School of Chemistry

On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about starting your studies at the School of Chemistry.

Scroll to the section that applies to you – new undergraduate (A), returning (B) or new MSc postgraduate (C) student. We’ve also included some helpful links at the end of the page to direct you to anything else you might need.

If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.


A. I’m a new undergraduate student

A1. What do I need to do before I arrive?

First, you’ll need to complete registration. Then, if your programme has optional modules, you’ll need to research the available options and enrol for your chosen modules by Friday 29 September.

You may also choose to enrol onto some discovery modules, as specified in your programme. View the modules and requirements for your programme. We’ll provide further advice about optional modules in induction week. Natural Sciences students will be enrolled onto their subjects and modules prior to your induction and we will contact you separately about this. 

As well as registering and enrolling for your modules, you’ll need to complete the University IT induction, including setting up two-factor authentication and accessing your email account. You should also log on to Minerva (our virtual learning environment) to have a look around the induction area on the Chemistry Minerva Organisation (you can find this by clicking on Organisations when you log onto Minerva). 

We’ll email you a timetable of induction events closer to your arrival date – make sure you review this and put dates in your diary. You might want to revisit your A-level (or equivalent) notes.

A2. What does my induction timetable look like?

The induction timetable will be available by the end of August. There’ll be a general welcome session on the first Monday morning. Further details (including information for Joint Honours and Natural Sciences students) will be available on the Chemistry Minerva Organisation.

A3. What will my teaching be like?

In Chemistry, theory modules will be taught by a combination of face-to-face sessions including lectures (up to 200 students), large group workshops (up to 70 students) and small group tutorials (8 students), together with online material including some recorded screencasts – we’ll give you more details about your timetable in induction week. For Chemistry and Maths and Natural Sciences students, teaching in your other disciplines is likely to be organised in a similar way.

First year students studying Chemistry are scheduled to complete practical work on Thursdays and Fridays each week. You may not be in the laboratory for all of this time; some activities will take place online or in computer clusters.

For Natural Sciences students, the arrangements for laboratory sessions in different Schools may vary. The University expects that you’ll attend all timetabled face-to-face sessions; this is particularly important in the case of laboratory classes.

A4. How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?

Read about how your academic personal tutor can support you.There’ll be a ‘meet your personal tutor’ session in induction week. 

Subsequently, you should meet your personal tutor individually, either online or in person, at least twice during the semester to discuss your general progress. In addition, all first year students studying Chemistry will meet with their tutor and tutor group each week for academic tutorials aligned to the introductory chemistry module CHEM1101. 

A5. Where can I go for support?

A6. Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?

If you need support with English language skills, we have a dedicated lecturer in English for Academic Purposes, Natasha Rust who can help with this. Email Natasha at n.rust@leeds.ac.uk.

For other academic support, you can email Suzy Beck from the University Library skills@library Learning Development Team at s.e.beck@leeds.ac.uk or contact your academic personal tutor.

A7. How will I find out more about my programme?

There’ll be sessions dedicated to explaining how your programme works during induction week.

A8. How will I get to know other students?

You’ll first meet other students on your programme during welcome week. As part of the induction events, you will be introduced to your tutorial group and peer mentor group. These are small groups of students that meet each week in Semester 1 for academic tutorials and peer mentor sessions (for Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry and Maths students, and Natural Sciences students taking chemistry).  

You’ll get to know more students in your cohort through workshops (where you will often work together in small groups), lab classes (where you may sometimes work in pairs) and at lectures.

Further opportunities to meet new people (including students from other years) include social events organised by the student-led Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) and Natural Sciences Society (NatSciSoc).

A9. What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to Chemistry?

A series of events will take place in induction week, including the ‘meet your personal tutor’ event and a tour of the Chemistry building (for those studying Chemistry).

A10. Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?

We strongly recommend that you have a laptop or tablet PC running Windows 10 or 11. However, if you already own another device there is no need to buy another one. The University has many computer clusters with PCs for you to use including in the Chemistry building.

All students studying Chemistry modules will need to have access to Microsoft Office. You can download Microsoft Office Applications for free from Office365 using your University login. 

Other software will be available free of charge through AppsAnywhere; a web-based portal that can be accessed with your university login. To use AppsAnywhere on your personal computer you will need to install the Cloudpaging Player. View more information about installing AppsAnywhere and the Cloudpaging Player.

Finally, you may need to use the University’s Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) to access some software from your personal device off campus.

A11. Where can I access resources for my degree? 

