BSc Chemistry (Forensic and Analytical Science)

chemistry bsc pt

Undergraduate Available in Clearing

BSc Chemistry (Forensic and Analytical Science)

Well-trained forensic and analytical scientists are in demand worldwide. So job prospects for this accredited course are excellent.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Entry requirements

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

F184

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Study criminal activity and learn how to solve real forensic investigation problems in our labs. This fascinating course is designed for those who want to take advantage of the high national and international demand for analytical scientists.

This course has employability at its heart – preparing you for the real world of forensic and analytic science. We'll give you expert training in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry in a supportive environment. 

Our industry-standard resources include the latest mass spectrometry facilities, laser technology for elemental analysis and a microfluidic fabrication capability.

Apply now through clearing

01482 466100 Apply online

6 reasons to study Forensic and Analytical Chemistry at Hull

  1. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry
  2. 93% graduate employability rating*
  3. 91% rating for overall student satisfaction†
  4. Learn from leaders in the field
  5. Long-standing placement programme
  6. Strong industry links with major companies

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Chemical Structure and Physical Chemistry

    Learn about kinetics and thermodynamics and study trends of chemical properties of the main groups of elements, as well as being introduced to atomic and molecular structure.

    Organic Chemistry and the Analytical Approach

    Come to understand core principles of organic chemistry from alkanes to the surprising stability of aromaticity. Acids and bases and analytical chemical methods are examined from a conceptual and mathematical standpoint and all teaching is supported by lots of hands-on laboratory experience.

    Insight into Forensic Science and Scientific Skills

    You will study the key mathematical and scientific concepts needed to flourish in your further studies and start to develop an understanding of critical forensic issues.

    Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry

    Explore important topics in inorganic and analytical chemistry that lay the foundations of your future success. The module immerses you in the exciting world of transition metal chemistry, inorganic solids and the identification of unknown organic compounds by spectroscopy.

    Organic and Physical Chemistry

    This module will Introduce and develop basic and fundamental concepts in organic and physical chemistry. You will develop chemical problem solving skills and learn crucial experimental skills which underpin more complex experimental techniques encountered later in the programme.

    Chemistry's Global Challenge

    In small groups, you will investigate a scientific topic suggested by your tutor. Developing your teamworking skills, you will work towards producing a poster and an audio recording in the style of a radio interview around your topic.

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Synthesis and Analysis

    Develop insight in analytical, inorganic and organic chemistry through a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory classes. You'll cover topics such as elemental analysis; 3d versus 4d and 5d metals; metal oxides with non-stoichiometric compositions; structure determination of organic compounds; stereochemistry and conformation; and electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution.

    Spectroscopic Methods

    Study the quantum mechanical basis of spectroscopy and use this knowledge to understand atomic, rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopic techniques. You will gain hands-on experience of applying this knowledge in workshops and laboratory classes.

    Forensic Science and Scientific Skills

    This module is an interesting combination of mathematics, employability skills, oral communication, and forensic laboratory classes and workshops. It equips you with the necessary numeracy, presentation and CV-writing skills, as well as the specialist practical and analytical skills needed in the field of forensics.

    Synthesis and Measurement

    This module delivers core organic and analytical chemistry through both lectures and laboratory work. You’ll explore bifunctional chemistry, heteroaromatic chemistry, molecular spectroscopy and electroanalytical chemistry.

    Inorganic Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Thermodynamics

    Study a range of advanced inorganic and organometallic chemistry, including the bonding, structure, spectroscopy and reactivity of important metal-based complexes. You will slowly unravel the secrets of why chemical reactions and molecules behave the way they do, by exploring the intricate world of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.

    Computational Chemistry with Professional Skills

    This module uniquely combines computational chemistry, molecular modelling and employability skills.

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    Analytical and Forensic Chemistry 1

    Explore specialised topics in analytical and forensic chemistry. The use of advanced forensic science techniques to solve complex and unpredictable problems and will provide the key principles and concepts behind these techniques and methods.

