Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry at University of Malta

The main aims of this programme are to develop in students: 
• a broad and balanced appreciation of the core areas of chemistry : inorganic, organic, physical, biological and analytical chemistry, as well as basic knowledge in computational chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, catalysis, colloids, solid-fluid and fluid-fluid interfaces, environmental chemistry, photochemistry and radiochemsitry; 
• a range of practical skills in the main areas of chemistry: inorganic, organic, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry in order that they can understand and assess risks and work safely in a chemical laboratory; 
• basic knowledge of the application of chemistry in the pharmaceutical industry;
• generic skills in the context of chemistry which are transferable and thus applicable in other contexts;
• the ability to apply standard methodology to the solution of problems in chemistry; 
• a knowledge and skills base from which they can proceed to graduate employment or to further studies in chemistry or multi-disciplinary areas involving chemistry.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

At the end of the programme students will be able to:
• recall and explain of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject areas as identified above; 
• apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of both qualitative and quantitative problems in chemistry;
• recognise and analyse problems and plan strategies for their solution; 
• evaluate, interpret and produce chemical information and data; 
• apply theory using computer software and models; 
• apply information technology (IT) and data-processing skills, relating to chemical information and data;
• communicate scientific material and arguments both in written and verbal form.

Practical skills

At the end of the programme students will be able:
• handle chemical materials safely, 
• conduct risk assessments 
• documented laboratory procedures involved in experimental work in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry 
• record experimental work reliably;
• operate standard chemical instrumentation 
• assess the limits of accuracy of experimental data.

Generic Skills

At the end of the programme students will be able to:
• display skills in written and oral communication; 
• solve problems of both a qualitative and a quantitative nature;
• apply numerical and mathematical methods areas outside the field of study.;
• seek and retrieve information ;
• use IT effectively;
• work in a group;
• organise one’s work and manage time effectively.

Course intended for

Whilst all programmes of study in Chemistry prepare graduates for a career in the chemical science and related areas such as laboratory analysis and management, by virtue of the units offered in this programme, the course is aimed at producing chemists for the pharmaceutical industry, biochemical industry and environmental chemistry.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

The course provides the necessary academic background for a chemistry career in industrial and teaching environments and fulfils the requirements for postgraduate studies at Masters or Doctoral level in chemistry and related subjects.