Minerva is the University’s virtual learning environment and the first port-of-call for information about your modules and teaching, learning and assessment resources associated with them.

A12. Do I need to provide my core reading texts?  

The core texts for level 1 students in Chemistry will be provided to you either in hard copy or e-book format.

A13. What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?

In addition to the virtual learning environment (Minerva), other resources are available to you; teaching rooms, University facilities including IT clusters and libraries, and our teaching and support staff.

As a student studying Chemistry you’ll have access to our well-equipped teaching laboratories where you’ll receive a significant amount of face-to-face teaching even in your first year. In your final year, as part of a research project, you’ll have access to research laboratories with cutting-edge facilities.

A14. What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

Course representatives act as intermediaries between staff and students, asking their fellow students about their experiences and opinions, and raising those issues at student-staff fora or directly with the School representatives. They are a vital link in maintaining the student voice and promoting a sense of community among the student cohorts. You’ll be given information about volunteering in induction week.

A15. Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?

Yes, the student-led Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) and Natural Sciences Society (NatSciSoc). You can find out more information about these and other LUU societies on the LUU website.

A16. Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?

Yes, each tutor group is assigned one or two peer mentors, who are students from the same programme but in higher years, who’ll help you with settling in during the first few weeks.

A17. How does assessment work on my programme?

The Chemistry laboratory modules are assessed by continuous assessment of laboratory reports and other exercises. Non-lab modules may be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Details of the assessment of individual modules will be explained at the start of each module.


B. I’m a returning student

B1. How will my programme be delivered this year?

The details of teaching methods expected on each module can be found on the module catalogue. The University expects that you will attend all timetabled face-to-face sessions; this is particularly important in the case of laboratory classes.

B2. What do I need to do before I arrive?

You will need to enrol for your modules and complete registration.

We recommend that you have a look around the Chemistry Minerva Organisation (you can find this by clicking on Organisations when you log onto Minerva). If you’re a Chemistry and Maths or Natural Sciences student, there is also a Joint Honours and Natural Sciences SharePoint (you’ll receive further information about this in your arrival guide).

You’ll be sent a timetable of induction events closer to your arrival date – make sure you review this and put dates in your diary. You might want to revisit your notes from last year so you’re ready to continue your studies.

B3. What does my induction timetable look like?

Your induction timetable will be available by the end of August. Further details (including for Joint Honours and Natural Sciences students) will be available on the Chemistry Minerva Organisation.

B4. How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?

You’ll be invited to meet your academic personal tutor 1-to-1 in the first or second week of the semester, and should meet at least once per semester thereafter. 

Academic personal tutors can be contacted at other times and you should feel free to ask for a meeting if there are issues that you would like to discuss.

B5. Where can I go for support?

B6. Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?

If you need support with English language skills, we have a dedicated lecturer in English for Academic Purposes, Natasha Rust who can help with this. Email Natasha at n.rust@leeds.ac.uk.

For other academic support, you can email Suzy Beck from the University Library skills@library Learning Development Team at s.e.beck@leeds.ac.uk or contact your academic personal tutor.

B7. How will I find out more about my programme?

There’ll be sessions dedicated to explaining how your programme works during induction week.

B8. How will I get to know other students?

You’ll meet other students in your cohort in workshops in induction week, on your modules (workshops will often involve students working together in small groups) and in lab classes. Social events will be organised by the student-led Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) and Natural Sciences Society (NatSciSoc).

B9. What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to Chemistry?

A series of events will take place in induction week, details of which will be available in the induction timetable.

B10. Do I need to provide my core reading texts?  

The core texts for level 2 students in Chemistry will be provided to you either in hard copy or e-book format. At higher levels there are no core texts but recommended reading can usually be accessed via the University library.

B11. What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

Course representatives act as intermediaries between staff and students, asking their fellow students about their experiences and opinions, and raising those issues at student-staff fora or directly with the school representatives. They are a vital link in maintaining the student voice and promoting a sense of community among the student cohorts. You’ll be given information about volunteering in induction week.

B12. Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?

Yes, the student-led Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) and Natural Sciences Society (NatSciSoc). You can find out more information about these and other LUU societies on the LUU website.

B13. Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?

New students are divided into peer mentor groups, with one or two students from higher levels as peer mentors. We advertise the opportunity to act as a peer mentor. Have a think about whether this is something you could do.

B14. How does assessment work on my programme?

The Chemistry laboratory modules are assessed by continuous assessment of laboratory reports and other exercises. Non-lab modules may be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Details of the assessment of individual modules will be explained at the start of each module.


