1. No category

If you are a highly motivated student who
is passionate about studying Chemistry, the
University of Oxford offers an unrivalled
environment in which to study. The course
will introduce many topics that are completely
new to you but is sufficiently wide-ranging that
by the end of the course you will be able to
specialise in any area of Chemistry you wish.
Marcin Konowalczyk
College: Somerville
3rd year
I was advised to apply to Oxford by
my chemistry teacher who himself
studied here. It’s tough and there is
a lot to learn but at no point have I
ever regretted it. There are a lot of
new ideas and viewpoints one has
to assimilate but everything comes
together into a wonderful picture of
the world around us. I love how nice
and helpful the tutors and academic
staff are. There is also plenty of
practical experience in labs, which
aids the course immensely. I’m taking
an active part in running the students
juggling club. I’m men’s captain in
gymnastics club and I visit acrobatics
clubs every now and then, and I have
been juggling for 8 years. A degree
from Oxford opens many doors.
Put lots of effort into your personal
statement and on the interview sit
comfortably.
Name: Adam Stones
College: Oriel
2nd year
I believe that to be the best in the
world, you need to be taught by
the best in the world, and Oxford
has a reputation as a world-leading
university. I expected there to be
more focus on ceremony and tradition
than there actually is. My favourite
area of the course is physical
chemistry: I have a fantastic tutor!
The fantastic thing about chemistry
is its diversity, and the broad skill
set developed through studying
chemistry makes it a highly prized
degree in fields beyond science, for
example in finance and in law. My key
piece of advice is not to talk yourself
into thinking that you’re not clever
enough to get in – if you’re capable of
achieving the entry grades and have
an interest in your subject, then this
is a basis for a stellar application!
Chemistry Brochure print.indd 1
You will be well qualified for this course if you
are studying Chemistry and Mathematics to full
A level or equivalent. Mathematics is essential
because of its importance in the quantitative
parts of the subject. Physics, Biology and
Further Mathematics are also very helpful.
The requirements of colleges may vary slightly,
the Tutor for Admissions at any particular
College may be consulted.
What qualifications will I need?
The standard departmental offer is A*A*A.
Both the A* should be in Science or
Mathematics. General Studies will not
be included in the offer. Typical offers for
other qualifications, such as the International
Baccalaureate, PreU or Scottish Advanced
Highers are available on the Web at:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/international-qualifications
What is the role of the college?
All students who come to Oxford University
are admitted by an Oxford College. Each
college has its own particular history,
ethos, atmosphere and architecture. The
College provides students with affordable
accommodation for at least two (and often
for all four) years of the course, and acts as a
social hub. The extracurricular opportunities
to be found within colleges are almost limitless,
and whatever your interests – music, drama,
sports, politics – there will be a society for
you in Oxford. You can name a College at
the application stage, but it is not necessary
to do this. A third of students happily end
up at a College different to the one they
originally applied to! The College has primary
responsibility for monitoring students’ academic
progress and for supporting them in welfare
issues.
Chemistry students split their working week
between College and Department based
activities: lectures and practical work are
based in the Department, whereas tutorials
and small classes are provided by the College.
Tutorial teaching is one of the features that
makes an Oxford education special. Students
receive at least one tutorial each week:
their tutor will typically set a substantial and
stretching work assignment, and the tutorial is
an opportunity for the student to make sure
that they understand the material, and for the
tutor to ensure that the student is constantly
challenged. The form of the tutorial is flexible,
enabling tutors to tailor methods and material
for their individual students, ensuring that their
students cover the syllabus as efficiently and
deeply as possible.
What are the tutors looking for?
Your application will be assessed on the basis of
the UCAS application form and, if selected, an
interview. The Department is considering the
possibility of introducing an aptitude test, and
you may be asked to take part in a trial.
Your application will be assessed by the
tutors in the College you have applied to
according to the policies laid down by the
Department. They will be looking for evidence
of exceptional academic ability and of your
motivation to study Chemistry. They will base
their judgement on your academic record,
your academic reference and your personal
statement. At present all applicants judged to
have a good chance of success are invited to
interview.
Since visiting Oxford on an Aim Higher school trip in Year 11, it has been my ambition to study there. At
first the course can be a bit of a shock to the system but it’s easy enough to settle in. There’s the magical
traditional side of life here; the union, formal hall, subfusc, the words everyone uses that essentially make
it feel like you’re speaking a different language. There are a huge variety of clubs and societies and you can
get involved in anything that takes your fancy, traditional or not. The course is a lot more maths-based
than I anticipated but I have found the maths lectures and topics manageable and interesting. The tutorial
system here is definitely one of the best things about the course. I would recommend Chemistry at Oxford
to anyone who has a passion for learning, the entrance system can seem very scary, but the interviewers
are practised and fair.
At interview they will be looking for the
following qualities:
- Clarity of analysis and presentation of ideas
- Ability to listen and respond to ideas put
forward during discussion, to draw inferences
from them and to work through them.
- Ability to put forward coherent and well
thought out proposals and responses
What can I do after I finish my degree?
Chemistry is a door-opening degree. The chemical
industry is very important for the economy of the
country (pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, fine chemicals
etc.); in addition there are many opportunities in
analytical chemistry, in industry, the environment and in
forensics. In all these areas there are both large and small
companies, all needing well qualified chemists, either
directly from the M. Chem. or following a postgraduate
degree. The Oxford Chemistry department also has an
unrivalled record at commercialising its own inventions
through spin-out companies.
Not all our graduates pursue the subject directly after
their degree, although most continue in an area related to
Chemistry. Some enter conversion or training programmes
for such professions as Law, Teaching and Patent Agency, and
others enter Financial Services, where their quantitative and
analytical training is highly valued.
Get in touch...
Open Days
There’s no better way to find out what Oxford is really like
than to visit us. The Department welcomes pre-arranged
visits throughout the year, but our three University open
days remain the most popular time to visit. You don’t need
to book to attend Open Days. We will give you a tour
of the department, a talk on admissions, a chance to talk to
tutors and students about the course, and in the June/July
open days there is also the opportunity to see the annual
Chemistry Show. You will also have plenty of time to visit
Colleges where you can also talk directly to tutors and
students to help you make your decisions. For details, please
see: http://admissions.chem.ox.ac.uk/open-days.aspx.
