BSc in Chemical Sciences
- GenBESTARI
- 3 years
- 120 MC
- September intake
The core undergraduate modules for the Bachelor of Science major in Chemical Sciences cover basic, intermediate, and advanced topics in analytical, environmental, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Students participate in lectures, tutorials, seminars, hands-on practical classes, and a final year project. In addition to essential laboratory techniques, computing and IT skills are integrated into the curriculum because employers increasingly seek graduates who are not only computer literate but also capable of applying these skills to modeling and simulation tasks. Furthermore, as modern laboratory instruments are largely computerized, learning to operate and understand this equipment forms an integral part of these undergraduate modules.
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific module, but most incorporate a combination of coursework—such as practical reports, assignments, tests, and seminars—alongside final examinations.
Degree Structure
The degree totals 120 modular credits: 60 MC of Programme Modules in Chemical Sciences, 20 MC of Advanced Specialisation, the 8-MC Lestari Pathway, 12 MC of Gateway Modules, and a 20-MC Discovery Year taken in Semester 4.
Programme Modules — 60 MC
| # | Code | Module | MC | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SPC-1201 | Essential Laboratory Skills I | 4 | Major Core |
| 2 | SPC-1202 | Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry | 4 | Major Core |
| 3 | SPC-1203 | Fundamentals of Physical and Spectroscopic Chemistry | 4 | Major Core |
| 4 | SPC-2201 | Essential Laboratory Skills II | 4 | Major Core |
| 5 | SPC-2202 | Chemistry of Functional Groups and Transition Metals | 4 | Major Core |
| 6 | SPC-2203 | Principles of Equilibria and Analytical Methods | 4 | Major Core |
| 7 | SPC-2204 | Organic Synthesis and Reactivity | 4 | Major Core |
| 8 | SPC-2205 | Molecular Symmetry and Organometallic Chemistry | 4 | Major Core |
| 9 | SPC-2206 | Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Kinetics | 4 | Major Core |
| 10 | SPC-2207 | Frontiers in Analytical Chemistry | 4 | Major Core |
| 11 | SPC-2208 | Core Chemical Laboratory | 8 | Major Core |
| 12 | SPC-3201 | Research Project | 8 | Major Core |
| 13 | SPC-3301 | Reactive Intermediates in Organic Syntheses | 2 | Major Option |
| 14 | SPC-3302 | Inorganic Materials Chemistry | 2 | Major Option |
Advanced Specialisation — 20 MC
| # | Code | Module | MC | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | SPC-3401 | Advanced Chemical Laboratory | 6 | Elective |
| 16 | SPC-3402 | Quantum Chemistry | 2 | Elective |
| 17 | SPC-3403 | Environmental Chemistry | 2 | Elective |
| 18 | SPC-3404 | Molecules of Life | 2 | Elective |
| 19 | SPC-3405 | Chemistry of Carbocycles | 2 | Elective |
| 20 | SPC-3406 | Semiconductors as Photocatalysts | 2 | Elective |
| 21 | SPC-3407 | Metals in Biological Systems | 2 | Elective |
| 22 | SPC-3408 | Surface Reactions and Catalysis | 2 | Elective |
| 23 | SPC-3409 | Electrochemical Principles and Applications | 2 | Elective |
| 24 | SPC-3410 | Food Chemistry and Chemical Analysis of Food | 2 | Elective |
| 25 | SPC-3411 | Biosensors, Biochips and Nanobiotechnology | 2 | Elective |
Elective modules for other UBD students
Teaching and assessment
Students will attend lectures, tutorial, seminars and hands-on practical classes. As part of their major core requirement, students will also conduct research projects under the supervision of academic staff. Assessment methods vary depending on the type of modules taken and most of the modules involve both coursework-based assessment (such as practical reports, assignments, tests and seminars) and examination.
Facilities
The Chemical Sciences section is ably equipped with modern scientific instrumentation to provide the students with hands-on experiences in using these instruments during practical classes and final year projects. These instruments include CHN analyser, GC-MS, HPLC, UF-HPLC, IC, FTIR, UV-Vis spectrometers, AAS, ICP-OES, Voltammetric analyzers, automated Kjedahl total protein analyzer, automated total fat analyzer, automated fiber analyzer, PCR, electrochemical analyzer, electrochemiluminescence analyzer, ELISA reader, fluoro-spectrometers and many more.
Careers
There are many career paths available to chemistry graduates. Chemistry graduates work in many different capacities from finance to sales in multinational companies such as Shell, TOTAL, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes; and in the government sector – in Health, Environment, Water Services, Fisheries and the Agriculture. Graduates may go on to study chemical engineering, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or other advanced qualifications.
Many chemists work in research and development. They investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reactions of substances. This information is used to create new products and processes, or improve existing ones. Chemists also work in production and quality control in chemical manufacturing plants. They prepare instructions for plant workers, which specify ingredients, mixing times, and temperatures for each stage in the process. They monitor automated processes to ensure proper product yield, and they test samples to certify that the product meets industry and government standards.
Entry requirements and how to apply
Admission to all five FOS Major Programmes uses the same entry and English-language requirements, and students declare their Major by Week 8 of the first semester.