C. I’m a new MSc (postgraduate student)

C1. What do I need to do before I arrive?

First, you’ll need to complete registration. As well as registering, you’ll need to complete the University IT induction, including setting up two-factor authentication and accessing your email account.  

You should also log on to Minerva (our virtual learning environment) to have a look around the induction area on the Chemistry Minerva Organisation (you can find this by clicking on Organisations when you log onto Minerva). 

You’ll also need to choose your optional modules, following a module information meeting. 

You’ll be sent a timetable of induction events closer to your arrival date – make sure you review this and put dates in your diary.

C2. How will my programme be delivered?

In Chemistry, theory modules will be taught by a combination of face-to-face sessions including lectures (up to 200 students), large group workshops (up to 70 students) and small group tutorials (8 students), together with online material including some recorded screencasts. You’ll be given more details about your timetable in induction week.

Some modules will have laboratory sessions and the laboratory-based research project will take place in the second half of the year. The University expects that you will attend all timetabled face-to-face sessions; this is particularly important in the case of laboratory classes.

C3. What does my induction timetable look like?

It is essential that you attend all three days of MSc induction. There will be information sessions about module selection and health and safety on Wednesday, a lab induction on Thursday and information sessions about student support and academic integrity on Friday of induction week.

Further details will be available in the induction timetable and on the Chemistry Minerva Organisation.

C4. How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?

You should meet your personal tutor individually in week one and at least once more during the semester to discuss your general progress.

Academic personal tutors can be contacted at other times and you should feel free to ask for a meeting if there are issues that you would like to discuss.

C5. Where can I go for support?

C6. Where do i turn if i need extra academic support?

If you need support with English language skills, we have a dedicated lecturer in English for Academic Purposes, Natasha Rust who can help with this. Email Natasha at n.rust@leeds.ac.uk.

For other academic support, you can email Suzy Beck from the University Library skills@library Learning Development Team at s.e.beck@leeds.ac.uk or contact your academic personal tutor.

C7. How will I find out more about my programme?

There’ll be sessions dedicated to explaining how your programme works during induction week.

C8. How will I get to know other students?

You’ll meet other students in your cohort in induction week, on your modules during lectures and workshops (that will involve students working together in small groups), and in person during lab classes.

C9. What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me to Chemistry?

A series of events will take place in induction week, details of which will be available in the induction timetable.

C10. Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme and where do I find out information about it?

We strongly recommend that you have a laptop or tablet PC running Windows 10 or 11. However, if you already own another device there is no need to buy another one.

All students studying Chemistry modules will need to have access to Microsoft Office. You can download Microsoft Office Applications for free from Office365 using your University login. 

Other software will be available free of charge through AppsAnywhere; a web-based portal that can be accessed with your university login. To use AppsAnywhere on your personal computer you will need to install the Cloudpaging Player. View more information about installing AppsAnywhere and the Cloudpaging Player.

Finally, you may need to use the University’s Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) to access some software from your personal device off campus.

C11. Where can I access resources for my studies?  

Minerva is the University’s virtual learning environment and the first port-of-call for information about your modules and teaching, learning and assessment resources associated with them. 

C12. Do I need to provide my core reading texts?  

There are no core reading texts for the MSc programmes as most of the module content is based on advanced chemistry that goes beyond standard text books.

C13. What facilities are available for my course, and how can I take advantage of them?

In addition to the virtual learning environment (Minerva), other online resources available to you, the teaching rooms, University facilities including IT clusters and libraries and our teaching and support staff. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art research laboratories with cutting-edge facilities.

C14. What is the role of course representatives and how do I volunteer?

Course representatives act as intermediaries between staff and students, asking their fellow students about their experiences and opinions, and raising those issues at student-staff fora or directly with the School representatives. They are a vital link in maintaining the student voice and promoting a sense of community among the student cohorts. You’ll be given information about volunteering in induction week.

C15. Are there any societies I can join for the school/programme?

Yes, the student-led Chemistry Society (ChemSoc). You can find out more information about these and other LUU societies on the LUU website.

C16. Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?

MSc students will be introduced to peer mentors during induction week. Often the peer mentors are graduates of our MSc programmes who are now studying for PhD degrees in the School of Chemistry.

C17. How does assessment work on my programme?

Taught modules may be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Details of the assessment of individual modules will be explained at the start of each module.

C18. Where can i find relevant career information for postgraduate students? 

Career information can be found on the My Careers website.

C19. Where can i find opportunities for work to develop my career?  

Placement opportunities can be found on the My Careers website.


Links to additional schools resources 

Other useful links