Chemistry

Program Overview

The University of Western Australia's Chemistry major equips students with a deep understanding of chemistry principles and applications, providing a strong foundation for careers in various industries. Through extensive laboratory experience and research-led teaching, students develop analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, making them highly sought-after graduates in fields such as nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Chemistry is the study of reactions and interactions between atoms, compounds, and ions. It provides the foundation for jobs in nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biotech, materials science, energy and resources, the environment, and agriculture. Students will develop a strong foundation in the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics. They will also gain experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in chemistry or a related field. Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by employers in a variety of industries, including research, development, manufacturing, and education.

Outline:

Level 1

• Core:
• CHEM1001 Chemistry—Properties and Energetics (6 points)
• CHEM1002 Chemistry—Structure and Reactivity (6 points)
• SCOM1101 Communicating Science (6 points)
• Bridging:
• CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry (6 points) - Required for students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 or higher in Chemistry ATAR or equivalent.
• MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals (6 points) - Required for students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 or higher in Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent.
• MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods (6 points) - Required for students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 or higher in Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent.

Level 2

• Core:
• CHEM2101 Analytical Methods (6 points)
• CHEM2102 Metals in Molecules (6 points)
• CHEM2103 Synthetic and Biological Organic Chemistry (6 points)
• CHEM2104 Energy and Materials (6 points)

Level 3

• Core:
• CHEM3101 Workplace Safety and Advanced Analytical Methods (6 points)
• Option:
• CHEM3102 Chemistry: A Global View (6 points)
• CHEM3103 Organometallic Chemistry (6 points)
• CHEM3104 Organic Chemistry (6 points)
• CHEM3105 Advanced Materials (6 points)

Teaching:

• Taught by experts and award-winning academic staff covering all the fields of Chemistry including organic and inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, biological chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, and education.
• A wide and comprehensive laboratory experience throughout all levels of the major.
• Learning content used in research and industry and making connections with these chemistry settings - there is a high demand for chemistry graduates in a variety of industries.

Careers:

• Chemistry at UWA produces highly employable graduates for jobs in Western Australia, nationally, and internationally.
• UWA is Western Australia’s top-ranked University, and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight Universities.
This means UWA Bachelor of Science graduates with a Chemistry major are widely recognized, and our graduates are highly sought-after by employers.
• UWA’s research-led teaching will provide you with state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and high-level problem-solving skills.
• The chemical industry is seeking graduates who are specialized in chemistry, but with diverse skill sets.
UWA’s unique degree structure sets us apart from other Western Australian universities to train graduates for these jobs.

Other:

• Chemistry is often called the central science because so many scientists study chemistry at some level and it is important to virtually all areas of modern science.
• Chemistry is the science of the molecular scale and involves the study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties, and the means to use them.
• Studying Chemistry provides a foundation and detailed understanding of fields such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, green chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, cosmetic and fragrance industries, materials science, nanotechnology, pharmacology, and molecular biology.
• In the Chemistry major, students will also develop an understanding of complex reactions, the mechanisms of reactions, and the physical and chemical manipulations that can be used to make reactions occur.
• This major, importantly, complements majors in other disciplines such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Agriculture, Business, and Engineering Science.