The University of Swansea has begun offering chemistry degrees for the first time in 13 years. At the end of September, undergraduate students will start their courses in the re-vamped chemistry department.

The university announced the decision to open its doors to chemists again last year. The department was closed in 2004 as a result of dwindling student numbers.

Swansea says students will benefit from three redesigned teaching laboratories and ‘pre-lab simulations’ that will give them more confidence with practical work.

Simon Bott, co-head of the new department, said in a statement: ‘This really is an exciting time for us where we are on the verge of opening the doors to chemistry at Swansea. The facilities will provide the opportunity for high quality chemical teaching to be done with our students being at the heart of everything we do.’