Chemistry at Oxford is a four year course leading
to the degree of M. Chem. (with honours). The
course provides a high level education in the
subject with sufficient flexibility to enable students
to specialise in the areas of greatest interest to
them and to venture into overlapping scientific
disciplines.
MChem Chemistry
Is this course for me?
Name: Emily Pritchard
College: Worcester
1st Year
MChem CHEMISTRY
For more information on applying to Oxford, please visit:
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk.
The University’s Admissions Information Centre (admissions
i) at 55 Little Clarendon Street can help answer questions
about applying to undergraduate or graduate degrees
offered by Oxford.
Please contact: +44 (0) 1865 288000 or
[email protected]
The Department’s website www.chem.ox.ac.uk provides
more information on the course, advice on applying,
suggested reading as well as information about the
department itself and its excellent and award winning
research.
If you have any further questions regarding studying
Chemistry at Oxford, please do email:
[email protected]
Department of Chemistry
South Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3QR
Telephone +44 (01865) 272568
You are not expected to know material outside
your normal syllabus, but you will be tested
on how well you understand the material you
have encountered already, whether you have
thought about it and what you can do with
it. This will almost certainly involve applying
principles you know in unfamiliar situations.
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
08/04/2015 10:17
O
MeO
Name: Liam Young
College: St Peters
1st Year
O
Chemistry is the study of the world around us at the atomic and
molecular scale. It occupies a central position among the sciences,
interfacing with mathematics and physics, with engineering, and with
biology and medicine.
H2N
N
N
OH
H2N
Me
OH
Why study Chemistry at Oxford?
Ewelina Gregolinska
College: Exeter
4th Year
Prestige and academic excellence
were the major factors I considered
when choosing my first choice
University in the UK. I chose Oxford
over Cambridge because I knew I
wanted to study pure Chemistry from
the start, Cambridge did not offer
this option. I expected it to be intense
but perhaps not as much. Within
Oxford, there is a wealth of things to
do and places to visit. It did teach me
how to manage my time effectively
and how to prioritise my needs and
responsibilities. Part II research is
definitely the highlight of the course,
although I loved the tutorial system
and the motivation for studying it
provided. I would recommend it, but
only to those determined to study
Chemistry. The course is difficult and
without the passion for Chemistry,
devoting significant amount of work
into completing it will be an even
bigger challenge. I feel Oxford helped
me grow as a person and prepared
me well for my
professional
life.
Chemistry Brochure print.indd 2
Chemistry furnishes much of the material
base of modern civilisation, and chemists
are a constant source of innovation for its
further benefit. It is hard to imagine any
product introduced in recent times that
did not require the creative efforts of a
chemist at some stage in its development.
From the formulation of petrol, through
the materials and colouring of your clothes,
to antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals,
chemists have played a key role in shaping
our modern world. The 20th century saw
several industrial revolutions resulting from
new materials created by chemists, for
example plastics, the liquid crystal display
on your computer, the etching process that
made microchip technology possible, and
many developments in medicine, antibiotics,
DNA technology. The list is endless and we
can expect many more civilisation-changing
discoveries in this century: molecular
machines, molecular opto-electronics, new
magnetic and superconducting materials,
smart materials, molecular
medicine, medical
imaging, fuel
cells,
the
hydrogen economy and this is just what
we have already imagined. Many of these
are the subjects of active research in the
Department. Most really novel discoveries
are made in University research labs where
researchers have the freedom to follow their
curiosity, and of course some are completely
unexpected.
Oxford has had a real impact in many of
these areas, for example the cephalosporin
family of antibiotics was developed in
Oxford, the biosensors that are used to
measure blood glucose were invented and
commercialised here, the current commercial
lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery
material LiCoO2 , which has made portable
electronic devices such as mobile phones
and laptops possible, was first characterised
as a battery-electrode material at Oxford.
Isotopes were discovered and the first
protein structures were determined. More
recently exciting innovations include the
single molecule DNA sequencer (Oxford
Nanopore) and breath analysis for illegal
drugs (OxTox).
The study of Chemistry, with its uniquely
wide span within the scientific spectrum, is
an excellent way to develop your intellect.
You acquire not only a powerful battery
of analytical skills for problem solving,
but also the ability to analyse critically
and to ask the pertinent questions.
These skills are transferable to
almost any context, and are
highly valued in the world of
commerce and finance. The
employment potential of an
Oxford Chemistry graduate is
very high, both in Chemistryrelated areas and elsewhere.
Almost all our graduates gain
immediate employment or
continue to a higher degree.
The earnings premium on
a Chemistry degree is 30%,
similar to Physics (30%) and
Engineering (31%). These
are the top rated subjects in
earning potential apart from
Medicine and Law.
I found that the course offered is exactly what I want, with the focus
on learning chemistry as a whole and the links between everything,
rather than each topic in isolation. The atmosphere created by being
part of a small college and large department is perfect for me. The
lectures are fast-paced and the tutorial work is demanding but because
everything is explained well and your tutors are there to help, it doesn’t
take long to get used to the new style of learning. I had the added
benefit of being offered a residential course which helped me adapt
to the new way of learning which made my transition from A-levels
to university much easier and left me more confident. Life at Oxford
has been so much more than I expected. I am part of the university’s
dance-sports club and attend ballroom dancing classes each week. I am
also a cox for my college rowing club. Applying to Oxford has been the
best decision I have ever made!
O
OMe
MeO
How is the course structured?
Oxford seeks to cater for committed Chemists, so we
do not offer joint degree courses involving Chemistry.
However, Chemistry at Oxford has a uniquely wide
scope; there is ample opportunity for branching out
in the second and third year and even more so in
the fourth year, when students can also undertake
research in neighbouring disciplines where Chemistry
has a significant role. The Oxford course is fully
accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The key features are:
- A very broadly based first year course designed to
provide a solid foundation for the subsequent three
years. In addition to the traditional areas of Chemistry,
it includes coverage of Biological Chemistry, the
Physical Basis of Chemistry and Mathematics for
Chemistry.
- The second year covers much of the core material
for the Chemistry course with opportunities to
diversify into other areas via optional supplementary
subjects. Supplementary topics available include
History and Philosophy of Science, or a modern
language, as well as topics closer to Chemistry. The
three examinations taken in the summer, Part IA,
Teaching at Oxford University
cover material from the first two years and count 15%
towards the degree.
