Overview
Love chemistry and want to study in a department renowned for its incredible research? Then Chemistry at Aston could be for you.
Course outline and modules
Chemists and chemical engineers are helping to solve some of the most complex problems facing our planet today as well as developing a vast range of products that we use in our everyday lives. During our course you’ll learn about the safe, sustainable and profitable production of all kinds of chemicals and materials so you are able to play your part.
During your time at Aston you’ll expand your fundamental chemical knowledge, refine your professional, scientific and technical skills and develop your personal, communication and management skills. On graduation you’ll be equipped for a successful career in chemistry, the chemical industries or a vast range of alternative scientific, business and professional occupations such as teaching.
What you’ll learn
We cater for the needs of ‘pure’ chemists whilst providing the opportunity to explore the industrial, pharmaceutical, technological and commercial dimensions of chemistry. Business and other specialist topics are built into our courses enabling you to develop valuable management skills. You share your first year with chemical engineers, to gain a deeper insight into industrial processes.
You will study subjects such as process design, health and safety, biological chemistry, biomaterials, inorganic materials and polymer synthesis. The innovative and relevant nature of our courses will also help you to discover new and exciting areas of chemistry, including bio-compatibility, medicinal drug delivery systems, the Buckminster-Fullerenes and cluster compounds, liquid crystals, non-metallic conductors and superconductors.
You have the option to spend a year on placement in industry after your second academic year. Many students take advantage of this option and find the experience extremely beneficial, both for their development as a chemist and their final year performance.
Modules
• Sustainability, Design and Build
• Organic Chemistry I
• Physical Chemistry I
• Inorganic Chemistry I
• Mathematics for Chemists
International students
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham, it’s also a great place to live.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability and our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Choosing to start your Aston journey with one of our foundation programmes will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course. During your foundation year, you’ll have excellent support from academics and group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey.
Learning, teaching and assessment
Our teaching is varied, including conventional lectures and tutorials, project team and individual work, plant visits, lab work and specialist supervision from consultants working in industry.
Your practical work will include exciting projects, from making your own aspirin to building a nuclear reactor (a mock one, of course!). Study here and you’ll be at the heart of a creative and career-focused culture, learning invaluable skills so you’re ready to start your life-changing career.
Assessment is by a combination of exams, project, lab and coursework. Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in all years after the first year.
Career prospects
This course gives you a broad grounding in the principles of chemistry, preparing you to enter research, development or production in the chemical process industries or to undertake postgraduate research or teaching certificates. Alternatively you may pursue a career in areas as diverse as commerce, administration, accounting, banking or the civil service.
The study of chemistry is a springboard to your future, whether or not you enter a directly related career, and is a highly stimulating and rewarding choice. For students interested in biological chemistry or biotechnology, there are also opportunities in a wide variety of modern exciting industries including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biotechnology, environmental control, water, renewable energy and materials.
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