UCAS code: F333

Duration: 5 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Chemistry

College: Science and Engineering

Introducing MChemPhys Chemical Physics

Chemical physics is an interdisciplinary subject that cuts across two major fields of physical science.

From the fundamental physics of individual atoms and molecules to soft and hard condensed matter physics. From dealing with matter from the molecules of life to the latest technological materials.

A modern chemical physicist is equipped with the tools to make contributions to a sustainable, secure and healthy future for the coming generations, through the development of:

efficient renewable energy sources
smart materials and devices
targeted medicinal therapies

A chemical physics degree from our University provides the framework for understanding the properties of matter, from the fundamentals to the latest research.

The degree focuses on the wide range of analytical and experimental skills necessary to practice the subject. It also provides insight into research through a final-year research project working at the cutting edge of the subject.

Accreditation

This degree programme is accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.

What you will study

The MChemPhys degree programme covers topics in all branches of the discipline, from the fundamentals to the most advanced understanding and application.

In the early years, we will provide a solid foundation in the core subjects of:

chemistry
mathematics
physics

The extra year of study (compared to the corresponding BSc degree) will introduce you to more advanced knowledge, with a focus on the skills needed for original scientific research, including:

methods
intellectual approaches
practical skills
associated IT skills

You will develop greater leadership and organisational skills through group-based learning and open-ended projects.

In your final year, you will gain hands-on experience of research and carry out an in-depth individual research project with a choice of location and content.

Year 1

In Year 1 you will study chemistry, physics and mathematics by taking:

the same introductory chemistry course as those for the other chemistry degrees
physics and mathematics courses taught by the School of Physics and Astronomy

The chemistry and physics courses each include a six-hour laboratory practical programme every week.

Year 2

You will continue with your chemistry, physics and mathematics courses.

You will take the following courses:

Physics and Fields of Matter
Dynamics and Vector Calculus
Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus
Modern Physics
Chemistry for Chemical Physics 2
Programming and Data Analysis or Experimental Physics 2

In the Chemistry 2 and Practical Physics courses, you will continue to train in:

computer programming
data analysis
experimental laboratory techniques

Year 3

You will take a modified version of the Year 3 chemistry courses that cover the same material in physical and, inorganic chemistry.

You will also take the following physics courses:

Fourier Analysis
Statistical Mechanics
Electromagnetism
Computer Modelling or Experimental Physics 3
Quantum Mechanics

Year 4

In your penultimate year, you will take a mix of taught courses in chemistry and physics.

You will also take a laboratory-based research training course to prepare for your final year project.

Year 5

In your final year, you can choose to do one of the following:

work on a project in one of our cutting-edge research groups

join a research group in one of our partner universities around the world

apply to take a paid industrial placement at one of our industrial partner companies

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/24-25/dpt/utchphymchem.htm