From core chemical principles, models and vocabulary to the pivotal role chemistry plays in addressing global, economic and environmental challenges, Chemistry BSc at Keele offers maximum flexibility to explore topics across the full breadth of the subject. With hands-on access to sector-leading laboratory facilities, and professional and practical skills embedded into the curriculum, you will graduate with a toolkit of chemistry skills to enter a wide range of science-related careers.

Chemistry is the science which bridges the fundamental atomic building blocks of the universe to the complexity of the living world. The impact of chemistry on modern life ranges from the advanced materials powering our devices, to the sustainable production and re-use of resources, the key processes which influence our environment and climate, and the life-saving drugs essential to modern medicine.

Our Chemistry degree explores the pivotal role chemistry plays in tackling global, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century, threading sustainability and industrial chemistry through traditional chemical principles and theories. You will have opportunities for individual advanced project work, collaborative learning, work and educational placements, and to explore frontier topics guided by our world-leading researchers.

During your first two years of study, you will be taught the core concepts in the fundamental areas of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry. From the outset, you will explore how chemistry interfaces with biology, physics and environmental science.

Your learning will be supported through interactive teaching, workshops and small group activities, as well as frequent opportunities to practice key concepts in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to study topics of interest across chemistry, including some at the forefront of modern chemical sciences research. As our programmes share a common first year, should you wish to and have opted for the relevant second year modules, you will have the opportunity to transfer to our medicinal or materials chemistry degree.

One of the highlights of your degree is your third year independent research project, which can be aligned to your own interests and career goals.

You will graduate with a strong grounding in laboratory techniques, a suite of practical and professional employability skills and an awareness of the ethical implications and issues relating to environmental impact and sustainability. Graduates of this programme enter a wide range of professions, both in and out of the laboratory. Many also further their knowledge by undertaking further study at Master's level.

Roles that are related to your degree include:

Academic chemist

Analytical chemist

Chemical engineer

Environmental scientist

Forensic scientist

Material scientist

Medicinal chemist

Nuclear engineer

Science teacher

Synthetic chemist

Toxicologist

Transferable skills you will acquire include:

Chemical design

Data analysis

IT and technology

Independent learning

Monitoring/maintaining records and data

Numeracy including error analysis and order-of-magnitude estimations

Problem-solving relating to qualitative and quantitative information

Research and presentation

Teamwork

Time management and organisation

Written and oral communication

Foundation year

Studying a Foundation Year, for whatever reason, offers an alternative route to Keele, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, build your confidence.