To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Specialisations).
The Chemical Sciences (Honours) Specialisation requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The Specialisation is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
Course aims
The program of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Chemical Sciences) provides students with a broad-based foundation in chemistry discipline and allied areas. This foundation is extended with extensive subject knowledge in the discipline.
These studies also aim to develop a range of skills including the capacity to:
- understand and apply chemical principles to solve problems
- master the various laboratory techniques and instrumentation used in diverse chemical fields
- present information about chemistry in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
- retrieve, critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to chemistry and apply this knowledge to solve problems or form hypotheses
- analyse and evaluate numerical data
- appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the discipline of chemistry and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline
- work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
- appreciate the role of chemistry in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises
- work cooperatively and productively within a team
- undertake an individual research project in an area of chemistry, from planning to execution
- understand and apply advanced chemical principles to solve problems
- present information about chemistry in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively.
The program of study provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in chemistry, another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a chemistry related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of, and critically apply the theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of chemistry
- work independently, and as part of a team, in a chemical laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
- demonstrate an understanding of materials and their properties at the atomic level, including an understanding of the intimate relationship between scale and size, nanostructure and the properties of materials
- appreciate the relationships and connections between chemistry and other science and non-science disciplines
- understand and critically apply advanced theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of chemistry
- analyse and critically evaluate ideas/information/data and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data in an independent manner
- design and carry out experiments using both established and novel chemistry techniques and protocols without the need for direct supervision
- effectively communicate their findings to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
- plan and execute an individual research project in chemistry applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
- work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
- work effectively within the regulatory framework surrounding chemistry, for example
Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and Intellectual Property.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Chemical Sciences) a student must complete 144 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study detailed below.
No more than 45 units of First Year level topics may be included in the 144 units for the degree. Topics designated ''any year'' or with no year level specified are regarded as First Year level topics.
Elective topics to complete 144 units may be selected from any offered within the University or, with approval from the College of Science and Engineering, from outside the University, provided any course and prerequisite requirements are met.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Upon completion of at least 103.5 units and with a GPA of 5 or more in the last 36 units of study, students may commence the Fourth Year Honours program. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement will exit with the Bachelor of Science (Chemical Sciences) on completion of 108 units.
Students who have completed 108 units according to the first three years of the program may choose to exit with the Bachelor of Science (Chemical Sciences).
Specialisation - Chemical Sciences - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 1 topics
CHEM1101 Chemical Structure and Bonding (4.5 units)*
CHEM1102 Modern Chemistry (4.5 units)
STEM1001 Nature of STEM (4.5 units)
Option - Year 1 topics
Plus one pair of:
EASC1101 Earth and Environmental Sciences (4.5 units)
EASC1102 Marine Sciences (4.5 units)
Or
BIOL1101 Evolution of Biological Diversity (4.5 units)
BIOL1102 Molecular Basis of Life (4.5 units)
Plus one of:
MATH1121 Mathematics 1A (4.5 units)
MATH1701 Mathematics Fundamentals A (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 1 topics
9 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.*
*Students without Year 12 Chemistry should enrol in CHEM1201 General Chemistry as an elective before enrolling in CHEM1101
Specialisation - Chemical Sciences - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 2 topics
CHEM2701 Chemical Reactivity (4.5 units)
CHEM2702 Organic Reactions (4.5 units)
CHEM2711 Spectroscopy and Data Analysis (4.5 units)
CHEM2712 Analytical Separations (4.5 units)
NANO2701 Structure and Characterisation (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 2 topics
13.5 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.##
Specialisation - Chemical Sciences - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 3 topics
CHEM3701 Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry (4.5 units)
CHEM3702 Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry (4.5 units)
CHEM3711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanism (4.5 units)
CHEM3712 Introduction to Polymer Science (4.5 units)
FACH3701 Chemical Criminalistics (4.5 units)
FACH3702 Drug Action, Metabolism, Toxicology and Analysis (4.5 units)
NANO3702 Frontiers of Nanotechnology (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 3 topics
4.5 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met.
##Students are encouraged to enrol in STEM3001 Science Connect (4.5 units) as an elective.
Specialisation - Chemical Sciences - Year 4 topics
36 units comprising:
CPES7700A Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES7700B Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES7700C Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES7700D Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES7700E Honours Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
Plus
CPES7711 Advanced Techniques in Chemical and Physical Science (4.5 units)
CPES7721 Advanced Chemical and Physical Science (4.5 units)
STEM7001 Honours Research Methods (4.5 units)
Combined degrees
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Chemical Sciences) may also be studied in a combined degree program with another Bachelor degree in the College of Science and Engineering where the combination meets the requirements of the credit transfer policy.
