Schedules forChemistry

2013 Chemistry - KRA

Chemistry is the study of the physical and chemical properties of substances and as such overlaps with many of the physical and biological sciences.

The units offered by the School of Chemistry provide training both for those who wish to take up a career in chemistry, biotechnology or environmental science, and for those who wish to take chemistry to support specialist studies in another discipline.

Career outcomes

Primary employment opportunities for professional chemists exist in Industry (research and development, bulk chemical, pharmaceutical, quality control, sales and technical services, technical/general manager); Education (university teaching and research, school teaching and management); and Government (environmental monitoring, forensic science, health standards monitoring, research and development). Other career options available to students include: biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical chemistry, agricultural chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, polymer chemistry, science writing, patent and intellectual property law, marketing and commerce.

Professional associations

Royal Australian Chemical Institute is the professional body for practising chemists.

For students who intend to become professional chemists it is worthwhile keeping in mind the requirements of The Royal Australian Chemical Institute for corporate membership. The Institute, which is the only professional body representing chemists in Australia, requires at least three years study of chemistry at an approved tertiary level, including, in third year, the equivalent of at least 50% devoted to the principles of chemistry, or at least 16% devoted to the principles of chemistry plus at least 50% devoted to other chemistry based material, eg biochemistry. In addition, the course would usually include mathematics or physics to at least first-year level.

Major in Chemistry

Students wishing to major in chemistry should refer to the attached schedule of units.

The school also offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science with Honours, the Bachelor of Biotechnology, specialising in Chemistry, the Bachelor of Environmental Science, the Graduate Diploma in Science, specialising in Chemistry, the Graduate Diploma in Science with Honours, specialising in Chemistry, Master of Applied Science, specialising in Chemistry, as well as research programs for higher degrees (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy).

Theme areas

Study of chemistry provides a useful background for students interested in Marine Studies, Sustainable Primary Production, Frontier Technologies and the Environment theme areas.

In paticular the following units offered at second and third year are of interest to students majoring in Chemistry:

Second year

KRA223 Chemical Analysis, KRA201 Analytical Chemistry and KRA211 Environmental Chemistry.

Third year

KRA331 Natural Products and Bioprospecting, KRA332 Physical and Analytical Methods in Chemistry, and KRA336 Separation Science and Related Techniques.

Important Changes