Sir Harry accused Exeter of a "slash and burn" approach

Professor Sir Harry Kroto's decision comes after Exeter said it wanted to cut a predicted deficit of �4.5m.

Sir Harry, who co-discovered the C60 carbon molecule used in nanotechnology, called the plans "slash and burn".

But the university said chemistry was costing it money and other departments would suffer if it remained.

'No alternative'

Sir Harry, for many years an academic at Sussex University, called this approach "slash and burn".

He added: "I have no alternative but to return the degree in protest at Exeter's decision."

The plans, which also involve cutting the music and Italian departments, will be discussed by the university's governing body on 20 December.

According to leaked information, up to 130 academic jobs could go from next July. Talks about redundancy terms have already started.

University spokesman Stuart Franklin said three of its science subjects, including chemistry, were creating a combined annual deficit of �3m.

He added: "To make up the losses of this subject, we have to take away from departments that are being successful.

"We are not going to remain a top university if we penalise success in this way."

The Royal Society of Chemistry said department closure, for financial reasons or any other motive, would harm young people and businesses in south-west England.

Last week, students put Exeter "up for sale" on the eBay internet auction site in protest at the plans.

A meeting of University of Exeter Guild of Students has since voted unanimously to oppose the closures.

Its president, Tim Edwards, said: "Now our members have officially voted against these closures, the university cannot deny that students are categorically opposed to the loss of these departments."