Environmental Chemistry

UCAS code: F141

Here's what University of Plymouth says about its Environmental Chemistry course.

Environmental chemists will play a vital role in tackling global environmental challenges, including sustainability, human health, green energy and protecting the environment. A unique skillset will be developed throughout the programme, ensuring a strong knowledge base in chemistry, with specialism in the environmental science sector to meet society’s sustainability needs for the future.

• Equip yourself for successful employment in a competitive job market – our focus on practical, professional skills means you graduate primed to enter the workplace.

• Benefit from award-winning teaching in small groups and be inspired by staff who are world-leading researchers.

• Hone your practical problem-solving skills in our newly-refurbished laboratories, kitted out with the latest analytical instrumentation.

• Take part in fieldwork in the UK and/or overseas in a variety of locations.

• 70% of assessment is based on coursework.

• Experience chemistry in the real world and boost your employability by taking a placement, work-based project in your final year, or working alongside PhD and post-doctoral researchers in our high specification laboratories.

• A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do.

In your first year, a foundation in core chemistry knowledge will be established, which will be achieved through a combination of workshops, lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, providing you with the essential skills and knowledge for your degree in environmental chemistry. You will also be introduced core aspects of environmental sustainability through critical evaluation of social, environmental and economic aspects of the environmental issues faced by our planet. In your second year you will build on the theoretical and practical areas covered in your first year, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the key areas of chemistry required to become an environmental chemist. You’ll be trained in the use of advanced instrumentation and develop the skills and knowledge to tackle chemical problems in real-life contexts, laying the foundations for more extended projects. Increasing optionality will allow you to begin to forge your own environmental specialism and you will have the option to develop your research skills through a residential field course in the UK or overseas. You can take an optional placement year before completing your degree, an invaluable opportunity to gain workplace experience from research institutes, companies and government organisations. Placements can include Fiberlean Technology, Imerys, the Marine Biological Association, the National Trust and the Eden Project. In your final year, you will develop an understanding of contemporary environmental chemistry, with a focus on developing your skills to a professional standard. You’ll hone your practical skills and project management know-how by planning and undertaking a project with an internationally recognised research group, working with the latest instrumentation and paving your way for successful entry into your profession. You’ll learn how to debate and evaluate contemporary environmental issues, and a choice of modules allows you to pursue your interests, spanning the terrestrial and marine environments. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.