Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a 60-credit introductory science module, then continue with another 60-credit science module.
- At Stage 2, you’ll study one 60-credit module and two 30-credit credits modules. Plus attend a lab school.
- At Stage 3, you’ll study a 60-credit module and a 30-credit module, plus attend a lab school. You’ll complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
Stage 1 starts with an interdisciplinary broad science module in which you’ll investigate a series of questions that teach scientific thinking. Your next science module focuses on further key ideas in science and includes distinct practical blocks.
In Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit module covering essential concepts in chemistry and attend a lab school. Next, you’ll study two 30-credit chemistry modules.
| Modules | Credits |
|---|
| You'll study all four of the following: |
|---|
| Chemistry: essential concepts (S215) | 60 |
| Laboratory skills for chemistry (SXS021) – planned for April 2021 | 0 |
| Investigative approaches in biology and chemistry (S285) – planned for October 2021 | 30 |
| Chemistry in life (S248) – planned for October 2021 | 30 |
In Stage 3, you’ll study a 60-credit module and a 30-credit module, exploring chemistry in the context of both the natural world and the synthetic world. You’ll also attend a further lab school. You’ll complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2020.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying mainly online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- undertaking practical work using campus-based and online laboratories
- working with specialist reading material such as scientific journals
- using specialist software
- working in a group with other students
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- finding external/third party material online.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.
For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you'll be awarded the BSc (Honours) Chemistry degree. The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third-class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success
- Stage 1 includes a compulsory module, Questions in science (S111) – check you’re ready to study this module.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
Preparing for study with an Access module
If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! The OU offers Access modules designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study, and you may be eligible to study an Access module for free! You’ll get:
- a personal tutor providing regular feedback with one to one telephone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback.
For this qualification we recommend:
Science, technology and maths Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It'll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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Skills for career development
By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market – such as analytical, numerical and communication skills, teamworking, problem solving and proficiency in using computers. You’ll also have a good understanding of where your strengths and interests lie, and be well prepared for your next step – whether it’s further study or employment.
Employers also look for evidence of experience of the workplace to support the skills gained through the degree. To succeed, graduates will need to be flexible and multi-skilled, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
Career relevance
Chemistry graduates are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment, so graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.
Growth areas are predicted to be: environment, energy and sustainability; biotechnology and biomedical engineering; healthcare; telecommunications; pharmaceuticals; bioinformatics; and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).
Employers include central and local government, the NHS, the water industry, food and drink companies, media and communications, the horticultural industry, multinational oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, conservation bodies and universities – in roles such as:
- research and investigation
- product design and development
- analysis and diagnostics
- science information management
- science communication
- scientific sales
- exploration and extraction of natural resources
- health and healthcare related professions
- waste management, recycling and sustainability
- environmental management, protection and conservation
- teaching (science is a shortage subject at secondary school level, so there may be incentives to train as a chemistry teacher).
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- science teacher
- science technical writer
- analytical scientist
- forensic scientist
- nanotechnologist
- food technologist
- pharmaceutical development scientist
- science communicator
- environmental consultant
- patent attorney.