Course details
- A level requirements: ABB
- UCAS code: F001
- Study mode: Full-time
- Length: 3 years
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If you love chemistry and want to keep your future career options open, this programme offers a solid grounding in all aspects of chemistry, while allowing you to incorporate some non-chemical options to broaden your education.
Study Chemistry at Liverpool and learn in a culture of research excellence. Chemistry is a great choice for those with a keen interest in materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry and theoretical and computation chemistry. You’ll thrive in our award-winning undergraduate laboratories. All our chemistry programmes have a common core in the first two years, this provides a good measure of flexibility and choice for you during the first two years. These first two years progress rapidly, with a mix of theory and practical modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject.
By year three you will be a proficient chemist, and will be able to extend your knowledge in the three traditional branches of chemistry. You will also be offered a choice of optional chemistry and non-chemistry modules, or modules in science education for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching. Practical modules in year three will continue to develop your skills and knowledge learnt in the first two years. This may involve conducting mini-projects, relevant in the modern world, developing your skill set to make you industry-ready.
Since students enter the Department with a wide range of experience in mathematics (which is essential for studying chemistry to a high level) we provide a flexible tiered maths for chemistry course allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.
If you decide during this first 18 months that you want to aim for a research career in Chemistry, then you can transfer to the MChem Chemistry (F102) programme provided you have obtained an average mark at the 2:1 level or above (60%).
The Department of Chemistry is committed to continuous improvement of our curriculum. We are undergoing a curriculum review to further prepare our graduates for the next stage of their career by developing our degree programmes to incorporate knowledge and skills for the future workforce and ensure a positive learning experience for all students. Module and programme structures may change as we further develop an inclusive curriculum with enhanced sustainable, digital, and analytical chemistry elements. These aspects will sit alongside all the expected core chemistry components including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and professional skills.
Our BSc programmes have bachelor accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ensuring your degree with us will set you on the pathway to a successful career.
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In the first year, you will take modules that cover the fundamentals of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, plus necessary key skills.
Four chemistry modules combine theoretical and practical aspects and one chemistry module develops quantitative and general key skills. You will spend three to six hours per week in the laboratory and so will receive a comprehensive training in practical aspects of the subject.
This module gives an introduction to the chemistry of the main group elements, using the periodic table as the underpinning framework for understanding this chemistry, and develops students’ analytical chemistry skills including volumetric and spectrophotometric techniques applied to materials that are familiar in everyday life.
An Introduction to Organic Chemistry consisting of lectures, workshops and laboratory classes assessed continuously and by four class tests
This module builds on the thermodynamics and kinetics that students have studied prior to University. Learning is supported by both problem-solving workshops and undertaking experiments in the laboratory
This module will provide an introduction to a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Students will explore the theory underpinning various spectroscopic methods, how they are put into practice when acquiring spectra, and the interpretation of spectra to identify unknown substances.
The aim of this module is: (i) to equip students with the basic quantitative transferable skills required for the first year of a Chemistry degree programme. (ii) to broaden a student’s perspective of chemistry whilst developing their general transferable skills focusing on communication and employability. The overarching learning outcome is for students to have the key skills that will equip them to perform well in the rest of their chemistry degree programme.
Quantitative Key Skills will be taught using a lecture/workshop format involving problem solving classes, using computers where necessary. General Key Skills will involve a series of lecture-based presentations given by staff from the Department of Chemistry and the Careers Service together with a database workshop and small group tutorials. Extensive use of online platforms will be made.
This module will introduce the area of medicinal chemistry and the underpinning cellular biology where it is applied. The course will delve into the chemical aspects of molecular and cellular biology and the processes that allow life to exist, and subsequently discuss the key cellular targets of interest to a medicinal chemist in the drug design process. This material will form the foundations needed to progress onto higher years of medicinal chemistry where modern case studies and the principles of pharmacology will be looked at in greater depth.
The module covers a wide variety of topics in the area of innovative chemistry for energy and materials. This will act as an introduction to these areas to enable the student to pursue their interests to a deeper level independently, and to provide a foundation level knowledge in materials and electrochemistry, to be expanded in subsequent core and optional chemistry modules.
You will learn more advanced topics within all the main branches of chemistry and continue to develop your quantitative and key skills.
Practical skills will be developed through stand-alone practical modules and you will have the opportunity to spend between six and nine hours per week in the laboratory.
The module introduces the descriptive coordination and organometallic chemistry and the concepts underpinning our understanding of this chemistry.
This module is the core Organic Chemistry module for Year 2 Chemistry students. It introduces important carbon-carbon bond forming reactions within a mechanistic and synthetic framework, together with exposure to a selection of stereochemical issues.
The module presents a unified approach to the synthesis and characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds, introducing a range of synthetic techniques, experiments and analytical methods.
This is a practical module in which students learn the practice of taking physical measurements, the critical analysis and evaluation of experimental data, the application of measurements to the study of chemical phenomena and the dissemination of results.