There are three distinctive features that
make the Oxford course unique.
-The third year continues coverage of core material
but also offers a choice of more specialised Options
(a choice of 3 from 16), which cover a wide range
of topics, some relating to research interests in the
Department. Part IB examinations are taken at the
end of the year and comprise 6 general papers relating
to accumulated core material and one paper covering
the Options. These examinations count 50% towards
the final degree.
The tutorial system: students are set work by
their college tutor every week, and then have
a tutorial to discuss it with their tutor, usually
in a group of two. This regular high-intensity
close contact with the academic staff means
that teaching is tailored to the individual
student, and that students have an unrivalled
opportunity to stretch their intellect to its
limit.
- The practical course is an integral part of the first
three years. Practicals are assessed throughout the
course, and the second and third year practical
assessments count 10% towards the final degree.
The non-modular nature of the course: the
course is not sub-divided into modules,
and nor are the examinations. The subject
is treated as a whole and examinations are
synoptic, covering all aspects of the course
covered so far. This means that students get a
very deep understanding of how the subject
fits together rather than a set of seemingly
disconnected modules.
- The fourth year is spent entirely on a research
project, working with a supervisor chosen by the
student. A thesis is submitted for assessment at the
end of the year, and the evaluation incorporated in the
final degree result. This project counts 25% towards
the final degree.
Name: Jess Eastwood
College: Somerville
3rd Year
I expected hard work, which I
definitely got! I didn’t expect to have
such a rich extracurricular life on top
of that, I just didn’t think I’d have the
time. I got involved with music in first
year and now I’m running the entire
music society! I also think I expected
it to be much more competitive, but
we all get on well and help each other
with tutorial work and revision. I have
thrived in the learning environment
here with so many passionate
teachers and plenty of opportunity
for open discussion and interactive
learning, which has stretched me.
The Part II year is also something I
can’t wait to dive into, it’s a great
way to ease into the life of a research
chemist, which is the ultimate goal
for me.
Practical Classes
The aim of the practical course is to train
students to solve problems practically –
accurately, safely and efficiently – so that
by the end of the course they are ready to
work as a professional chemist in a research
laboratory. Experimental Chemistry is
taught in rotation at each of the three
main sections. The practical course teaches
the essential experimental skills, from the
synthesis and characterisation of compounds
to the operation of spectrometers and
other instruments for physicochemical and
analytical measurements. It also makes
tangible much that is covered in lectures and
tutorials.
Research Project
In your fourth year you will be required to
carry out a research project. A wide choice
of research projects is available in both
pure and applied Chemistry, and also in
related sciences. You will be supervised by
a member of the academic staff and have
The fourth year, which is entirely devoted
full access to the research facilities of your
to a research project, with no additional
host laboratory. This provides you with an
teaching or examinations. Students benefit
exciting opportunity to carry out a piece
from being active members of their chosen
of original research and it is not unusual for
research group, and have the opportunity
the results to be reported at a scientific
to make a real contribution to chemical
conference or published in a scientific journal.
research. This is when many students make
Besides contributing to the pool of scientific
up their minds whether to pursue a career
knowledge, the Part II year provides a unique
in research. There is nothing like the buzz
experience of the world of research and,
of being the first person to do, make or
very importantly, allows you to make an
understand something entirely new.
informed decision as to whether to continue
in research by proceeding to a doctorate.
It is very rare for a student to exercise the
option of leaving after three years with an
Name: Tom Treherne (unclassified) B.A. honours degree.
College:Trinity
2nd year
As expected there was a significant step up from IB level subjects and I really
needed to hit the ground running. The course is very well structured with all
subjects being taught from the beginning (although progressing fast!) and for
the most part, especially with lab work, is chemistry focused and thorough.
The major challenge was adapting to the high level of private study required in
preparation for tutorials. If one has the mind-set to grab one’s subject by the
horns and take it on for up to 4 years, an Oxford experience is one of the most
rewarding available to students. The city is beautiful, the life unique, and the
teaching, certainly for Chemistry, is excellent. Irrespective of which college one
is at there is the potential for a very enjoyable university experience.
08/04/2015 10:17
O
MeO
Name: Liam Young
College: St Peters
1st Year
O
Chemistry is the study of the world around us at the atomic and
molecular scale. It occupies a central position among the sciences,
interfacing with mathematics and physics, with engineering, and with
biology and medicine.
H2N
N
N
OH
H2N
Me
OH
Why study Chemistry at Oxford?
Ewelina Gregolinska
College: Exeter
4th Year
Prestige and academic excellence
were the major factors I considered
when choosing my first choice
University in the UK. I chose Oxford
over Cambridge because I knew I
wanted to study pure Chemistry from
the start, Cambridge did not offer
this option. I expected it to be intense
but perhaps not as much. Within
Oxford, there is a wealth of things to
do and places to visit. It did teach me
how to manage my time effectively
and how to prioritise my needs and
responsibilities. Part II research is
definitely the highlight of the course,
although I loved the tutorial system
and the motivation for studying it
provided. I would recommend it, but
only to those determined to study
Chemistry. The course is difficult and
without the passion for Chemistry,
devoting significant amount of work
into completing it will be an even
bigger challenge. I feel Oxford helped
me grow as a person and prepared
me well for my
professional
life.
Chemistry Brochure print.indd 2
Chemistry furnishes much of the material
base of modern civilisation, and chemists
are a constant source of innovation for its
further benefit. It is hard to imagine any
product introduced in recent times that
did not require the creative efforts of a
chemist at some stage in its development.
From the formulation of petrol, through
the materials and colouring of your clothes,
to antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals,
chemists have played a key role in shaping
our modern world. The 20th century saw
several industrial revolutions resulting from
new materials created by chemists, for
example plastics, the liquid crystal display
on your computer, the etching process that
made microchip technology possible, and
many developments in medicine, antibiotics,
DNA technology. The list is endless and we
can expect many more civilisation-changing
discoveries in this century: molecular
machines, molecular opto-electronics, new
magnetic and superconducting materials,
smart materials, molecular
medicine, medical
imaging, fuel
cells,
the
hydrogen economy and this is just what
we have already imagined. Many of these
are the subjects of active research in the
Department. Most really novel discoveries
are made in University research labs where
researchers have the freedom to follow their
curiosity, and of course some are completely
unexpected.
