2026/27 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MChem, BSc Chemistry

Programme overview

Programme code
MCBS-CHEM
UCAS code
F103
Duration
4 Years
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Dr Nimesh Mistry
Contact address
N.Mistry@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
480
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Chemistry
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups
Chemistry (https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/chemistry# )
Professional Body Offering Accreditation
Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem)

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme in 2023/24 or before. For students entering the programme from September 2024 or after, you can find the details of your programme: MChem, BSc Chemistry (For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Chemistry is a central science, at the core of everything we can see, smell, taste and touch around us. From energy to the environment, groundbreaking medicine to cleaning products, chemistry is integral to all aspects of our life, which puts chemical scientists at the forefront of delivering invaluable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and health.
In your first two years you will study the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin chemistry, whilst developing laboratory skills and a wide range of graduate and transferable skills like teamwork and data analysis. You’ll also be exposed to the latest research from our globally-recognized research groups.
In your third year you will continue to build on your knowledge of chemistry whilst having access to a range of options including ethics and business within the degree programme. You will have the option to apply for industrial experience between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4. Alternatively, you may spend your third year studying chemistry at one of our overseas partner Universities.
In your final year you’ll undertake a significant research project, embedded in one of our internationally recognized research groups. This allows you to follow your interests and investigate a topic at the cutting edge of chemistry, as well as further develop transferable skills such as working independently, communication and time management.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

This information is applicable to students who entered from or after 2024-25. Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM1102Chemistry in Action: Atoms, Molecules, Matter10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM1204Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology & Synthesis10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM1205Chemistry of the Material World10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM1302Introduction to Modern Chemistry20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM1303Chemistry and Chemists for a Sustainable Future20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM1402Introduction to Practical Chemistry and Research Skills40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study a further 10 credits from the following:

Option A:
For students without A level maths or equivalent, or with a grade less than C in A level maths or equivalent, you must take the following module.

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
NATS1180Mathematics for Scientists10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery Modules

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

This information is applicable to students who entered from or after 2024-25. Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM2112Chemistry of Materials: what they are and how we know10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM2192Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM2212Organometallics: from bonding to catalysis10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM2293Specialisms in Chemical Science10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CHEM2321Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM2331Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM2402Practical, Professional and Research skills for Chemists40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

Discovery Modules

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM3481Project and Research Skills40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Students will be required to study CHEM3841

Optional Modules

Students will be required to study 70 credits from the following optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 70 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM3311Extended Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry30Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3312Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3320Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3321Extended Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry30Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3330Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
CHEM3331Extended Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry30Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Students take one of CHEM33120 or CHEM3311.

Students take one of CHEM3320 or CHEM3321.

Students take one of CHEM3330 or CHEM3331.

Candidates will be required to study 10 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM3212Big Data, Big Science10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3612Chemistry in the Real World10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3621Ethical Issues in Chemistry10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3667Chemistry into Schools10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Students may take up to 40 credits from the following modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM3185Atmospheric Chemistry10 
CHEM3212Big Data, Big Science10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3226Process chemistry and reactive intermediates in synthesis10 
CHEM3291Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (10cr)10 
CHEM3292Topics in Interdisciplinary and Applied Chemistry (20cr)20 

From the 70 credits of optional modules students may select one of the following options:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM3621Ethical Issues in Chemistry10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3666Chemistry into Schools20 
NATS3200Machine Learning Approaches to Scientific Data Analysis10 

Students will be required to seek approval from the module leader and complete a Change of Module form to enrol on CHEM3666. Students who take CHEM3666 will also be required to enrol on a 20 credit laboratory module (CHEM3420) instead of CHEM3417 and choose an additional 10 credits of options.

Discovery Modules

Year 4

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
CHEM5460MLaboratory-based Project Work 6M60Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
CHEM5600MAdvanced Topics in Chemistry 60 Credit60Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Students will be required to pass CHEM5460M.

Last updated: 30/04/2026 15:54:28

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