University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Chemistry (Digital Methods and Computational Modelling)

Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

Train as a chemist for the industries of the future. This three-year degree combines traditional chemistry with computational skills – an emerging specialism that is increasingly valued by employers across a large range of fields. Data science, AI and machine learning are allowing scientists to make discoveries and run experiments faster and at lower cost. On this degree you’ll gain the chemistry knowledge and computing skills you need to join this fast-growing field. You don’t need previous computing knowledge, as your programming training will be tailored to your level. By the time you graduate you’ll be able to:

write your own programs

use state-of-the-art software to analyse big data

look at digital simulations of molecules in incredible detail

Southampton is one of just a few UK universities where you can study this subject to an advanced level. Supporting your studies You’ll be part of a supportive Chemistry community, with a personal academic tutor to provide any extra help you need, both academically and personally. Your tutorial group will be small, so you’ll have plenty of time and attention from your tutors. Outstanding undergraduate laboratories Take advantage of our recently refurbished laboratories, which opened in 2019 as part of a £12m investment in Chemistry’s facilities. In this spacious, modern environment you’ll gain hands-on practical experience of equipment such as NMR and IR spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. There are also laptops for each student so that you can record your practical work. It’s the same high-tech equipment you’ll find in industry or academic labs, and you’ll learn to make and analyse your own samples, with full support and training – all excellent preparation for your future career. You’ll also be trained in the specific requirements of high-performance computing. Learn about research as it happens Southampton is a Russell Group university, and Chemistry at Southampton is ranked joint first in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2022). This means you’ll learn from staff who are using AI and digital modelling to benefit society; for example by improving renewable energy technologies and supporting research into the treatment of disease. They will share their expertise with you, bringing the most up-to-date knowledge to your seminars and lectures, and you’ll be able to take part in their research during your individual project work. In addition, our leading role in the UK’s AI for Scientific Discovery Network will give you access to seminars with leading data and computer scientists. Your career 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 how computation and data management can have a positive impact. There is growing demand for this skillset, with every branch of industry and research looking to harness the potential of AI, computer modelling and big data. You'll be able to pursue a career in any area of the chemical industry, including sectors like: pharmaceutical; biomedical; renewable energy; manufacturing. You’ll also be able to explore wider ranging careers in areas like: programming and software development; project management; scientific journalism; scientific sales; teaching. If you’re not sure what path to choose, career-focused activities in year two will help you understand the options and map them to your strengths and interests. These activities include 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.

Modules

Years one and two: You’ll gain a foundation in the fundamentals of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as practical lab techniques. A programming module tailored to your level of knowledge and a computational practical will prepare you for more in-depth study in year three. Core modules in the first and second year are shared across most of our chemistry degrees. This makes it possible to transfer to the MChem programme. Year three: You’ll take a specialist module, Chemistry through the Computational Microscope, alongside your advanced organic, physical and inorganic chemistry studies. Optional modules include: Atoms, Molecules and Spin: Quantum Mechanics Chemistry and Spectroscopy; Medicinal Chemistry; Sustainable Chemistry. An advanced practical project and literature-based research on a computational chemistry topic will help you develop your research skills. For more details please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/chemistry-digital-methods-computational-modelling-degree-bsc#modules.

Assessment method

There are written examinations at the end of each semester to test your knowledge and understanding of material presented in the lectures and workshops. The practical work is continuously assessed primarily through written reports. Project work is assessed by dissertation and oral examination together with a report on your relevant skills from your supervisor. A written literature review related to the project is also assessed. Coursework exercises based on the lecture material are set each week and feedback is provided promptly. In some cases coursework marks are used in calculating your overall mark for the particular module of study. However in most cases coursework is simply to give you an indication of your progress. The research project will be assessed via a variety of means which may include review of your laboratory notebook, your assessments of the risks and hazards of your work, written reports, oral presentations, the production of a dissertation, and an oral examination.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: F106

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

International applicants

Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

ABB including chemistry and mathematics. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including chemistry and mathematics, plus grade A in the EPQ. We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus A in A-level chemistry and A in A-level mathematics. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level chemistry and A in A-level mathematics. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Pass, with 32 points overall with 6,5,5 in three Higher Level subjects including chemistry and mathematics (Analysis and Approaches is preferred). We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer: Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - A

ABB from three A-levels including chemistry and mathematics or AB from two A-levels including chemistry and mathematics plus B in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Extended Project - A

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including chemistry and mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including chemistry and mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.""Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/subjects/chemistry

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Unistats information

Operated by the Office for Students

Student satisfaction

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£27400	Year 1
International	£27400	Year 1
England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates : www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page.

Provider information

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University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

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Undergraduate Admissions - Engineering and Physical Sciences

[email protected]

023 8059 2969

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