Oxford has had a real impact in many of
these areas, for example the cephalosporin
family of antibiotics was developed in
Oxford, the biosensors that are used to
measure blood glucose were invented and
commercialised here, the current commercial
lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery
material LiCoO2 , which has made portable
electronic devices such as mobile phones
and laptops possible, was first characterised
as a battery-electrode material at Oxford.
Isotopes were discovered and the first
protein structures were determined. More
recently exciting innovations include the
single molecule DNA sequencer (Oxford
Nanopore) and breath analysis for illegal
drugs (OxTox).
The study of Chemistry, with its uniquely
wide span within the scientific spectrum, is
an excellent way to develop your intellect.
You acquire not only a powerful battery
of analytical skills for problem solving,
but also the ability to analyse critically
and to ask the pertinent questions.
These skills are transferable to
almost any context, and are
highly valued in the world of
commerce and finance. The
employment potential of an
Oxford Chemistry graduate is
very high, both in Chemistryrelated areas and elsewhere.
Almost all our graduates gain
immediate employment or
continue to a higher degree.
The earnings premium on
a Chemistry degree is 30%,
similar to Physics (30%) and
Engineering (31%). These
are the top rated subjects in
earning potential apart from
Medicine and Law.
I found that the course offered is exactly what I want, with the focus
on learning chemistry as a whole and the links between everything,
rather than each topic in isolation. The atmosphere created by being
part of a small college and large department is perfect for me. The
lectures are fast-paced and the tutorial work is demanding but because
everything is explained well and your tutors are there to help, it doesn’t
take long to get used to the new style of learning. I had the added
benefit of being offered a residential course which helped me adapt
to the new way of learning which made my transition from A-levels
to university much easier and left me more confident. Life at Oxford
has been so much more than I expected. I am part of the university’s
dance-sports club and attend ballroom dancing classes each week. I am
also a cox for my college rowing club. Applying to Oxford has been the
best decision I have ever made!
O
OMe
MeO
How is the course structured?
Oxford seeks to cater for committed Chemists, so we
do not offer joint degree courses involving Chemistry.
However, Chemistry at Oxford has a uniquely wide
scope; there is ample opportunity for branching out
in the second and third year and even more so in
the fourth year, when students can also undertake
research in neighbouring disciplines where Chemistry
has a significant role. The Oxford course is fully
accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The key features are:
- A very broadly based first year course designed to
provide a solid foundation for the subsequent three
years. In addition to the traditional areas of Chemistry,
it includes coverage of Biological Chemistry, the
Physical Basis of Chemistry and Mathematics for
Chemistry.
- The second year covers much of the core material
for the Chemistry course with opportunities to
diversify into other areas via optional supplementary
subjects. Supplementary topics available include
History and Philosophy of Science, or a modern
language, as well as topics closer to Chemistry. The
three examinations taken in the summer, Part IA,
Teaching at Oxford University
cover material from the first two years and count 15%
towards the degree.
There are three distinctive features that
make the Oxford course unique.
-The third year continues coverage of core material
but also offers a choice of more specialised Options
(a choice of 3 from 16), which cover a wide range
of topics, some relating to research interests in the
Department. Part IB examinations are taken at the
end of the year and comprise 6 general papers relating
to accumulated core material and one paper covering
the Options. These examinations count 50% towards
the final degree.
The tutorial system: students are set work by
their college tutor every week, and then have
a tutorial to discuss it with their tutor, usually
in a group of two. This regular high-intensity
close contact with the academic staff means
that teaching is tailored to the individual
student, and that students have an unrivalled
opportunity to stretch their intellect to its
limit.
- The practical course is an integral part of the first
three years. Practicals are assessed throughout the
course, and the second and third year practical
assessments count 10% towards the final degree.
The non-modular nature of the course: the
course is not sub-divided into modules,
and nor are the examinations. The subject
is treated as a whole and examinations are
synoptic, covering all aspects of the course
covered so far. This means that students get a
very deep understanding of how the subject
fits together rather than a set of seemingly
disconnected modules.
- The fourth year is spent entirely on a research
project, working with a supervisor chosen by the
student. A thesis is submitted for assessment at the
end of the year, and the evaluation incorporated in the
final degree result. This project counts 25% towards
the final degree.
Name: Jess Eastwood
College: Somerville
3rd Year
I expected hard work, which I
definitely got! I didn’t expect to have
such a rich extracurricular life on top
of that, I just didn’t think I’d have the
time. I got involved with music in first
year and now I’m running the entire
music society! I also think I expected
it to be much more competitive, but
we all get on well and help each other
with tutorial work and revision. I have
thrived in the learning environment
here with so many passionate
teachers and plenty of opportunity
for open discussion and interactive
learning, which has stretched me.
The Part II year is also something I
can’t wait to dive into, it’s a great
way to ease into the life of a research
chemist, which is the ultimate goal
for me.
Practical Classes
The aim of the practical course is to train
students to solve problems practically –
accurately, safely and efficiently – so that
by the end of the course they are ready to
work as a professional chemist in a research
laboratory. Experimental Chemistry is
taught in rotation at each of the three
main sections. The practical course teaches
the essential experimental skills, from the
synthesis and characterisation of compounds
to the operation of spectrometers and
other instruments for physicochemical and
analytical measurements. It also makes
tangible much that is covered in lectures and
tutorials.
Research Project
In your fourth year you will be required to
carry out a research project. A wide choice
of research projects is available in both
pure and applied Chemistry, and also in
related sciences. You will be supervised by
a member of the academic staff and have
The fourth year, which is entirely devoted
full access to the research facilities of your
to a research project, with no additional
host laboratory. This provides you with an
teaching or examinations. Students benefit
exciting opportunity to carry out a piece
from being active members of their chosen
of original research and it is not unusual for
research group, and have the opportunity
the results to be reported at a scientific
to make a real contribution to chemical
conference or published in a scientific journal.
research. This is when many students make
Besides contributing to the pool of scientific
up their minds whether to pursue a career
knowledge, the Part II year provides a unique
in research. There is nothing like the buzz
experience of the world of research and,
of being the first person to do, make or
very importantly, allows you to make an
understand something entirely new.
informed decision as to whether to continue
in research by proceeding to a doctorate.
