UKCHO

UK Chemistry Olympiad

The UK Chemistry Olympiad is an annual competition for secondary school students, organized by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It aims to identify and nurture talented young chemists. The competition covers topics such as organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, testing students' theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

The competition consists of a first round and a selection round, with top-performing students invited to a training camp for further preparation for the International Chemistry Olympiad. It provides students with the opportunity to deepen their interest in chemistry, enhance their skills, and engage with like-minded peers globally.

Main Subjects

  • Organic Chemistry

    functional groups、reaction mechanisms、isomerism、stereochemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry

    periodic trends、properties of metals and non-metals、transition metal chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry

    thermodynamics、kinetics, chemical equilibria、acids and bases、electrochemistry

  • Analytical Chemistry

    spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR, NMR)、titrations、qualitative and quantitative analysis

  • Stoichiometry

    chemical equations、mole concept、limiting reagents、yield predictions

  • Applied Chemistry

    environmental chemistry、industrial processes、materials science

Contest Process

  • First Round

    Students register to participate in the national first round, usually held in February or March. The first round is a written exam consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, testing students' understanding of fundamental chemistry topics. First Round

  • Selection Round

    Based on the results of the first round, top-performing students are selected to take part in the selection round. The questions in this round are more challenging, requiring deeper analysis and problem-solving skills. Selection Round

  • Training Camp

    After the selection round, the highest-scoring students are invited to a training camp. During the camp, they receive advanced chemistry training and laboratory skills preparation to get ready for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).

  • IChO

    Following the training camp, the final team representing the UK is chosen to compete in the International Chemistry Olympiad, which takes place annually, usually in July. The IChO brings together the best chemistry students from around the world to compete.

What Can You Obtain From UKCHO?

Participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKCHO) can strengthen your university application, particularly for chemistry, medicine, or other science-related courses. A strong performance demonstrates academic excellence, problem-solving skills, and passion for the subject, which top universities highly value. Exceptional results may even lead to scholarships or easier entry into competitive programs.

The UKCHO also enhances your career prospects by showcasing your analytical and problem-solving abilities to potential employers, especially in chemistry-related fields. It helps you stand out to companies in industries like pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and engineering. Additionally, the skills and confidence gained from competing can give you a competitive edge when applying for internships or full-time roles.