Chemistry

Course summary

When you wake up, you start doing Chemistry. You were doing Chemistry the entire time you were asleep. You’ve been doing Chemistry since the moment you were conceived and you will continue to do Chemistry until the day your energy and matter are redistributed into the Universe. Yes…you will continue to do Chemistry long after you’ve gone. Chemistry explains why an egg changes when you fry it and why your non-stick pan is non-sticky. Chemistry explains how soap and shampoo make you clean, why you feel tired before coffee and alert after it, and how the petrol in your car gets you to work. Chemistry is truly the ‘central science’. It is sometimes known as this because it helps to connect physical sciences, like Maths and Physics, with applied sciences, like Biology, Medicine and Engineering. Breakthroughs in fields such as genetics, biochemistry, medicine, materials science, forensics, nanotechnology, drug discovery, the environment and next-generation computer hardware are all driven by chemistry. Chemistry is about the molecules all around us. It is about matter: specifically how matter changes. Reading a degree in Chemistry will allow you to learn about why the things around us behave in the way that they do. A sound knowledge of chemistry is required to fully understand most other areas of Science, and this is why the study of Chemistry is either compulsory or recommended by many other disciplines at university. Chemistry will help in your study of other sciences and technical subjects including Maths, Physics, Biology, Engineering, IT, Psychology, Geography and Geology. But study it alongside a Modern Language or an essay subject like History, English or Philosophy at A-level and you will have even more options for courses and careers. Chemistry is usually required for the degree courses in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, Dietetics and Pharmacy. It is often needed or recommended for Biology, Medicine, and other types of Engineering, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Materials Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Sports Science, Psychology, Zoology and Veterinary Science. Chemistry opens the door to many careers because it is essential for many positions in industry is highly desirable for Science teaching, and is useful for careers in public service and management. Both the public and the private sectors increasingly draw their higher management echelons from Chemistry graduates. If you want to understand the workings of the world around you – then Chemistry is for you.