It is very rare for a student to exercise the
option of leaving after three years with an
Name: Tom Treherne (unclassified) B.A. honours degree.
College:Trinity
2nd year
As expected there was a significant step up from IB level subjects and I really
needed to hit the ground running. The course is very well structured with all
subjects being taught from the beginning (although progressing fast!) and for
the most part, especially with lab work, is chemistry focused and thorough.
The major challenge was adapting to the high level of private study required in
preparation for tutorials. If one has the mind-set to grab one’s subject by the
horns and take it on for up to 4 years, an Oxford experience is one of the most
rewarding available to students. The city is beautiful, the life unique, and the
teaching, certainly for Chemistry, is excellent. Irrespective of which college one
is at there is the potential for a very enjoyable university experience.
08/04/2015 10:17
O
MeO
Name: Liam Young
College: St Peters
1st Year
O
Chemistry is the study of the world around us at the atomic and
molecular scale. It occupies a central position among the sciences,
interfacing with mathematics and physics, with engineering, and with
biology and medicine.
H2N
N
N
OH
H2N
Me
OH
Why study Chemistry at Oxford?
Ewelina Gregolinska
College: Exeter
4th Year
Prestige and academic excellence
were the major factors I considered
when choosing my first choice
University in the UK. I chose Oxford
over Cambridge because I knew I
wanted to study pure Chemistry from
the start, Cambridge did not offer
this option. I expected it to be intense
but perhaps not as much. Within
Oxford, there is a wealth of things to
do and places to visit. It did teach me
how to manage my time effectively
and how to prioritise my needs and
responsibilities. Part II research is
definitely the highlight of the course,
although I loved the tutorial system
and the motivation for studying it
provided. I would recommend it, but
only to those determined to study
Chemistry. The course is difficult and
without the passion for Chemistry,
devoting significant amount of work
into completing it will be an even
bigger challenge. I feel Oxford helped
me grow as a person and prepared
me well for my
professional
life.
Chemistry Brochure print.indd 2
Chemistry furnishes much of the material
base of modern civilisation, and chemists
are a constant source of innovation for its
further benefit. It is hard to imagine any
product introduced in recent times that
did not require the creative efforts of a
chemist at some stage in its development.
From the formulation of petrol, through
the materials and colouring of your clothes,
to antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals,
chemists have played a key role in shaping
our modern world. The 20th century saw
several industrial revolutions resulting from
new materials created by chemists, for
example plastics, the liquid crystal display
on your computer, the etching process that
made microchip technology possible, and
many developments in medicine, antibiotics,
DNA technology. The list is endless and we
can expect many more civilisation-changing
discoveries in this century: molecular
machines, molecular opto-electronics, new
magnetic and superconducting materials,
smart materials, molecular
medicine, medical
imaging, fuel
cells,
the
hydrogen economy and this is just what
we have already imagined. Many of these
are the subjects of active research in the
Department. Most really novel discoveries
are made in University research labs where
researchers have the freedom to follow their
curiosity, and of course some are completely
unexpected.
Oxford has had a real impact in many of
these areas, for example the cephalosporin
family of antibiotics was developed in
Oxford, the biosensors that are used to
measure blood glucose were invented and
commercialised here, the current commercial
lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery
material LiCoO2 , which has made portable
electronic devices such as mobile phones
and laptops possible, was first characterised
as a battery-electrode material at Oxford.
Isotopes were discovered and the first
protein structures were determined. More
recently exciting innovations include the
single molecule DNA sequencer (Oxford
Nanopore) and breath analysis for illegal
drugs (OxTox).
The study of Chemistry, with its uniquely
wide span within the scientific spectrum, is
an excellent way to develop your intellect.
You acquire not only a powerful battery
of analytical skills for problem solving,
but also the ability to analyse critically
and to ask the pertinent questions.
These skills are transferable to
almost any context, and are
highly valued in the world of
commerce and finance. The
employment potential of an
Oxford Chemistry graduate is
very high, both in Chemistryrelated areas and elsewhere.
Almost all our graduates gain
immediate employment or
continue to a higher degree.
The earnings premium on
a Chemistry degree is 30%,
similar to Physics (30%) and
Engineering (31%). These
are the top rated subjects in
earning potential apart from
Medicine and Law.
I found that the course offered is exactly what I want, with the focus
on learning chemistry as a whole and the links between everything,
rather than each topic in isolation. The atmosphere created by being
part of a small college and large department is perfect for me. The
lectures are fast-paced and the tutorial work is demanding but because
everything is explained well and your tutors are there to help, it doesn’t
take long to get used to the new style of learning. I had the added
benefit of being offered a residential course which helped me adapt
to the new way of learning which made my transition from A-levels
to university much easier and left me more confident. Life at Oxford
has been so much more than I expected. I am part of the university’s
dance-sports club and attend ballroom dancing classes each week. I am
also a cox for my college rowing club. Applying to Oxford has been the
best decision I have ever made!
O
OMe
MeO
How is the course structured?
Oxford seeks to cater for committed Chemists, so we
do not offer joint degree courses involving Chemistry.
However, Chemistry at Oxford has a uniquely wide
scope; there is ample opportunity for branching out
in the second and third year and even more so in
the fourth year, when students can also undertake
research in neighbouring disciplines where Chemistry
has a significant role. The Oxford course is fully
accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The key features are:
- A very broadly based first year course designed to
provide a solid foundation for the subsequent three
years. In addition to the traditional areas of Chemistry,
it includes coverage of Biological Chemistry, the
Physical Basis of Chemistry and Mathematics for
Chemistry.
- The second year covers much of the core material
for the Chemistry course with opportunities to
diversify into other areas via optional supplementary
subjects. Supplementary topics available include
History and Philosophy of Science, or a modern
language, as well as topics closer to Chemistry. The
three examinations taken in the summer, Part IA,
Teaching at Oxford University
cover material from the first two years and count 15%
towards the degree.
There are three distinctive features that
make the Oxford course unique.
-The third year continues coverage of core material
but also offers a choice of more specialised Options
(a choice of 3 from 16), which cover a wide range
of topics, some relating to research interests in the
Department. Part IB examinations are taken at the
end of the year and comprise 6 general papers relating
to accumulated core material and one paper covering
the Options. These examinations count 50% towards
the final degree.
