BSc Chemistry (Education) (Capital Normal University)
ApplyKey facts
Eligibility: Available only to eligible students from CNU
Scholarship: 15% scholarship
Study with us
- Become part of our international community which is home to over 30,000 students from more than 140 countries
- English language classes available before and during your studies
- Spend Years 2 and 3 at Strathclyde before returning to CNU for Year 4
- After completing your Year 3 studies, you will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (Education) from Strathclyde
Why this course?
At Strathclyde, you’ll build on your studies at CNU to study both Pure and Applied Chemistry alongside modules in education. The Strathclyde Year 2 and 3 BSc Chemistry (Education) programme is an adaptable course that allows learners to study the key academic sub-disciplines of chemistry. The programme provides a focused, multi-disciplinary and progressive knowledge of chemistry to prepare students for employment in the chemical and chemistry-using industries. Students are equipped with a comprehensive and diverse understanding of chemical principles and hands-on abilities, enabling them to apply both theoretical and practical knowledge to solve global chemical challenges.
In addition, the programme includes education modules taught by experts in the School of Education, to ensure students gain relevant knowledge of teaching that can be used as a foundation to a future teaching career. Across both years of study at Strathclyde students will undertake complementary theoretical and practical modules to augment the discipline-based learning.
When you complete and pass your second and third-year modules you will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry (Education) from Strathclyde before returning to your final year of study at CNU.
Why Strathclyde?
Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning university. We’re delighted to be the only university to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012 and 2019).
We offer a flexible, innovative learning environment, where you’ll enjoy a first-class experience. We're currently transforming our campus, with investment set to reach £1 billion by 2025. This includes a new Learning & Teaching hub which will further enhance the learning environment for our students. The campus also has a dedicated sports facility, Strathclyde Sport, which offers a range of sports and wellbeing facilities.
Our campus is located in the city centre of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest and most vibrant city. The National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city!
Glasgow is also the gateway to Scotland, with an international airport and excellent travel links to explore and visit Scotland’s most scenic locations including the Scottish Highlands and Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, during your time studying at Strathclyde.
Accommodation
We provide secure accommodation on campus for eligible students. Our accommodation is close to the main University buildings, library, computer labs, sports facilities and the Students’ Union.
Our dedicated Accommodation Services team are located in the campus village and the Student Village Reception is open 24 hours every day, with the experienced team always available to help you.
Chinese students studying at Strathclyde
Chinese students studying in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics offer a strong support network to new students. The Chinese Students & Scholars Association at Strath Union also offers the opportunity to meet students who study in other departments, through their regular social events and opportunities to go on trips to other areas of Scotland.
Chat to a student ambassador
If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Science student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Course content
The bespoke chemistry lecture programme closely follows our standard curriculum but it is modified to enable educational modules to be incorporated. Laboratory work is a major component of the programme, and the practical skills that you gain will be complemented by completing our graduate and employability skills programme.
Semester 1 & 2
Fundamental Organic Chemistry (20 Credits)
This module covers the fundamental principles of infra-red, ultra-violet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy; develops competence in the interpretation of spectra and the your awareness of the role of spectroscopic techniques. It will also develop your knowledge of reactions, understanding of mechanisms and appreciation of the role of reactivity in organic chemistry.
Physical Chemistry
This module provides a broad knowledge of the important concepts in fundamental physical chemistry, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry and energy resources. The emphasis is on the useful application of knowledge to real examples and this 20-credit module covers both semesters. Topics include:
- enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy
- determining reaction feasibility from thermodynamic relations
- phase changes
- the importance of reaction rates in chemical systems
- studying reaction mechanisms from kinetic data
- equilibrium electrochemistry
- electron transfer kinetics
- batteries, fuel cells and corrosion science
- the composition & utilisation of fossil fuels with reference to their environmental pollutants
- renewable energy sources
Forensic Trace Analysis and Analytical Chemistry (20 Credits)
This module provides fundamental concepts of separation science and outlines its importance in obtaining information about analytes in a sample. Also covers the fundamental concepts of recovery of trace evidence and treatment of materials to provide identification. You're taught how to handle, examine and assess errors in chemical measurements.
Practical Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
In this laboratory module, you'll receive practical training in topics contained in the organic chemistry lectures. You'll develop basic laboratory skills in preparative chemistry and analysis and gain experience in the applications of spectroscopy and common instrumental techniques. This module also includes a Graduate and Employability Skills component.
Practical Physical, Applied & Analytical Chemistry
You'll conduct experiments and gain practical experience of the theoretical aspects covered in your physical and analytical chemistry lectures. You'll also develop skills in:
- the measurement of physical chemistry phenomena
- observation
- the use of statistical methods
- interpretation of data
- the writing of laboratory and court reports
Semester 2
Understanding Education in the 21st Century
This module introduces you to the core concepts of modern educational theory, incorporating different styles of learning and their related pedagogies. The importance of reflective practice in teaching and learning is emphasised.
