About this course
Study the mathematical techniques that are driving advances in modern chemistry. You'll explore topics ranging from the use of artificial intelligence to predict chemical reactions, to the discovery of new drugs through quantum mechanical modelling.
On this three-year degree you’ll combine your passion for chemistry with your talent for maths. This subject has important applications in fields such as:
- analytical chemistry
- biotechnology
- drug discovery
- nanotechnology
- programming and computational chemistry
You'll gain advanced analytical and statistical skills, with the chance to apply these to practical problems. By choosing from complementary chemistry and maths options you can also tailor your studies to suit your interests.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- develop knowledge that is highly valued in the chemical industries
- learn from academics at the forefront of chemistry research
- study in modern, spacious teaching laboratories, using state-of-the-art equipment.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
For Academic year
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Other requirements
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This three-year degree will provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical training in chemistry with mathematics, and develop your understanding of its impact on modern society.
Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it easy to transfer if you decide you’d like to move onto the MChem programme.
Switching to other chemistry degrees can also be possible, depending on the optional modules you have chosen.
Year 1 overview
You'll get a thorough grounding in all aspects of chemistry with a comprehensive set of core modules.
With 25% of your degree made up of mathematics and statistics, you will also develop a strong mathematical underpinning for your future.
Topics include:
- Molecular structure
- Calculus and multivariable calculus
- Reactivity
- Thermodynamics
- Chemistry of the elements
- Atomic structure
Year 2 overview
Study core topics in chemistry and mathematics, including:
- Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Organic Synthesis
- Atomic and Molecular Interactions, Change and Equilibrium
- Symmetry in Chemistry
- Linear algebra
- Probability and statistics
- Dynamics and relativity
You’ll also have the chance to shape your degree to suit your interests in both chemistry and mathematics by choosing from a range of optional modules. These may include:
- Mathematical Methods in Chemistry
- Ethics in Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Aquatic Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Year 3 overview
Study more advanced modules in core practical and theoretical areas of chemistry, including:
- Pigments and F-block Chemistry
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Electrochemistry, Energy Storage, Pollution Control and Fuel Cells
- Organometallic Chemistry
- DNA and RNA
In the advanced practical module you'll undertake research-oriented, open-ended experiments which allow you to develop new practical skills, manage your own learning and present your results. You'll choose from mathematics and statistics topics such as:
- Statistical Distribution Theory or Analysis
- Statistical Modelling
- Partial Differential Equations
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Analytical Chemistry is a measurement science consisting of a set of powerful ideas and methods that provide qualitative or quantitative information about the chemical composition of a sample. Analytical measurements are required in a wide range of fields...
This module provides a bridge between A-level mathematics and university mathematics. Some of the material will be similar to that in A-level Maths and Further Maths but will be treated in more depth, and some of the material will be new. Topics of study ...
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of...
This course follows on from CHEM1051 and teaches slightly more advanced basic skills, with the application of the Semester 1 skills and knowledge. More complex work-ups will be undertaken, with more emphasis on student input (or decision making) in the pr...
This module will provide an introduction into the fundamentals of main group and transition metal chemistry, and introduce NMR.
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module will build on the principles of Transition Metal chemistry covered in Part 1. Through developing a molecular orbital approach, you will be taken from the basics of ligand interactions and binding modes to understanding a transition metal's...
Linear maps on vector spaces are the basis for a large area of mathematics, in particular linear equations and linear differential equations, which form the basic language of the physical sciences. This module restricts itself to the vector space R^n to ...
This module introduces the main ideas and techniques of differential and integral calculus of functions of two or more variables. One of the pre-requisites for MATH2003, MATH2011, MATH2014, MATH3033, MATH2038, MATH2039, MATH2045 and MATH2040
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module prov...
In this module you will learn about the fundamental theory of bonding in solids – band theory, and show how this can be used to understand the optical, magnetic and optical properties of solid phase materials. You will also be taught about X-ray diffracti...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The course deals with the nature of surfaces, both real and ideal, the energetics of adsorption at surfaces and adsorption isotherms, and the charge distribution at the liquid/solid interface. The kinetics of reactions at interfaces, including the role of...
This module represents an advanced practical course designed to build on the practical skills developed through lab modules undertaken in years 1 and 2 of the Chemistry degree programmes. The course will extend this vital skill by enabling students to un...
This module requires students to produce a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor extending the skills developed in the Advanced Practical module. The dissertation may take the form of a literature review or other extended written report, the pr...
The project involves approximately 300 hours of commitment between the beginning of week 1 and the end of the last week before the Easter vacation (the finish date is to be confirmed). This corresponds to a minimum of 150 hours in the laboratory/ researc...
This module is an introduction to functional analysis on Hilbert spaces. The subject of functional analysis builds on the linear algebra studied in the first year and the analysis studied in the second year. The module introduces the concept of Hilbert...
Differential equations occupy a central role in mathematics because they allow us to describe a wide variety of real-world systems. The module will aim to stress the importance of both theory and applications of differential equations. The module begin...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The notion of limit and convergence are two key ideas on which rest most of modern Analysis. This module aims to present these notions building on the experience gained by students in first year Calculus module. The context of our study is: limits and co...
This module aims to develop an intermediate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, including familiarity with its mathematical formulation. It is intended to bridge the gap between the qualitative, pictorial approach used in the core modules of the fir...
Complex Analysis is the theory of functions in a complex variable. While the initial theory is very similar to Analysis (i.e, the theory of functions in one real variable as seen in the second year), the main theorems provide a surprisingly elegant, found...
This module aims to teach students the fundamentals of writing structured computer programs, applicable using any high level programming language. However, students will be shown the special features of Python that makes this language especially useful fo...
Biology is undergoing a quantitative revolution, generating vast quantities of data that are analysed using bioinformatics techniques and modelled using mathematics to give insight into the underlying biological processes. This module aims to give a flavo...
Medicinal Chemistry is pivotal in the design, synthesis and evaluation of new medicines, and involves multidisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. This module will introduce key molecular concepts and methods in Medicina...
Nonlinear programming is used in a variety of applications, ranging from machine learning and data science to finance and engineering. This course provides an introduction to nonlinear programming and covers modelling techniques as well as solution algori...
Module Contents: This module discusses continuous optimization problems where either the objective function or constraint functions or both are nonlinear. It explains optimality conditions, that is, which conditions an optimal solution must satisfy. It in...
Carbon-carbon bond forming reactions lie at the heart of organic synthesis. In this course we will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation using carbanions and radicals, and through thermally and photochemically induced pericyclic processes. The si...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Peter Birkin is the course leader.
Careers
There are a large number of roles outside of scientific research where a strong scientific underpinning is beneficial. This bachelor’s level degree gives an excellent grounding in chemistry and mathematics, and is ideal for those who may not want to pursue research, but see a place for science in their future career.
Your mathematical and chemistry skills and knowledge will be valuable in a range of careers including:
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business analysis
- Engineering
- Human resources
- Management consultancy
- Marketing
- Programming and software development
- Project management
- Scientific journalism
- Scientific sales
- Teaching
If you’re not sure what path to choose, a career-focused module in year two will help you understand the options and map them to your strengths and interests. This module includes talks from industry speakers, giving you a flavour of different career paths.
Students interested in teaching can enhance their CVs by volunteering in outreach or chemical education research. There will also be opportunities to get involved in research.
Careers services at Southampton
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,720.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F107
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000