The tutorial system: students are set work by
their college tutor every week, and then have
a tutorial to discuss it with their tutor, usually
in a group of two. This regular high-intensity
close contact with the academic staff means
that teaching is tailored to the individual
student, and that students have an unrivalled
opportunity to stretch their intellect to its
limit.
- The practical course is an integral part of the first
three years. Practicals are assessed throughout the
course, and the second and third year practical
assessments count 10% towards the final degree.
The non-modular nature of the course: the
course is not sub-divided into modules,
and nor are the examinations. The subject
is treated as a whole and examinations are
synoptic, covering all aspects of the course
covered so far. This means that students get a
very deep understanding of how the subject
fits together rather than a set of seemingly
disconnected modules.
- The fourth year is spent entirely on a research
project, working with a supervisor chosen by the
student. A thesis is submitted for assessment at the
end of the year, and the evaluation incorporated in the
final degree result. This project counts 25% towards
the final degree.
Name: Jess Eastwood
College: Somerville
3rd Year
I expected hard work, which I
definitely got! I didn’t expect to have
such a rich extracurricular life on top
of that, I just didn’t think I’d have the
time. I got involved with music in first
year and now I’m running the entire
music society! I also think I expected
it to be much more competitive, but
we all get on well and help each other
with tutorial work and revision. I have
thrived in the learning environment
here with so many passionate
teachers and plenty of opportunity
for open discussion and interactive
learning, which has stretched me.
The Part II year is also something I
can’t wait to dive into, it’s a great
way to ease into the life of a research
chemist, which is the ultimate goal
for me.
Practical Classes
The aim of the practical course is to train
students to solve problems practically –
accurately, safely and efficiently – so that
by the end of the course they are ready to
work as a professional chemist in a research
laboratory. Experimental Chemistry is
taught in rotation at each of the three
main sections. The practical course teaches
the essential experimental skills, from the
synthesis and characterisation of compounds
to the operation of spectrometers and
other instruments for physicochemical and
analytical measurements. It also makes
tangible much that is covered in lectures and
tutorials.
Research Project
In your fourth year you will be required to
carry out a research project. A wide choice
of research projects is available in both
pure and applied Chemistry, and also in
related sciences. You will be supervised by
a member of the academic staff and have
The fourth year, which is entirely devoted
full access to the research facilities of your
to a research project, with no additional
host laboratory. This provides you with an
teaching or examinations. Students benefit
exciting opportunity to carry out a piece
from being active members of their chosen
of original research and it is not unusual for
research group, and have the opportunity
the results to be reported at a scientific
to make a real contribution to chemical
conference or published in a scientific journal.
research. This is when many students make
Besides contributing to the pool of scientific
up their minds whether to pursue a career
knowledge, the Part II year provides a unique
in research. There is nothing like the buzz
experience of the world of research and,
of being the first person to do, make or
very importantly, allows you to make an
understand something entirely new.
informed decision as to whether to continue
in research by proceeding to a doctorate.
It is very rare for a student to exercise the
option of leaving after three years with an
Name: Tom Treherne (unclassified) B.A. honours degree.
College:Trinity
2nd year
As expected there was a significant step up from IB level subjects and I really
needed to hit the ground running. The course is very well structured with all
subjects being taught from the beginning (although progressing fast!) and for
the most part, especially with lab work, is chemistry focused and thorough.
The major challenge was adapting to the high level of private study required in
preparation for tutorials. If one has the mind-set to grab one’s subject by the
horns and take it on for up to 4 years, an Oxford experience is one of the most
rewarding available to students. The city is beautiful, the life unique, and the
teaching, certainly for Chemistry, is excellent. Irrespective of which college one
is at there is the potential for a very enjoyable university experience.
08/04/2015 10:17
If you are a highly motivated student who
is passionate about studying Chemistry, the
University of Oxford offers an unrivalled
environment in which to study. The course
will introduce many topics that are completely
new to you but is sufficiently wide-ranging that
by the end of the course you will be able to
specialise in any area of Chemistry you wish.
Marcin Konowalczyk
College: Somerville
3rd year
I was advised to apply to Oxford by
my chemistry teacher who himself
studied here. It’s tough and there is
a lot to learn but at no point have I
ever regretted it. There are a lot of
new ideas and viewpoints one has
to assimilate but everything comes
together into a wonderful picture of
the world around us. I love how nice
and helpful the tutors and academic
staff are. There is also plenty of
practical experience in labs, which
aids the course immensely. I’m taking
an active part in running the students
juggling club. I’m men’s captain in
gymnastics club and I visit acrobatics
clubs every now and then, and I have
been juggling for 8 years. A degree
from Oxford opens many doors.
Put lots of effort into your personal
statement and on the interview sit
comfortably.
Name: Adam Stones
College: Oriel
2nd year
I believe that to be the best in the
world, you need to be taught by
the best in the world, and Oxford
has a reputation as a world-leading
university. I expected there to be
more focus on ceremony and tradition
than there actually is. My favourite
area of the course is physical
chemistry: I have a fantastic tutor!
The fantastic thing about chemistry
is its diversity, and the broad skill
set developed through studying
chemistry makes it a highly prized
degree in fields beyond science, for
example in finance and in law. My key
piece of advice is not to talk yourself
into thinking that you’re not clever
enough to get in – if you’re capable of
achieving the entry grades and have
an interest in your subject, then this
is a basis for a stellar application!
Chemistry Brochure print.indd 1
You will be well qualified for this course if you
are studying Chemistry and Mathematics to full
A level or equivalent. Mathematics is essential
because of its importance in the quantitative
parts of the subject. Physics, Biology and
Further Mathematics are also very helpful.
The requirements of colleges may vary slightly,
the Tutor for Admissions at any particular
College may be consulted.
What qualifications will I need?
The standard departmental offer is A*A*A.
Both the A* should be in Science or
Mathematics. General Studies will not
be included in the offer. Typical offers for
other qualifications, such as the International
Baccalaureate, PreU or Scottish Advanced
Highers are available on the Web at:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/international-qualifications
What is the role of the college?
