Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry touches almost every aspect of human life, from such basics as food, fuel and clothing, through building materials, metallurgy and colour, to medicines, forensic science and the sequencing of the human genome. In the broadest sense it is the study of the composition of substances and the changes that they undergo, and is rooted in our inquisitiveness about the environment in which we live. What will I learn? The qualification integrates theory and relevant practical work, which are developed at different levels throughout the course. In Physical Chemistry you will study Equilibria, Kinetics and Energetics of chemical reactions with a more quantitative approach in the second year. Inorganic chemistry focuses on the properties and reactions of Group 2, and Group 7 elements. Theory and understanding of Atomic Structure and Bonding is used to explain the trends of these properties; transition metal chemistry is encountered in the second year. Organic chemistry focuses on key functional groups and their reactions. In the second year these are linked together to study synthetic chemistry. In the first year we attend a synthesis and analysis workshop at Bath University and lectures hosted by the RSC. Both activities are free. During the second year we will attend a workshop and lecture at Bristol University. The cost of this visit is approximately £40.