    Chemical Separation and Characterisation

    Explore the structure determination and analytical techniques of X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and separation science in theory, as well as improving your advanced laboratory skills. The emphasis is on application of knowledge and problem solving.

    Analytical and Forensic Chemistry 2

    Develop an insight into state-of-the-art approaches to bio-analysis and forensic analytical sciences. This module covers biosensors and lab-on-a-chip devices, as well as group discussions on recently published scientific articles in the area.

    Forensic and Analytical Group Project

    Work as part of a small group, supported by a supervisor, on a short research project. This may include lab work, field work and literature research, and be drawn from chemistry, analytical science, biochemistry, or chemical education. You will be assessed by a group poster presentation and also by an individual report.

  • Optional

    Structural, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Solids

    Explore a range of advanced modern chemistry, covering the physical quantities and laws for describing and predicting the mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of solids, including cluster compounds. You will also carry out a piece of investigative coursework in an area of current chemistry.

    Chemistry of Materials

    Explore advanced and specialised topics relevant to materials chemistry, such as the synthetic methods for the preparation of polymers, their physical chemistry and their characterisation, as well as the characteristics of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and graphene. For these sets of materials you will learn to identify the optimal synthetic methods and evaluate their properties.

    Chemistry of Surfaces, Colloids and Molecular Machines

    ​In this module, you will explore 2016 Nobel Prize field of molecular machines and learn about the behaviour of surfactants and colloidal particles in bulk and at surfaces. You will also gain practical skills in the methods of physical chemistry essential for many sectors of chemical industry. ​

    Organic and Organometallic Chemistry

    This module explores core organic and organometallic chemistry through lectures and laboratory work. You’ll explore pericyclic reactions; organic synthesis using reagents containing the p-block elements P, B, Si and Si; and control of reactivity in metal-organic systems.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

408 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

792 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

51%
27%
22%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

408 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

792 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

44%
39%
17%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

300 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

900 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

47%
26%
27%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

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Placement year

We have a good links with industry and a long-standing placement programme. Our students go into major companies such as Agilent, GSK, RB, and Smith & Nephew.

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Integrated Masters

Extend your study with an extra year to gain a Masters degree. You'll have the opportunity to choose from a range of advanced theoretical, practical and analytical topics.

Entry Requirements

During Clearing we look at all of your qualifications and experience, not just your academic grades – you’re more than just letters on a page!

Some courses still do have requirements such as previous study in your subject area, or specific GCSE grades. Others have additional requirements such as an interview or a satisfactory DBS check.

Please call us now on 01482 462236 to find out if we have a course that’s suitable for you.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

  • Dr John R Williams
    Teaching Fellow in Analytical Chemistry/ Director of Student Recruitment for Chemistry
    Dr Michael Hird
    Reader in Organic Chemistry/ Admissions Tutor/ Director of Chemistry Part-Time Blended Learning and Apprenticeship Programmes.
    Dr Nigel A Young
    Senior Lecturer/ Chemistry Subject Group Head/ Industrial Placements Coordinator
  • Dr Patrick Harrison
    Lecturer in Biochemistry

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Take a tour of the facilities

Benefit from new resources including laser technology for elemental analysis and a microfluidic fabrication capability.

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Fees & funding

Home / EU

£9,250 per year*

International

£16,600 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK and EU students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course, and UK students can take out a maintenance loan of up to £8,700 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of the website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

Attainment
Scholarship

If you achieve

112 UCAS tariff points

from three A levels or equivalent, you could receive a reward of

£1,200

Find out more

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Forensic Scientist
  • Toxicologist
  • Industrial chemist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Researcher

Well-trained forensic and analytical scientists are in great demand worldwide. You'll have the benefit of studying at a renowned centre of excellence, increasing your chances of employment.

There are opportunities within the police service and armed forces. In addition to this, graduates find opportunities in public- and private-sector laboratories, government and industry.

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Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*Percentage of students in work or further study within six months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018

†Overall satisfaction score for this subject (National Student Survey 2019, HEIs)