The University of Sussex has been urged to put plans to close its top-rated chemistry department on hold.

Des Turner, MP for Brighton Kemptown, and David Lepper, MP for Brighton Pavilion, are dismayed by the university's sudden announcement to get rid of one of its most successful departments.

They are calling for any decisions to be deferred, at least until Brighton and Hove's three MPs, including Hove's Celia Barlow, had a chance to meet the university's vice chancellor.

The University of Sussex this week announced plans to scrap chemistry degrees, half the number of chemistry staff and rename it the department of chemical biology. The plans will be considered by the university senate - the highest academic decision-making body - at a meeting tomorrow.

However, Mr Turner has written to all 64 senate members asking them to reject or defer any decision.

Mr Turner said: "I am appalled by the process. There was no consultation or discussion. It's a very far reaching decision which completely threatens the future of science at the university because chemistry is fundamental to it all.

"I am asking that if senators don't feel they can reject this entirely they should defer any decision until proper consultation has taken place."

Mr Lepper said: "I've had a number of emails and calls from students concerned not only with the decision in principle but very practical issues over the quality of their teaching during a transition period when people are voluntarily leaving or know their job is on the line."

He said he was not convinced the department was in decline because applications were up 40 per cent on last year."

He said Brighton and Hove's three MPs were due to meet with the vice chancellor in a few weeks and he hoped a decision would not be made before then. The senate can ask for new or amended plans to be made and its comments go forward to the university council, which meets next week and can reject senate views or ask members to consider an issue again. The university said it would cost £750,000 to keep the department open and that student numbers could not be guaranteed.