This module expands on the fundamentals of Physical Chemistry that were introduced in Year 1. The principles and applications of thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy are covered in detail with more emphasis on derivation of key results than in Year 1. Quantum mechanics is developed from the basic principles and mathematical description of quantum phenomena. It is applied to describe bonding in small molecules and in solids, and is linked to spectroscopy via detailed description of molecular energy levels and the possible transitions between these permitted by quantum mechanics.
This module aims to (i) further develop the quantitative skills of a student, (ii) introduce students to the Chemistry Key Skill of Molecular Modelling, and (iii) maintain student development of general transferable and employability skills. The overarching learning outcome is that students will gain the necessary key skills to perform well in their chemistry degree programmes. By the end of the module students will have improved their ability to perform and apply mathematical techniques to problems in kinetics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and molecular symmetry. They will have developed abilities to employ force-field and Quantum Chemistry techniques in Molecular Modelling using the Spartan package. They will also have further developed their range of transferable and employability skills, including written and oral communication and team working.
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry.
This is an introductory module that aims to illustrate the fundamental theoretical principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their roles in industrial and academic research, to include chemical and pharmaceutical analysis.
This module introduces the basic concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, particularly in relation to their technological underpinnings. The module will address the role of chemistry in relation to broad societal, environmental and developmental questions. The module also gives a fundamental understanding of the principles and technologies in Green Chemistry and the generation of Renewable Energy and Chemicals.
Organic functional materials are of increasing global importance with applications in energy, medicine and electronics. This module will highlight how functional organic materials such as high-performance polymers, crosslinked polymers and composites, and porous materials can be designed for specific applications. The module will also explain how advanced characterisation methods (including scattering techniques, gas sorption, size exclusion chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile measurement, and electron microscopy) are used in the development of modern materials. Additionally, this module will provide an introduction to polymers, outlining aspects of polymer synthesis, properties and characterisation. Some of the history, importance, and current issues of polymeric materials – such as sustainability – will be discussed to provide an understanding of the wider context. CHEM241 will be useful to chemists who wish to develop a deeper understanding of how organic compounds can be designed to provide functional materials
This module shows how an understanding of the symmetry properties of molecules can be applied to the understanding of spectroscopic selection rules and bonding.
This module is designed to give students experience of communicating in a variety of media and in a variety of contexts. It will also introduce students to contemporary issues in education, and educational practice. This will be achieved by seminars, interactions with educational professionals, and the design and delivery of enrichment materials, utilising the existing and highly successful outreach activity within the school.
You are required to spend the year abroad on an approved placement at a European or overseas partner institution.
In your final year you will continue to study the three main branches of Chemistry, Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, but the emphasis is on the application of Chemistry to the modern world.
You will also further develop skills to enhance your employability and general Chemistry skills, including a module on Further Key Skills and Molecular Modelling.
An extension of second year organic chemistry, covering pericyclic reactions, rearrangements and fragmentations, radical reactions, some important palladium-catalysed coupling reactions and the uses of phosphorous, sulphur and selenium in synthetic chemistry.
Some core physical-organic concepts are introduced along with revision of basic mechanisms.
This module builds on the fundamental inorganic chemistry that students have studied previously to give an appreciation of the science underpinning the development of modern materials. It will discuss the fundamentals of crystalline and disordered solids, and magnetism; methods for synthesising materials; characterisation techniques; applications of inorganic materials; and the link between the chemistry, structure and function of materials.
This module aims to help Chemistry students develop skills needed for further educational opportunities (i.e. MSc/PhD) or employment in a wide range of chemical and non-chemical based sectors. During the ‘Employability skills’ section, students will look at a variety of employability related skills, job application exercises, interview preparation techniques and presentation experience. This will be in the form of asynchronous lectures, online and in-person workshops and in-person tutorials and will require reflective thinking and group work – this will be facilitated by the module staff and other colleagues from the institution and wider industry. During the ‘database’ section, students will further their knowledge of the scientific literature developed during years 1/2 by engaging with more advanced aspects of various databases and writing a scientific electronic report of an experiment the students have completed in the laboratory.
The aim of this module is to reinforce and extend the students’ knowledge of Physical Chemistry. Three areas of contemporary relevance in Physical Chemistry will be introduced to demonstrate the application of basic Physical Chemistry concepts to practical applications and to broaden the students’ knowledge of the subject area. These areas are the Physical Chemistry of the Condensed Phase, Protein Structure and Folding and the Photochemistry of the Atmosphere. The module is delivered largely by lectures/podcasts, supplemented by tutorial workshops.
In this module, students will carry out a bespoke collection of advanced experiments in three of the areas of Organic, Inorganic, Physical or Computational Chemistry.
This module is a mini project for Final Year BSc Chemistry students. Students will be assigned an extended experiment on a synthetic (organic or inorganic), physical (catalysis, electrochemistry, surface science, modelling, nanoparticles) or other types of project, according to their own interests/abilities and project availability. However, the project does not necessarily have to be research or laboratory based, although these would be expected to cover the majority of cases. School outreach projects and some development projects may be available.
