceutical, petrochemical, cosmetics or others. You will also develop your written and oral communication skills, and gain transferable skills such as problem-solving, numeracy and data analysis. A significant proportion of our students go onto postgraduate study.
Why choose this course
This course is accredited by the RSC. It fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).
Choose from a range of optional modules that interest you
Put theory into practice in our modern labs and facilities
Flexibility to transfer between most chemistry degrees
Benefit from small-group tutorials that support your learning
Industry experience - You will have the opportunity to work as a paid employee of a major chemical company.
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