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 202324
A-levels
AAB including chemistry and mathematics or ABB including chemistry, mathematics and one other science subject
A-levels additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including chemistry and mathematics, plus grade A in the EPQ or BBB including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subject, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB, including chemistry and mathematics or BBB, including chemistry, mathematics and one other science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred) or Pass, with 32 points overall with 6,5,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred) and one additional science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, physics, mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred), further mathematics, psychology and geography
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme
Additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.Applicants who have not studied A-level chemistry can apply for the Science Foundation Year. Please visit theScience Foundation Year page for more information.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry with a pass in the chemistry Practical and A in A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics. We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level chemistry and A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for BSc Chemistry
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including chemistry and mathematics or H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Irish certificate additional information
Accepted science subjects include applied mathematics, biology, mathematics, physics and geography
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics or D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry, mathematics and an additional science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Accepted science subjects include biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from three A-levels including chemistry and mathematics or AAB from two A-levels including chemistry and mathematics, plus B in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Accepted A-level science subjects include biology, human biology, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, geography and geology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and use of mathematics are excluded for entry. A pass in all science practical components is required where applicable.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8/10 in chemistry and grade 8/10 in mathematics. Advanced Level mathematics, whilst not a requirement, is preferred.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B). Grade 7/A in GCSE mathematics is preferred for applicants not studying A-level mathematics
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)
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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 2022 to 2023. 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 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Analytical chemistry
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...
Calculus
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 ...
Fundamentals of kinetics and quantum mechanics
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...
Fundamentals of thermodynamics and equilibrium
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...
Introduction to Practical Chemistry I
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...
Introduction to Practical Chemistry II
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...
Main group and transition metal chemistry
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:
Coordination chemistry
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 Algebra I
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 ...
Multivariable Calculus
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
Quantum mechanics and molecular spectroscopy
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...
Solid state and organometallic chemistry
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:
Advanced Physical Chemistry
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...
Advanced Practical Chemistry
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...
Chemistry Literature Project
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...
Chemistry Research Project
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...
Hilbert Spaces
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...
Partial Differential Equations
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:
Analysis
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...
Atoms, Molecules and Spins: Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry and Spectroscopy
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
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...
Computational Machine Learning and Optimisation
This module will introduce you to some of the main approaches used for data analysis and machine learning. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of different computational machine learning methods, and gain skills in applying them to analyse dat...
Mathematical Biology
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
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...
Optimization
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...
Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry
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 to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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'll aim to process your application within two to six weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
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