All students who come to Oxford University
are admitted by an Oxford College. Each
college has its own particular history,
ethos, atmosphere and architecture. The
College provides students with affordable
accommodation for at least two (and often
for all four) years of the course, and acts as a
social hub. The extracurricular opportunities
to be found within colleges are almost limitless,
and whatever your interests – music, drama,
sports, politics – there will be a society for
you in Oxford. You can name a College at
the application stage, but it is not necessary
to do this. A third of students happily end
up at a College different to the one they
originally applied to! The College has primary
responsibility for monitoring students’ academic
progress and for supporting them in welfare
issues.
Chemistry students split their working week
between College and Department based
activities: lectures and practical work are
based in the Department, whereas tutorials
and small classes are provided by the College.
Tutorial teaching is one of the features that
makes an Oxford education special. Students
receive at least one tutorial each week:
their tutor will typically set a substantial and
stretching work assignment, and the tutorial is
an opportunity for the student to make sure
that they understand the material, and for the
tutor to ensure that the student is constantly
challenged. The form of the tutorial is flexible,
enabling tutors to tailor methods and material
for their individual students, ensuring that their
students cover the syllabus as efficiently and
deeply as possible.
What are the tutors looking for?
Your application will be assessed on the basis of
the UCAS application form and, if selected, an
interview. The Department is considering the
possibility of introducing an aptitude test, and
you may be asked to take part in a trial.
Your application will be assessed by the
tutors in the College you have applied to
according to the policies laid down by the
Department. They will be looking for evidence
of exceptional academic ability and of your
motivation to study Chemistry. They will base
their judgement on your academic record,
your academic reference and your personal
statement. At present all applicants judged to
have a good chance of success are invited to
interview.
Since visiting Oxford on an Aim Higher school trip in Year 11, it has been my ambition to study there. At
first the course can be a bit of a shock to the system but it’s easy enough to settle in. There’s the magical
traditional side of life here; the union, formal hall, subfusc, the words everyone uses that essentially make
it feel like you’re speaking a different language. There are a huge variety of clubs and societies and you can
get involved in anything that takes your fancy, traditional or not. The course is a lot more maths-based
than I anticipated but I have found the maths lectures and topics manageable and interesting. The tutorial
system here is definitely one of the best things about the course. I would recommend Chemistry at Oxford
to anyone who has a passion for learning, the entrance system can seem very scary, but the interviewers
are practised and fair.
At interview they will be looking for the
following qualities:
- Clarity of analysis and presentation of ideas
- Ability to listen and respond to ideas put
forward during discussion, to draw inferences
from them and to work through them.
- Ability to put forward coherent and well
thought out proposals and responses
What can I do after I finish my degree?
Chemistry is a door-opening degree. The chemical
industry is very important for the economy of the
country (pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, fine chemicals
etc.); in addition there are many opportunities in
analytical chemistry, in industry, the environment and in
forensics. In all these areas there are both large and small
companies, all needing well qualified chemists, either
directly from the M. Chem. or following a postgraduate
degree. The Oxford Chemistry department also has an
unrivalled record at commercialising its own inventions
through spin-out companies.
Not all our graduates pursue the subject directly after
their degree, although most continue in an area related to
Chemistry. Some enter conversion or training programmes
for such professions as Law, Teaching and Patent Agency, and
others enter Financial Services, where their quantitative and
analytical training is highly valued.
Get in touch...
Open Days
There’s no better way to find out what Oxford is really like
than to visit us. The Department welcomes pre-arranged
visits throughout the year, but our three University open
days remain the most popular time to visit. You don’t need
to book to attend Open Days. We will give you a tour
of the department, a talk on admissions, a chance to talk to
tutors and students about the course, and in the June/July
open days there is also the opportunity to see the annual
Chemistry Show. You will also have plenty of time to visit
Colleges where you can also talk directly to tutors and
students to help you make your decisions. For details, please
see: http://admissions.chem.ox.ac.uk/open-days.aspx.
Chemistry at Oxford is a four year course leading
to the degree of M. Chem. (with honours). The
course provides a high level education in the
subject with sufficient flexibility to enable students
to specialise in the areas of greatest interest to
them and to venture into overlapping scientific
disciplines.
MChem Chemistry
Is this course for me?
Name: Emily Pritchard
College: Worcester
1st Year
MChem CHEMISTRY
For more information on applying to Oxford, please visit:
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk.
The University’s Admissions Information Centre (admissions
i) at 55 Little Clarendon Street can help answer questions
about applying to undergraduate or graduate degrees
offered by Oxford.
Please contact: +44 (0) 1865 288000 or
[email protected]
The Department’s website www.chem.ox.ac.uk provides
more information on the course, advice on applying,
suggested reading as well as information about the
department itself and its excellent and award winning
research.
If you have any further questions regarding studying
Chemistry at Oxford, please do email:
[email protected]
Department of Chemistry
South Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3QR
Telephone +44 (01865) 272568
You are not expected to know material outside
your normal syllabus, but you will be tested
on how well you understand the material you
have encountered already, whether you have
thought about it and what you can do with
it. This will almost certainly involve applying
principles you know in unfamiliar situations.
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
08/04/2015 10:17
If you are a highly motivated student who
is passionate about studying Chemistry, the
University of Oxford offers an unrivalled
environment in which to study. The course
will introduce many topics that are completely
new to you but is sufficiently wide-ranging that
by the end of the course you will be able to
specialise in any area of Chemistry you wish.
Marcin Konowalczyk
College: Somerville
3rd year
I was advised to apply to Oxford by
my chemistry teacher who himself
studied here. It’s tough and there is
a lot to learn but at no point have I
ever regretted it. There are a lot of
new ideas and viewpoints one has
to assimilate but everything comes
together into a wonderful picture of
the world around us. I love how nice
and helpful the tutors and academic
staff are. There is also plenty of
practical experience in labs, which
aids the course immensely. I’m taking
an active part in running the students
juggling club. I’m men’s captain in
gymnastics club and I visit acrobatics
clubs every now and then, and I have
been juggling for 8 years. A degree
from Oxford opens many doors.
Put lots of effort into your personal
statement and on the interview sit
comfortably.
Name: Adam Stones
College: Oriel
2nd year
I believe that to be the best in the
world, you need to be taught by
the best in the world, and Oxford
has a reputation as a world-leading
university. I expected there to be
more focus on ceremony and tradition
than there actually is. My favourite
area of the course is physical
chemistry: I have a fantastic tutor!
