Chemistry (Bachelor of Science major)

This major will appeal to people who are interested in developing the materials, molecules and pharmaceuticals of the future, or to those who are curious about molecular transformations and how they take place. The Chemistry major covers the broad spectrum of chemistry in First and Second Year, while allowing for increased specialisation in Third Year. There is also scope for interdisciplinary studies, which combine chemistry with other branches of science such as physics, earth sciences or biology.

Students gain experience in using a wide range of modern instrumentation. During Honours, an additional year that many students choose to take after completion of their BSc, students focus on a particular aspect of chemistry through specialised courses and a research project. Once they have completed their Chemistry major within the BSc, students have access to numerous career opportunities.

Recent graduates are employed in the wine, pharmaceutical, paint, mining, petrochemical, petroleum and automotive industries, research laboratories and analytical laboratories. For those who would like to pursue a career in research, a BSc(Hons) degree in chemistry can lead to a PhD in areas as diverse as DNA manipulation, drug design and synthesis and catalyst design.

Check the Faculty pages regarding the Bachelor of Science and the Chemistry Major for updates, prerequisites and regulations. Detailed information on the structure of the major is documented in the Course Information Handbook .

The co-ordinator for this major is Michael Perkins.