Overview
As a University of Bradford chemistry student, you will have choice and flexibility in your degree. During the first two years, you will develop a sound understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry with core content delivered across the traditional areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
To give you an intellectually fulfilling university experience our chemistry courses allow you to take 20 credits of elective modules in stages 1 and 2, with subjects offered from across the University’s teaching portfolio such as mathematics, engineering, economics and so on.
The third year will introduce you to specialist content in medicinal, materials and analytical chemistry. You will also have the opportunity to study a specific subject by choosing to a greater depth during an extended dissertation.
It is possible to exit after stage 3 with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry.
In the Master's year you will develop a deeper understanding of the application of chemistry to solving real-world problems. Master's-level training focuses on deploying training in real-world settings. Academic research experience involves students working on their own project as part of a research team alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers at the University.
Your chemistry education with us needn’t be confined to Bradford. We have links with companies and universities all over the world, and several of our students take the opportunity to complete stage 4 of their degree with one of our partners. Recent placements have included formulating new perfumes, working in an Alzheimer’s research group at Harvard Medical School, and searching for new antimicrobial compounds from fungi in the Canadian wilderness.
Our BSc and MChem Chemistry programmes received 94% overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020.
My decision to study at the University of Bradford was finalised on a visit to the university on an open day where I was greeted by friendly and enthusiastic staff and students. The most valuable year was my placement year which allowed me to apply my chemical knowledge to real situations, whilst also giving me an invaluable insight into the working world.
Placement
Work-based experience will involve working as an employee in industry, usually as part of a wider team.
This will allow you to enhance your CV and gain real experience of chemistry applications.
We will help you to apply for placement opportunities and will closely monitor your time with the employer.
Learning and assessment
You will have a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study.
Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed Web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. There will also be an individual project/dissertation.
You will be assessed via written closed-book examinations using constructed (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertations.
Involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group) will also be part of your assessment.
You will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertations.
Facilities
Our multi-million pound Centre for Chemical and Structural Analysis houses excellent analytical instrumentation which you will use to gain genuine practical experience of research apparatus.
You will use NMR, IR, Raman, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC and GC, and X-ray diffraction instruments throughout your course.
Study support
Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.
We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.
Our support services include:
- Personal tutors
- Disability services
- Counselling services
- MyBradford student support centres
- The Students’ Union
- Chaplaincy and faith advisers
- An on-campus nursery
- Halls wardens
We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.
Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills.
Research
Research in Chemistry is broadly themed into Molecular Science and Materials Chemistry, comprising the development of synthetic, analytical and computational methods.