Chemistry

Chemistry has a vital role in the modern world. We want to find and train students who are enthusiastic to understand and participate in this role, which is so important in, for example, energy systems, drug design, pollution control and, through industrial chemicals, in every aspect of our environment. The favourable contribution to our balance of trade made by the chemical industry is greater than that of any other branch of manufacturing industry. We are looking for people who can make use of our unique fourth year of research to tackle the subject practically and in depth.

We usually admit between 6 and 8 new students each year. The percentage of successful applications over the last three years average can be found on the course page in the University Undergraduate Prospectus. It shows that the chances of admission for well-qualified people are good.

Course structure

In the first year chemists take four examinations, of which three are chemistry papers and the other is mathematics. In the second and third years our course is in three equal parts; Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. In the fourth year you can choose research in almost any field where Chemistry is presently developing, under the direction of the University’s research staff.

Tuition

Unlike some other colleges, Magdalen has its own full-time tutor to guide you through each part of the course.

Prof Tim Donohoe, who teaches Organic Chemistry, has research interests in organic synthesis. (http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/researchguide/tjdonohoe.html)

Dr Robert Jacobs, whose research focuses around studying the chemical and physical properties of surfaces, teaches the physical chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Prof Andrew Weller, who teaches Inorganic Chemistry, has research interests in organometallic chemistry, especially the stabilisation and reactivity of low-coordinate late transition metal species.

Dr Stuart Mackenzie, who teaches Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, leads a research group in the Chemistry Department (http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk) with interests in gas-phase cluster chemistry and dynamical interfacial phenomena.

Entry procedures

The standard conditional offer for an applicant offering three A2 subjects is A*AA, with the A* being in a science or mathematics. Candidates are required to have Chemistry to A-level or other equivalent qualification. The most common combination of A2 subjects has been Mathematics (single or double), Physics and Chemistry, with Mathematics, Chemistry, and either Biology or an Arts subject covering most other applicants. Mathematics is an important part of the first year Chemistry course at Oxford and a full A2 in Mathematics is likely to remain desirable.

Your interview is likely to focus on some aspects of inorganic, physical or organic chemistry with which you are already familiar. We will be looking to see whether you have a passion for the subject, are able to absorb new information and can think independently.

We believe that strong candidates would benefit from deferred entry provided that the year is spent in activities that are stimulating and purposeful. Work and travel abroad are particularly worthwhile.

External links