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If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

Chemistry

Chemistry

Undergraduate Major

MJRU-CHEMI

Major
Chemistry Major (BSc Science)
Admission criteria
Guaranteed ATAR 70
Credit
600

Outline

Experience science at a molecular level, where major advances are made in medicine, IT, nanotechnology and materials.

If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

This offering version is phasing out and no longer taking applications. You may be able to apply for a later version.

Campus life

Cutting-edge

Graduate ready to work in environments where research and discovery abound.

Highly ranked course

Curtin is ranked first in Western Australia for Chemistry. (QSWUR by Subject 2020) 

Top 1 %

Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021.

Curtin Early Offers for 2023

Are you in year 12 and keen to lock in your place at Curtin early? Let us take the pressure off.

Our Early Offers Program is available for most Curtin courses, and will help you secure a place in your chosen course before you even receive your ATAR.
Find out more

Chemistry is sometimes called the ‘central science’ because it connects other sciences such as physics, biology and geology. It is science at a molecular level, where major advances are being made in areas such as medicine, IT, nanotechnology and new materials.

In this course you'll gain the knowledge to become a skilled chemist. You’ll study theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, including synthesis, analysis and spectroscopy. Your learning will be largely laboratory-based, in Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

You’ll also learn problem-solving, teamwork and critical analysis skills, which can open opportunities for other careers within science.

You'll specialise in one the following streams:

Analytical and Forensic Chemistry

In this stream you'll learn how to use sophisticated scientific instruments to solve complex analytical problems.

You’ll also develop effective problem-solving and decision-making skills within the ethical and professional context of analytical and forensic science.

Biological Chemistry

This is a crossover field of chemistry in which you'll study the essential processes of life at the molecular level. You’ll use complex equipment and procedures to understand the biomolecular world, explore applications in biosensors and drug design, and monitor the effects that new substances (such as food additives and medicines) have on living organisms.

You could also have a role in discovering new molecular pathways to design and synthesise new medicines.

Geochemistry

In this stream you will study the chemical make-up of the Earth and other planets. You’ll focus on chemical reactions and processes that show how various soils and rocks are created.

Materials Science

This stream looks for connections between the underlying structure of a material, its properties and applications, and how processing changes the material.

You will study materials including metals, semiconductors, glasses, ceramics and polymers. You’ll also learn about analytical instruments and radiation that materials scientists use to investigate the microstructure of samples.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

Double degree options
You can study a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) with either a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering).

See our handbook for more course information.

Why study

The Chemistry and Resources Precinct, supported by ChemCentre and BHP, provides exceptional facilities and an outstanding learning environment.

At Curtin, you'll study undergraduate chemistry in the same building as up to 300 practising graduate chemists – maximising your exposure to industry, potential employers and real-world applications of chemistry. In your third year there are opportunities to undertake research projects within those organisations, or collaboratively with Curtin staff.

How this course will make you industry ready

In this course you're encouraged to undertake at least two weeks of industry work experience.

You'll have the opportunity to undertake industry research projects at the Resources and Chemistry Precinct. The precinct accommodates Western Australia's primary analytical chemistry facility, ChemCentre.

Student profile

View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Career information

Careers

  • Analytical chemist
  • Environmental chemist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Materials scientist
  • Medicinal chemist
  • Synthetic chemist

Industries

  • Environment
  • Forensics
  • Health
  • Manufacturing
  • Petrochemical engineering

Further study

What you'll learn

  • apply chemistry knowledge, principles and concepts
  • apply critical creative and reflective thinking to chemistry problems
  • access, evaluate and synthesise information relating to chemistry
  • effectively communicate chemistry ideas and concepts
  • use a range of technologies to collect and analyse data with appropriate regard to uncertainties
  • work as responsible self-directed and motivated learners
  • apply internationally accepted scientific conventions standards and protocols
  • demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life
  • work safely effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment

Admission criteria

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Writing 6.0
Speaking 6.0
Reading 6.0
Listening 6.0
Overall band score 6.5

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

I recently attended high school

Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the achievement of the required ATAR within the last two years. This includes applicants whose secondary education was undertaken interstate or overseas.

  • Guaranteed ATAR : 70
  • Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites): 

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects: 

    Physics ATAR and Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Specialist ATAR.

  • STAT entry : Not accepted.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

Other admission options

Other admission options

We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Lowest selection rank to which a recent Year 12 student offer was made (including the consideration of any equity or other adjustment factors)

View the lowest selection rank (incorporating ATAR plus any adjustments) of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the most relevant recent intake period, this includes any ATAR adjustments.

Selection rank adjustments (previously referred to as ATAR related adjustments)

Details of the types of adjustment factors (bonus points) commonly available to applicants can be found on our StepUp to Curtin webpage.

ATAR and selection rank profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most recent intake period

View data on the ATAR and selection rank profile of offers made from the most relevant recent intake period.

I have work and life experience

Applicants with work and life experience are those who left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

  • Guaranteed ATAR : 70
  • Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites): 

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects: 

    Physics ATAR and Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Specialist ATAR.

  • STAT entry : Not accepted.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

I’ve studied at TAFE or done an apprenticeship

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

  • Guaranteed ATAR : 70 OR
  • TAFE:
    • AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of Higher English language proficiency is required; or
    • AQF Diploma; or
    • AQF Advanced Diploma

    AND

    • satisfied the prerequisites: Maths Applications and Chemistry.

    The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with:

    • Maths Applications ATAR; or
    • MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or
    • MATH1005 Pre-Calculus

    The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:

    • Chemistry ATAR; or
    • CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry, and CHEM1005 Introduction to Biological Chemistry.
  • Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites): 

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects: 

    Physics ATAR and Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Specialist ATAR.

  • STAT entry : Not accepted.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

I’ve gone to university before

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Not all Curtin courses accept course switchers from other institutions.

  • Curtin offers a variety of bridging courses to help you meet the admission criteria for this course. Find out more about our bridging courses.
  • Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites): 

    Mathematics Applications ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects: 

    Physics ATAR and Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Specialist ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have met:

  • the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
  • the prerequisites.

The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with:

  • Maths Applications ATAR; or
  • MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or
  • MATH1005 Pre-Calculus;

The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:

  • Chemistry ATAR; or
  • CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1005 Introduction to Biological Chemistry.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have met:

  • the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
  • Maths Applications ATAR or unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Applications ATAR; and
  • Chemistry ATAR or unit/s assessed as comparable to Chemistry ATAR.

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Application information

If applying for this major through Curtin, rather than through TISC, you will apply for the Bachelor of Science (Science).

 

 

Advanced standing

At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.

You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.

If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.

A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.

CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.

Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:

Webform: Submit here

Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888

CRL search

Fees & charges

Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Help

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See our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us below.

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  • Curtin course code: MJRU-CHEMI
  • Last updated on: 11/08/2022