BSc (Hons) Chemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Lincoln

Program Overview

This degree gives you a strong, hands-on understanding of how chemistry underpins everything from medicines and materials to energy and the environment. It’s perfect for curious problem-solvers who enjoy working in the lab, want to understand how the world works at a molecular level, and are excited by the idea of contributing to scientific solutions that matter.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

Your first year builds the foundation every chemist needs. You’ll explore how atoms and molecules behave in Core Chemistry 1.1: Energy, Change and Electronic Structure and Core Chemistry 1.2: Molecular Structure, Bonding and Mechanism, which help you understand why reactions happen and how substances interact. Practical classes (Practical Chemistry 1.1 and 1.2) get you comfortable in the lab from day one, teaching essential techniques in synthesis, purification and analysis. You’ll also start learning how chemistry works in real industries through Introduction to Professional Practice.

Second Year

In year two, the course becomes more advanced and more applied. You’ll look deeper into reaction pathways in Stability, Structure and Mechanism in Molecular Systems and explore more reactive species in Chemistry of Activated Systems and Radicals. Lab modules (Practical Chemistry 2.1 and 2.2) let you work with more complex organic and inorganic systems, building both accuracy and confidence. Modules like Formulation Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences show you how chemistry sits at the heart of medicines, materials, and manufacturing.

Third Year

Your final year lets you bring everything together. In Defining Shape, Symmetry and Stereochemistry and Heterogeneous Systems, Surfaces and Nanoscience, you’ll study advanced materials, solid-state chemistry, catalysts, and nanotechnology — areas driving major scientific innovation. Alongside an advanced practical module, your biggest focus is your Structured Project, where you’ll work on real research guided by academic staff. Optional modules, including Biological Chemistry or Fire, Explosives and Nuclear Forensics, let you shape your degree toward your future ambitions.

Focus areas (in a string):

“Organic chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Physical chemistry, Materials and nanoscience, Analytical chemistry, Pharmaceutical and industrial chemistry, Environmental and energy applications”

Learning outcomes (in a string):

“Master practical laboratory skills, understand molecular behaviour and chemical principles, use modern analytical techniques confidently, apply chemistry to real-world scientific challenges, and develop strong research, communication and professional skills.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), meaning it meets high professional standards and supports future progression toward chartered chemist status.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Lincoln is consistently recognised for strong student satisfaction and graduate outcomes, and chemistry graduates benefit from modern lab facilities and a curriculum shaped by industry-relevant skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start, you’ll be doing real chemistry — not just reading about it. At Lincoln, you’ll work in modern, fully-equipped labs, handling real chemicals, running real experiments, and using professional-level instrumentation. That means you’ll graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical lab confidence, analytical experience and — if you choose — actual research or industry-connected work that looks great on a CV.

Here’s how that plays out in practice:

Access to top-tier lab facilities: As a Chemistry student you’ll spend much of your practical work in the Janet Lane‑Claypon Building (JLC) and the Joseph Banks Laboratories (JBL). These aren’t just classrooms — they include flexible lab spaces, specialist teaching labs and dedicated research labs.
Use of advanced instrumentation & techniques: You’ll get hands-on with instrumentation like mass spectrometry, chromatography, electron microscopy, NMR, X-ray diffraction — the same sort of tools professional chemists use in real-world labs.
Regular, structured practical classes from Year 1: The curriculum includes practical lab modules from the very first year (like “Practical Chemistry 1.1 / 1.2”), which means you’ll start building lab skills early on — even if you’ve never done chemistry in a lab before.
Research-focused environment and opportunities: Later in your degree you’ll do a “Structured Project” — an independent research project supervised by staff. You could test hypotheses, perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and even write your own research report or mini-thesis. It’s a real taste of what working in research or industry feels like.
Professional-practice and industry-linked modules: The course includes “Professional Practice” modules that teach you how chemistry is used in real industries — from formulation and pharmaceuticals to environmental or energy sectors. This helps you understand not just chemistry, but how chemistry fits into real workplaces and challenges.
Supportive academic + technical staff + modern library resources: The labs are backed by dedicated technical staff ensuring equipment is maintained and sessions run smoothly. On top of that, the university’s main library supports academic study with access to journals, reference materials and study support — useful when you’re reading up literature for labs or your project.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Chemistry degree from Lincoln opens doors to a wide mix of science-focused careers. Many graduates step into roles in laboratories, research teams, pharmaceuticals, energy, or environmental science, while others use their analytical skills to move into teaching, regulatory work, or scientific communication. Common early-career paths include laboratory chemist, analytical chemist, R&D technician, and quality or environmental science specialist.

Here’s how Lincoln helps you get there:

Personalised support from day one: The course builds employability directly into your studies through Professional Practice modules — helping you sharpen your communication, lab documentation, data handling, CV writing, and interview skills, all within a chemistry context.
Strong graduate outcomes: According to Discover Uni data, around 80% of Lincoln’s recent Chemistry graduates are working in highly skilled roles just 15 months after finishing the course. A large majority also say their jobs feel meaningful and aligned with their long-term goals.
Industry-linked learning: Throughout your degree, you’ll encounter industry-informed teaching and real project work connected to sectors like pharmaceuticals, analytical labs, formulation science, and environmental chemistry — giving you insight into how your skills apply in real workplaces.
Accreditation that carries weight: The degree is Royal Society of Chemistry accredited, which tells employers you’ve met a nationally recognised professional standard. It’s a long-term asset on your CV, especially if you want to work toward Chartered Chemist status in the future.
Flexible career potential: Because chemistry builds high-level problem-solving and analytical skills, graduates aren’t limited to lab careers — some go on to work in education, renewable energy, environmental regulation, product development, or scientific consultancy.

Further Academic Progression:

If you discover a passion for research or want to specialise further, this degree gives you a strong grounding to move on to postgraduate study, whether that’s an MSc, an MRes, or a PhD in chemistry, materials science, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, or related fields. You can also build towards professional routes in teaching, forensic science, environmental consultancy or more advanced scientific research.