MSci Chemistry and Physics
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA including A* in Mathematics and AA in Chemistry and Physics. IB: 37 points overall including 7 in Higher Level in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and 66 in Higher Level Chemistry and Physics.
About this course
MSci (Hons) Chemistry and Physics is a natural sciences degree combining chemistry and physics. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling and Laboratory Techniques. The common first year allows transfer onto the BSc Chemistry and Physics, MChem, BSc Chemistry or BSc Natural Sciences routes, and a one-year work placement can extend the course to five years. The degree is recognised by the Institute of Physics. The first year sets out foundations through Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding and Energetics, which introduces the main branches of chemistry alongside first exposure to practical laboratory work, and Foundations of Physics I, which spans classical waves and electromagnetism through mechanics, quantum basics, relativity and optics, supported by either Single Mathematics A and B or Calculus and Linear Algebra. Year two deepens both subjects through Foundations of Physics 2A, covering quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Spectroscopy, which links bonding to structure and reactivity, plus Mathematical Methods in Physics and Laboratory Skills and Electronics 2. The third year moves into advanced territory with Foundations of Physics 3A on quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics, Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Computational Chemistry and Practical Measurement and Analysis Level 3; optional modules in recent years have included Computing, Planets and Cosmology 3 and Physics in Society 3. The final year centres on the Project, a 60 or 80 credit piece of research work at the chemistry-physics interface combining laboratory, analytical and report writing, alongside Foundations of Physics 4B on statistical and condensed matter physics. Students whose Project is based in the Chemistry department choose between Emerging Developments in Chemistry and Advanced Computational Chemistry, while Advanced Computational Chemistry is compulsory for those undertaking a Physics department project.
Modules
- Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding and Energetics
- Foundations of Physics I
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Single Mathematics A and B (40 credits in total)
- OR Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Spectroscopy
- Practical Measurement and Analysis - Level 2
- Principles of Inorganic Chemistry: Symmetry and Transition Metal Complexes
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics 2
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- Computational Chemistry
- Practical Measurement and Analysis Level 3
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 4B
- Project (60 or 80 credits)
- Emerging Developments in Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemistry