MChem Chemistry with Data Science

Study with us

• The only course of its kind in Scotland to blend the study of chemistry with data science

• Bespoke data science modules designed and delivered by expert chemistry researchers

• Digital technologies will enable chemical sciences researchers to see further and go faster, working seamlessly across disciplinary and international boundaries

• Graduates with this degree will possess a unique skill set that combines expertise in traditional chemistry with proficiency in data analysis, making them highly sought after in various industries

Why this course?

The future of chemistry is resilient, digitally enhanced, multidisciplinary and globally connected. Digital technologies will enable chemical sciences researchers to see further and go faster, working seamlessly across disciplinary and international boundaries. Having tools such as these at our disposal will herald in a new era of discovery, and one which promises to deliver bigger and more significant improvements to the world we live in.

In this course, you’ll study core chemistry classes blended with specialist courses on coding (Python), chemical informatics, AI and machine learning, and software engineering and high-performance computing.

Graduates of this course will have excellent employment opportunities for multi-disciplinary data science jobs as well as all the usual careers open to a graduate chemist.

You will gain career-relevant experience during a 12-month industrial placement. You can also spend this placement year abroad.

It’s possible to switch between other MChem courses and also the following shorter BSc degrees within the first three years:

• BSc (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Drug Discovery

What you’ll study

You'll study foundation classes in Chemistry and Mathematics. You'll also attend a specialist class in coding, Python 101 for Chemists.

In later years, you'll study subjects including Fundamental Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, and laboratory work increases. You will also attend specialist classes in Chemical Informatics.

In Year 4, MChem students undertake a paid 12-month industrial placement. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements are also available.

In Year 5, in addition to studying core chemistry topics, you'll specialise in data science, through classes such as AI and machine learning, and software engineering and high-performance computing. Year 5 is also when you undertake a fully independent project researching cutting-edge chemistry.

Work placement

You’ll undertake a paid 12-month placement in the chemical industry, either in the UK or abroad. Research and Knowledge Exchange placements within the Department's 'Chemistry Clinic' are also available.

The Strathclyde chemistry industrial placement scheme is one of the longest-running in the UK, and more than 70 students are placed with companies each year.

Major projects

You’ll complete a research project in one of our specialist research laboratories in your final year when you'll work with full-time researchers on real chemistry challenges.

Student competitions

Strathclyde chemistry students also compete successfully for national awards. In recent years, our students have won:

• Salters’ Graduate prize (£1,000)
• Low Carbon Undergraduate of the Year Award
• Carnegie Scholarship
• Most Meritorious Student award from the Forensic Science Society

The Dean of Science recognises exceptional performance each year through the Dean’s certificate for the best students in the Faculty.

Students can also win prizes including:

• P&G Bursary (£1,000 a year plus a one-year paid industrial placement)
• Chemistry International Alumni Ambassadors UG award for overseas travel (£1,000)
• Group third-year Poster Competition sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
• The RSC Prize in Analytical Chemistry
• Andersonian Centenary Medal Prize
• Beilby and Huddleston Prize
• ICI Chemical and Polymers Group Andersonian Centenary Prize
• GlaxoSmithKline Prize
• Syngenta Prize

Guest lectures

The Andersonian Chemical Society (the longest-running student organisation in the UK) organises guest speakers and other events, including very popular social events.

Learning & teaching

Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes, which relate to different areas of chemistry and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.

In Years 1 to 3, lectures give you the essential knowledge and understanding required by all chemistry graduates. This is supported by small and large group tutorials. Chemistry is a practical subject and you'll gain training in all branches of mainstream practical chemistry.

Your fourth year is a 12-month industrial placement. You’ll continue your studies through distance learning assignments.

In your final year, you’ll study advanced chemistry and complete an independent research project in your chosen field.