Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of matter and its transformations, concerned with understanding how substances are structured, how they interact and how they can be synthesised and modified for useful purposes. It touches every aspect of daily life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe to the medicines we take and the materials that power modern technology. Chemistry is simultaneously one of the most fundamental sciences and one of the most applied, producing both theoretical insights and practical solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems, including in medicine, energy, agriculture and environmental protection.

At the University of Aberdeen, this four-year programme gives you a thorough grounding in the main branches of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. You will develop laboratory skills alongside theoretical understanding, learning to design and carry out experiments, interpret results and communicate your findings clearly. The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study chemistry at an international partner institution and develop both your scientific knowledge and your personal independence.

Aberdeen's research environment means you will have access to staff working at the frontier of the discipline, and the programme is designed to develop the practical and intellectual skills that careers in chemistry demand.

Chemistry graduates pursue careers across an enormous range of sectors. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, the chemical industry, materials science, food science, environmental analysis and forensic science all employ chemists in significant numbers. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study, whether a PhD in chemistry or a closely related field, or a professional conversion programme in areas such as medicine, dentistry or intellectual property law.

The analytical and problem-solving skills developed through a chemistry degree are also valued in finance, consulting and data-intensive roles.