Major - Chemistry

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Science
• Bachelor of Design and Technology Innovation
• Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems

• Aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study

Aims

The program of the chemistry major provides students with a broad-based foundation in the chemistry discipline and allied areas. This foundation is extended with extensive subject knowledge in the discipline.

It also aim to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication 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
• 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.

The program of studies 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 major students will be able to:

• know 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
• 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
• design and carry out experiments using both established and novel chemistry techniques and protocols
• communicate chemically based information to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
• appreciate the relationships and connections between chemistry and other science and non-science disciplines
• 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
• work productively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals.

Program of study

Major - Chemistry - Year 1 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 1 Topics

 CHEM1101  Chemical Structure and Bonding  (4.5 units)
 CHEM1102  Modern Chemistry  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 Topics

Plus one of

 BIOL1102  Molecular Basis of Life  (4.5 units)
 CHEM1201  General Chemistry* (4.5 units)
 EASC1101  Earth and Environmental Sciences  (4.5 units)

Plus one of:

 MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units) 
 MATH1701  Mathematics Fundamentals A  (4.5 units)

*Students without Year 12 Chemistry should choose CHEM1201 as their option

Major - Chemistry - Year 2 topics

18 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)

Major - Chemistry - Year 3 topics

18 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)