Physics Summer School 1
The course will cover three main areas:
- mechanics
- waves
- electrostatics
It will be delivered through directed reading, recorded lecture videos, quizzes and problem-solving activities. We will have on-campus/online tutorials to work through problems together. This 10-credit module is taken in the summer period between years two and three of the course.
Semester 1 & 2
Physical Chemistry
This module provides an understanding of intermolecular forces and their importance in defining key aspects of chemical behaviour and molecular organisation. It introduces:
- surface chemistry and the common systems in which it plays a major role
- the electronic structure of atoms and molecules through the prism of quantum chemistry
- group theory and how it can be applied to the determination of the symmetry of molecules and their properties
- the principles of bonding in molecules as described by valence bond and molecular orbital theories
Practical Physical, Applied & Analytical Chemistry
You'll conduct experiments and gain practical experience of the theoretical aspects covered in lectures. You'll also develop skills in:
- the demonstration of physical chemical principles
- observation
- the use of statistical methods
- interpretation of data
- the writing of laboratory and court reports
Analytical Chemistry & Drugs of Abuse (20 Credits)
This module covers the fundamental analytical methods and advanced theories in chromatography, mass spectrometry and electroseparations.
It introduces the concept of experimental design and its application in analytical, forensic and preparative chemistry, and how to perform analytical calculations and interpret data. The analytical procedures used to identify substances controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, the Medicines Act 1968 and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
You're introduced to methods of clandestine synthesis and how drug profiling can identify the synthetic route used. The pharmacology of drugs of abuse and the various biological matrices used in drug screening will also be described.
Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy (20 Credits)
This module teaches you modern NMR spectroscopy as it is applied to chemistry. It covers:
- skills for handling and interpreting NMR data for the purposes of chemical structure elucidation
- theoretical basis of the NMR experiment using the vector formalism
- reactivities of organic molecules
- organic syntheses using the disconnection approach
- synthesis and reactivities of electron-poor and electron-rich heterocyclic molecules
It provides an insight into the role of computational chemistry in chemical research and training in the use of modern computational chemistry software.
Semester 2
Education & Learning
Learning objectives:
- Research and manage a wide range of information about education and learning
- Identify key issues and questions in the fields of education and learning
- Draw logical and justified conclusions about key aspects of education and learning
- Think critically and analyse situations and information in relation to education and learning
- Enquire and pursue critical questions in the fields education and learning
- Reflect on your own experience of education and learning
Module assessment:
Students will write an essay of around 2500 words.
Learning & teaching
Students are motivated to learn and develop a passion and excitement for chemistry whilst offering a thought-provoking and fulfilling educational journey. Research and pedagogically led learning and teaching environments allow learners to explore the forefront of chemical development in theory and in practice.
Chemical science industries, research organisations and educators require highly skilled and motivated graduates; this programme will equip students with the necessary toolkit to self-propel into a successful graduate career in chemistry. Students learn how to solve global problems using problem-based or inquiry-based learning methods, apply teamwork skills and manage their educational journey. Awareness of global issues such as equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), sustainability and ethics run through taught and practical chemistry and education modules ensuring graduates become global citizens.
The University offers four hours per week of free in-sessional English classes throughout the academic year to help students improve their English both for studying and everyday communication.
Assessment
Assessment methods include short answer class tests, multiple choice tests, end of year written examinations, oral presentations and group project work.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | This degree programme is only available to students from Capital Normal University (CNU) who have completed year one of the BSc Chemistry (Education) with a minimum of 70% average. |
---|---|
English language requirements | A minimum overall English language proficiency score of IELTS 6.0 (with no score below 5.5) is required. We also accept alternative English language qualifications, please contact us for further information. If you need additional support to meet our English language conditions, you may wish to consider our Pre-sessional courses in English. If you already meet our English language requirements and wish to undertake pre-sessional English classes, you can register for our three-week Online Module 3, which takes place between August and September. This is free of charge if you go on to register on the BSc Chemistry (Education) degree. |
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Fees & funding
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
Republic of Ireland | If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
---|---|
International | £25,250 |
Additional costs | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Scholarships | All students will receive a 15% scholarship |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Careers
The BSc Chemistry (Education) programme focuses on the primacy of the discipline enabling the acquisition of knowledge in the core subjects. Learners engage in education research led and pedigogically led teaching to ensure students can enter a broad base of opportunities in the chemical and chemical-related industries. In addition, graduates also develop an array of graduate attributes and employability skills (such as the education-based modules) to develop an array of competencies. This opens the door to a wide range of graduate and professional opportunities in education, national and local government, hospitals, patent agencies, as well as in the financial sector.
Careers Service
Our Careers Service provides career information, advice and guidance to help our students and graduates achieve their career goals. Support is also provided to graduates up to five years after graduation. The Careers Service team regularly host on-campus seminars and events which provide opportunities for students and graduates to network with employers and industry professionals.
Apply
This degree programme is only available to eligible students from CNU, following the successful completion of one year of study on the BSc Chemistry (Education) degree.
You'll typically receive your offer of admission within four weeks of applying.
Our dedicated Admissions Team are available to support you every step of the way.
Start date: Sep 2025
(2 year entry)