Major overview
This course is one of 13 majors offered in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree.
It is designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in a particular science discipline through a foundation of research, leadership and entrepreneurship.
This course trains you to become a skilled chemist. You will study theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, including synthesis, analysis and molecular modelling. Your learning will be largely laboratory-based, at Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct.
As an Advanced Science student, you will benefit from the flexible approach to studying Chemistry, with opportunities to participate in for-credit research experiences, industry placements and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects.
You’ll gain practical laboratory experience throughout your studies and, in the second and third years of your course, you can undertake for-credit internships and work experience.
You’ll also develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork and critical analysis, which are invaluable for careers both within and outside science.
In your final year, you will undertake a capstone experience, with the opportunity to engage with chemistry projects ranging from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Analytical chemist
- Industrial chemist
- Medicinal chemist
- Synthetic chemist
- Environmental chemist
- Forensic scientist
- Materials scientist
Industries
- Environment
- Forensics
- Health
- Resources
- Manufacturing
- Defence
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates from this course may be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
Why study at Curtin?
Specialist areas of innovation
You may choose to specialise in one of four areas: Analytical and Forensic Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Geochemistry or Materials Science.
Analytical and research community
Curtin's teaching and research laboratories are co-located with Western Australia's premier chemistry science laboratory, ChemCentre, at the Resources and Chemistry Precinct.
Highly ranked course
This is an Advanced Science (Honours) course that provides high-performing students with additional research, leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
Major structure
Choose your specialisation
Within Chemistry, you may choose to specialise in one of four areas: Analytical and Forensic Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Geochemistry or Materials Science.
Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
In this specialisation, you will learn how to solve complex, real-world analytical problems using a combination of theoretical knowledge and sophisticated scientific instruments.
You’ll develop effective problem-solving and decision-making skills within the ethical and professional context of analytical and forensic science, including in relation to regulatory and legislative requirements.
Biological Chemistry
Biological chemists contribute to the diagnosis of diseases, investigating potential cures, and the design and synthesis of medicines.
In this specialisation, you will study the essential processes of life at the molecular level. You’ll learn how to use complex equipment and apply procedures to understand the bio-molecular world, explore applications in biosensors and drug design, and monitor the impacts of new substances (such as food additives and medicines) on living organisms.
Geochemistry
In this specialisation, you will study the chemical make-up of the Earth and other planets. Your studies will focus on the chemical reactions and processes involved in the creation of various soils and rocks.
Materials Science
Materials scientists examine materials from a unified viewpoint. They look for connections between the underlying structure of a material, its properties, how processing changes the material and what the material can do.
In this specialisation, you will study a range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, glasses, ceramics and polymers. You’ll learn about the various analytical instruments and forms of radiation used to investigate the microstructure of samples.
How this course will make you industry ready
You can work on real-world industry projects at the Resources and Chemistry Precinct, where Curtin's teaching and research laboratories are co-located with Western Australia's premier chemical science laboratory, ChemCentre.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
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