Heriot-Watt University

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This specialism is part of BSc (Hons) Chemistry

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Overview

This degree specialism focusses on a branch of chemistry that uses computer simulation to assist in solving chemical problems. In this specialism you will learn to use methods of theoretical chemistry, incorporated into efficient computer programs, to calculate the structures and properties of molecules and solids.

Computational chemistry is also used to study the fundamental properties of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions, using quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. 

Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Course content

Year 1

Core Chemistry courses with associated practical work in Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, plus courses in Mathematics and Physics.

Year 2

Core Chemistry courses with associated practical work in Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, plus Mathematics courses.

Year 3

Core Chemistry courses with associated practical work in Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, plus Computer Science option.

Year 4

Advanced Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, along with specialist courses. Students on this degree carry out a research project in the area of Computational Chemistry.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Chemistry specialism: Computational Chemistry students are doing 15 months after graduating:

  • 45% are working
  • 35% are studying
  • 10% are working and studying.

In highly skilled work

  • 90% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.

Salary

  • The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £21000
  • The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £24000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:

  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Specialisms