This module will focus on energy conversion processes found in nature. Energy as a commodity is described as "reducing power" or as "high energy electrons" and the concept of nutrient or fuel is introduced. Biological energy conversion processes are discussed from an evolutionary perspective, and it is described how they have contributed to the current composition of the planet’s atmosphere and crust. Sustainability issues will become apparent when comparing the time scales of biogenic fuel accumulation and human consumption of fuel.
This module provides the scientific and technical foundation to understand the utilisation of biomass and other renewable feedstocks in the emerging renewable chemicals industry. Most of the reactions and processes studied are currently used in biorefineries and other industries and in this module we will further explore newest development and future outlook in the production of renewable chemicals and materials within the circular economy.
This module introduces the basic concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, particularly in relation to their technological underpinnings. The module will address the role of chemistry in relation to broad societal, environmental and developmental questions. The module also gives a fundamental understanding of the principles and technologies in Green Chemistry and the generation of Renewable Energy and Chemicals.
The module presents the synthesis and reactivity of the most important classes of heterocyclic compounds and shows case studies drawn from major drug classes.
The research internship is designed to give students the experience of working in a research environment or setting that is quite different from any project work that they undertake in the laboratories in the Department of Chemistry. It should provide an insight into how students may apply skills and experiences later in their career; whether working abroad, in industry or in any other scientific setting.
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles that underpin modern medicinal chemistry.
This is an introductory module that aims to illustrate the fundamental theoretical principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their roles in industrial and academic research, to include chemical and pharmaceutical analysis.
At the surfaces of materials, the Chemistry can be very different from that in molecules and in the bulk of materials. Having fewer neighbouring atoms and molecules than in the bulk, the surface atoms can adopt quite different bonding environments. The electronic structure is affected and therefore the reactivity of surface atoms is different. This course will introduce students to the Chemistry at surfaces, how surface structure is determined and described, what chemical processes occur at surfaces and how this knowledge is applied in particular surface chemistries and surface nanotechnology.
Further Analytical Chemistry provides the students with a knowledge of the principles of structural elucidation and application of various spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical techniques for identification and structural characterization of small molecules. This module will include the fundamental principles of selected instrumental analytical techniques (solution NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, separation and hyphenated techniques) in the context of their application for structural analysis in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis.
Laboratory classes in years one and two prepare you for independent laboratory work in years three. In year three you will carry out mini research projects, applying learning in computational modelling and molecular visualisation that are introduced in year one.
You will be able to perform your own calculations to underpin final year research projects.
You are assessed by examination at the end of each semester (January and May/June) and by continuous assessment of laboratory practicals, class tests, workshops, tutorials and assignments.
You have to pass each year of study before you are allowed to progress to the following year. Re-sit opportunities are available in September at the end of years one and two. If you take an industrial placement, a minimum standard of academic performance is required before you are allowed to embark on your placements. All years of study (with the exception of year one) contribute to the final degree classification.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Central Teaching Laboratories offer a unique environment for the study of physical sciences. Chemistry occupies the top floor, which houses synthetic chemistry and physical chemistry labs with new equipment for a wide range of experiments.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The research that takes place in the chemistry department here in Liverpool is internationally leading, and makes a huge impacts around the world.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of Chemistry student Amy
Our graduates develop a wide range of skills including numeracy, problem solving and IT in addition to scientific skills. Visits to the Department by leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever ensure that you make contact with prospective employers at key stages in your final year.
Typical careers of our graduates include
Recent employers:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Fizah is a graduate from 2018 who completed a degree in chemistry, nonetheless has started a graduate career in commercial at Johnson Matthey, and has gone on to be appointed Strategy Execution Analyst.
Victoria is graduated from our BSc Chemistry with a year in industry degree in 2020. She received an offer to work as a Global Operations Graduate Associate at AstraZeneca.
Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books, specialist equipment or field trips.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £27,200 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £13,600 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Lab coats and safety goggles are provided free of charge.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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A levels |
ABB for ABB two science A Levels including Chemistry or with AAB one science A Level including A in Chemistry. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course. Available foundation years: |
T levels |
T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism. Additional test required Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
GCSE | 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
Subject requirements |
Two science A levels including Chemistry and a second science. Acceptable second sciences are: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geography, Geology, Computing, Computer Science and Economics. For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required. |
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma |
D*DD in relevant diploma. Students will be invited to attend interview and take an assessment. Applicants must be completing the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science and be studying the following optional modules: For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification: The Applied Science pathway is acceptable and the following optional modules must be studied: • Chemical Periodicity and its Applications |
International Baccalaureate |
33 points including 6 points from Chemistry at higher level and 5 points from one other science at higher level |
Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 (including Chemistry and one other Science) |
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
Not accepted without Advanced Highers |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Accepted at grade B including 2 science A levels at grades AB including Chemistry |
Access | 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma,including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Chemistry and a Second Science. Students will be invited to attend interview and take an assessment. |
International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
Duolingo English Test | 105 overall, with no component below 95 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 59 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 65 overall, with no skill below 60 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall. |
International Baccalaureate | Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language |
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 169 overall, with no paper below 162 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 27 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions