Program Overview

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Chemistry and Physics MSci (Hons) 2025 entry

The MSci in Chemistry and Physics is a five-year Integrated Masters course run by the School of Chemistry and the School of Physics and Astronomy. During the course, you will develop an awareness and appreciation of the latest advances in chemistry and physics in addition to the fundamentals of the subjects. You will receive a high level of general intellectual and scientific training which allows many graduates to enter challenging careers in a variety of science and technology sectors.

Overview

In the first two years, known as subhonours, you will take modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. The flexible nature of the degree programmes at St Andrews means that by appropriate choice of modules in first and second year, you may be able to change your final degree topic during your course.

The knowledge and skills in research and analysis that you gain during the sub-honours years will prepare you to undertake more advanced and specialist modules during your final three (Honours) years.

As you advance in your degree, you are given more flexibility to choose your focus of study, whether that be in theoretical chemistry and physics or in the direct application of chemistry and physics to particular areas of interest such as solids/condensed matter, spectroscopy or photonics.

Entry Requirements

SQA Highers

• Standard entry grades: AAAAB, including an A in all of Chemistry Mathematics and Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: AAAB, including an A in all of Chemistry Mathematics and Physics.
• Gateway entry grades: Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

GCE A-Levels

• Standard entry grades: AAA, including an A in all of Chemistry Mathematics and Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: AAA, including an A in all of Chemistry Mathematics and Physics.

IB points

• Standard entry grades: 38 (HL 6,6,6), including an HL6 in Chemistry and HL6 in both: Mathematics, Physics.
• Minimum entry grades: 36 (HL 6,5,5), including an HL6 in Chemistry and HL5 in both: Mathematics, Physics.

General Entry Requirements

• All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
• SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing science
  • Geography
  • Applications of Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.
• GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

Course Details

Modules

• First year
• Second year
• Honours (years 3, 4 and 5)

Students will take the following compulsory first-year modules:

• Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry: covers origin of the elements and the periodic table, atomic structure, shapes and properties of molecules, chemistry of the elements, properties of solutions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, and mathematical tools for chemistry.
• Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 1: covers bonding in simple molecules, inorganic solids, chemistry of the first-row transition metals, properties of solids, states of matter, and introductory spectroscopy.
• Physics 1A: covers the core elements of mechanics, waves and optics, laboratory work, and the physical properties of matter.
• Physics 1B: covers an introduction to quantum physics, the mechanics of rotation and gravity, lasers, and includes laboratory skills.
• Mathematics: introduces the ideas and techniques required for further study of mathematics or applications to other sciences.

Students are also strongly advised to take:

• Organic and Biological Chemistry 1: covers the structure and nomenclature of simple organic compounds, basic stereochemistry, fundamental organic reaction mechanisms, organic functional groups and their reactions, introductory bioorganic chemistry, and organic spectroscopy.

Each of the compulsory sub-honours modules in chemistry and physics involves a mixture of lecture-based and practical teaching.

Students will take the following compulsory second-year modules:

• Inorganic Chemistry 2: covers metal complexes and organometallics, descriptive transition-metal chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, solid-state chemistry, and descriptive main-group chemistry.
• Physical Chemistry 2: covers quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy and diffraction, and advanced mathematical tools for chemistry.
• Physics 2A: covers mechanics, special relativity, oscillations, thermal physics, and laboratory skills.
• Physics 2B: covers quantum physics, electricity, magnetism and classical waves, and laboratory skills.
• Linear Mathematics: introduces the theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformations, and diagonalisation.
• Multivariate Calculus: extends the techniques of calculus in a single variable to the setting of real functions of several variables.

Each of the compulsory sub-honours modules in chemistry and physics involves a mixture of lecture-based and practical teaching.

The knowledge and skills in research and analysis that you gain during the sub-honours years will prepare you to undertake more advanced and specialist modules during your final three (Honours) years.

In third year, you will take a mixture of core and specialist modules in chemistry, which may include topics such as:

• quantum theory of atoms, molecules, and solids
• statistical mechanics and computational chemistry
• advanced spectroscopic methods
• surface science
• functional materials and electrons in solids
• nanostructured materials
• energy conversion and storage

You will also develop your practical, technical, and research skills with chemistry laboratory modules.

Fourth year normally contains the core physics modules, covering:

• atomic, nuclear, and particle physics
• condensed matter physics
• electromagnetism
• mathematics
• quantum mechanics from a physics perspective
• thermal and statistical physics
• a choice of physics lab or advanced condensed matter

A module on studies in physics and chemistry works on developing skills in literature research and in oral and written communication, providing another opportunity to integrate the chemistry and physics learning.

In the final (fifth) year, students will undertake a substantial research project, which can involve both or one of the Schools, and is often done with one or more of the research teams. The remaining content for the year is chosen from a selection of modules. The project aims to develop skills in experimental design and problem solving, evaluation and interpretation of data, independent working, and both oral and written communication.

Teaching

Fees

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man: £9,535
• EU and overseas: £31,670

Careers

St Andrews chemistry and physics graduates are in high demand by large multinational and grassroots companies alike. The Chemistry and Physics degree provides a range of highly desirable skills that are prized by employers across numerous sectors, including:

• the ability to determine what information is needed to solve a problem, and a knowledge of where to find or generate such information
• applicable mathematical and computational techniques and where to use them
• knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemical and physical laws and principles
• the ability to analyse data and evaluate the level of uncertainty in results
• practical and technical skills in the synthesis and analysis of new compounds
• skills to identify relevant principles and laws of physics when dealing with problems
• the ability to assess and manage risk
• communication skills including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Graduates from the Schools of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy have found employment in fields including:

• banking and commerce
• biophysics
• chemical technologies (manufacturing and processing)
• computing
• the semiconductor industry
• geophysics and geochemistry
• meteorology
• research and development in industry and in government agencies
• patenting
• software development
• teaching

Many MSci graduates continue on to PhD-level degrees both in the UK and overseas.