The fantastic thing about chemistry
is its diversity, and the broad skill
set developed through studying
chemistry makes it a highly prized
degree in fields beyond science, for
example in finance and in law. My key
piece of advice is not to talk yourself
into thinking that you’re not clever
enough to get in – if you’re capable of
achieving the entry grades and have
an interest in your subject, then this
is a basis for a stellar application!
Chemistry Brochure print.indd 1
You will be well qualified for this course if you
are studying Chemistry and Mathematics to full
A level or equivalent. Mathematics is essential
because of its importance in the quantitative
parts of the subject. Physics, Biology and
Further Mathematics are also very helpful.
The requirements of colleges may vary slightly,
the Tutor for Admissions at any particular
College may be consulted.
What qualifications will I need?
The standard departmental offer is A*A*A.
Both the A* should be in Science or
Mathematics. General Studies will not
be included in the offer. Typical offers for
other qualifications, such as the International
Baccalaureate, PreU or Scottish Advanced
Highers are available on the Web at:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international-students/international-qualifications
What is the role of the college?
All students who come to Oxford University
are admitted by an Oxford College. Each
college has its own particular history,
ethos, atmosphere and architecture. The
College provides students with affordable
accommodation for at least two (and often
for all four) years of the course, and acts as a
social hub. The extracurricular opportunities
to be found within colleges are almost limitless,
and whatever your interests – music, drama,
sports, politics – there will be a society for
you in Oxford. You can name a College at
the application stage, but it is not necessary
to do this. A third of students happily end
up at a College different to the one they
originally applied to! The College has primary
responsibility for monitoring students’ academic
progress and for supporting them in welfare
issues.
Chemistry students split their working week
between College and Department based
activities: lectures and practical work are
based in the Department, whereas tutorials
and small classes are provided by the College.
Tutorial teaching is one of the features that
makes an Oxford education special. Students
receive at least one tutorial each week:
their tutor will typically set a substantial and
stretching work assignment, and the tutorial is
an opportunity for the student to make sure
that they understand the material, and for the
tutor to ensure that the student is constantly
challenged. The form of the tutorial is flexible,
enabling tutors to tailor methods and material
for their individual students, ensuring that their
students cover the syllabus as efficiently and
deeply as possible.
What are the tutors looking for?
Your application will be assessed on the basis of
the UCAS application form and, if selected, an
interview. The Department is considering the
possibility of introducing an aptitude test, and
you may be asked to take part in a trial.
Your application will be assessed by the
tutors in the College you have applied to
according to the policies laid down by the
Department. They will be looking for evidence
of exceptional academic ability and of your
motivation to study Chemistry. They will base
their judgement on your academic record,
your academic reference and your personal
statement. At present all applicants judged to
have a good chance of success are invited to
interview.
Since visiting Oxford on an Aim Higher school trip in Year 11, it has been my ambition to study there. At
first the course can be a bit of a shock to the system but it’s easy enough to settle in. There’s the magical
traditional side of life here; the union, formal hall, subfusc, the words everyone uses that essentially make
it feel like you’re speaking a different language. There are a huge variety of clubs and societies and you can
get involved in anything that takes your fancy, traditional or not. The course is a lot more maths-based
than I anticipated but I have found the maths lectures and topics manageable and interesting. The tutorial
system here is definitely one of the best things about the course. I would recommend Chemistry at Oxford
to anyone who has a passion for learning, the entrance system can seem very scary, but the interviewers
are practised and fair.
At interview they will be looking for the
following qualities:
- Clarity of analysis and presentation of ideas
- Ability to listen and respond to ideas put
forward during discussion, to draw inferences
from them and to work through them.
- Ability to put forward coherent and well
thought out proposals and responses
What can I do after I finish my degree?
Chemistry is a door-opening degree. The chemical
industry is very important for the economy of the
country (pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, fine chemicals
etc.); in addition there are many opportunities in
analytical chemistry, in industry, the environment and in
forensics. In all these areas there are both large and small
companies, all needing well qualified chemists, either
directly from the M. Chem. or following a postgraduate
degree. The Oxford Chemistry department also has an
unrivalled record at commercialising its own inventions
through spin-out companies.
Not all our graduates pursue the subject directly after
their degree, although most continue in an area related to
Chemistry. Some enter conversion or training programmes
for such professions as Law, Teaching and Patent Agency, and
others enter Financial Services, where their quantitative and
analytical training is highly valued.
Get in touch...
Open Days
There’s no better way to find out what Oxford is really like
than to visit us. The Department welcomes pre-arranged
visits throughout the year, but our three University open
days remain the most popular time to visit. You don’t need
to book to attend Open Days. We will give you a tour
of the department, a talk on admissions, a chance to talk to
tutors and students about the course, and in the June/July
open days there is also the opportunity to see the annual
Chemistry Show. You will also have plenty of time to visit
Colleges where you can also talk directly to tutors and
students to help you make your decisions. For details, please
see: http://admissions.chem.ox.ac.uk/open-days.aspx.
Chemistry at Oxford is a four year course leading
to the degree of M. Chem. (with honours). The
course provides a high level education in the
subject with sufficient flexibility to enable students
to specialise in the areas of greatest interest to
them and to venture into overlapping scientific
disciplines.
MChem Chemistry
Is this course for me?
Name: Emily Pritchard
College: Worcester
1st Year
MChem CHEMISTRY
For more information on applying to Oxford, please visit:
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk.
The University’s Admissions Information Centre (admissions
i) at 55 Little Clarendon Street can help answer questions
about applying to undergraduate or graduate degrees
offered by Oxford.
Please contact: +44 (0) 1865 288000 or
[email protected]
The Department’s website www.chem.ox.ac.uk provides
more information on the course, advice on applying,
suggested reading as well as information about the
department itself and its excellent and award winning
research.
If you have any further questions regarding studying
Chemistry at Oxford, please do email:
[email protected]
Department of Chemistry
South Parks Road
Oxford OX1 3QR
Telephone +44 (01865) 272568
You are not expected to know material outside
your normal syllabus, but you will be tested
on how well you understand the material you
have encountered already, whether you have
thought about it and what you can do with
it. This will almost certainly involve applying
principles you know in unfamiliar situations.
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
www.chem.ox.ac.uk
08/04/2015 10:17