Chemistry with Maths (BSc)

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

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.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course leader

Peter Birkin is the course leader.

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

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: F107
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2023 entry

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 2 to 6 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