Chemistry

Course Profile

PDF Chemistry

Chemistry has overwhelmingly improved our quality of life. Pharmaceuticals, textiles, semi-conductors, composites, healthcare products, detergents and personal care products and some examples without which our lives would be radically different.

Want to do medicine? - You'll need Chemistry
Want to be a vet? - You'll need Chemistry
Want to be a pharmacist? - You'll need Chemistry
Not sure what you want to be? - Chemistry is useful for lots of things, including non-science based careers.

Chemistry helps develop analytical skills, problem-solving skills, organisational skills, transferable skills - all useful in whatever you decide to become.

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of matter. Chemistry answers questions like, "What kind of stuff is this sample made of? What does the sample look like on the molecular scale? How does the structure of the material determine its properties? How do the properties of the material change when I increase temperatures, or pressure, or some other environmental variable?"

Chemistry is the study of the reactivity of substances. One material can be changed into another by a chemical reaction. A complex substance can be made from simpler ones. Chemical compounds can break down into simpler substances. Fuels burn, food cooks, cells grow, medicines cure. Chemistry is concerned with the essential processes that make these changes happen.

Aim Higher

Chemistry Aim Higher group for students considering a chemistry related course at university.

Aim higher activities include:

  • a trip to Huddersfield University to analyse aspirin
  • external speakers
  • a student team entered in Royal Society of Chemistry competition
  • enhancement of practical skills
  • research into pharmaceuticals and the history of medicines
  • group presentations
  • University/careers guidance

Where do our students go?

Many of our students last year went on to study Chemistry or related degree courses at University. Among these were Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Forensic Science, Optometry and Physiotherapy.

The most popular destinations were:

  • Manchester University
  • Manchester Metropolitan
  • Bradford University
  • Liverpool University
  • Sheffield University