School of Molecular and Life Sciences

Our Coastal and Marine Science course and our Environmental Science course are supported by research-led teaching and delivered by academics with industry experience and the dedication to creating a better world. Within our main areas of research we have significant government collaborations and strong industry links and we create an impact both at a regional, national and international levels.

In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 assessment, Curtin University ranked well above world standard for Environmental Science and Management, Ecology, Plant Biology and Zoology, and in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, Curtin University ranked 50th in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Science (Coastal and Marine)
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Coastal and Marine)
• Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Environmental Science)

If you like working with food and you enjoy science, then a career as a food scientist may be for you. Food scientists develop and improve ways to process raw ingredients, such as grains, meats, milk, fruit and vegetables to safe, tasty and nutritious foods. A career in food science and technology is diverse and challenging, one day you may be developing a new food product and the next you may be solving technical problems on a processing line. The study of food science and technology is multi-disciplinary, involving application of the life sciences; biology, chemistry, nutrition, engineering, microbiology and the latest research developments in the handling, processing and packaging of foods from the farm to the consumer’s plate.

With its unique facilities, such as the only sensory evaluation facility in WA, and access to one of the few small pilot scale high temperature high pressure food extruders in Australia, Food Science and Technology researchers are playing a vital role in the development of the food industry in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Curtin’s overarching emphasis is on developing food products with improved functional, nutritional and health quality attributes that match the global markets demand – healthy land, healthy people, improving food security.

Find out more about our Food Science major.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Science (Food Science)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology
• Graduate Diploma in Food Science and Technology
• Master of Science (Food Science and Technology)

Curtin Chemistry degrees equip our graduates with the knowledge to become a skilled chemist, teaching problem solving, teamwork and critical analysis which may open the door for other careers within science. Through the study of theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, including synthesis, analysis and molecular modelling, learning is largely laboratory-based at our Resources and Chemistry Precinct and can lead to further specialisation in a number of streams:

• Analytical and Forensic Chemistry – learning how to use sophisticated scientific instruments to solve complex analytical problems whilst developing effective problem-solving and decision-making skills within the ethical and professional context.
• Biological Chemistry – studying the essential processes of life on the molecular level using complex equipment and procedures to understand the bio-molecular world, applications in biosensors and drug design, monitors effects new substances such as food additives and medicines have on living organisms.
• Materials Science – looking for connections between the underlying structure of a material, its properties and application and how processing changes it. Studying materials including metals, semiconductors, glasses, ceramics, polymers and the analytical instruments and radiation used to investigate the microstructure of samples

Find out more about Chemistry major and Chemistry (Advanced Science) major.

Our above world standard attracts high calibre research result and researchers, solving industry demand-driven real-world issues and collaborating with other global experts to devise new materials, analytical tools, and solutions at the applied end of the research spectrum. In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 assessment, Curtin University ranked well above world standard for Macromolecular and Material Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Chemistry)
• Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)

Our planet needs highly educated and informed people to sustainably manage our farmed environment, while still providing the necessary food resources for an increasing human population.

Agriculture and Food Science are two closely aligned areas that enable skills to be developed from paddock to plate utilising emerging digital technologies. Overarching issues including food security, sustainability, and climate change are considered whilst also investigating innovative farming systems and methods of producing raw ingredients to create safe and nutritious food for the population.

If you have a passion for agriculture, food, science and technology, a career in Agribusiness, Agriculture or Food Science may be for you. Curtin offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that can help you start your journey into the field.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Agribusiness
• Associate Degree in Agribusiness
• Bachelor of Science (Agriculture Science)
• Bachelor of Science (Food Science)
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Agricultural Science)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology
• Graduate Diploma in Food Science and Technology
• Master of Science (Agriculture and Food Security)
• Agricultural Systems major
• Master of Science (Food Science and Technology)