Major Overview
- Description
Chemistry is one of the central disciplines studied by scientists as it covers essential understanding for virtually all areas of modern science. Chemistry encompasses the preparation and investigation of molecules and materials to the exploration of their properties. Do you want to contribute to the major advances being made in pharmaceuticals, catalysis, new materials, industrial manufacturing, nanotechnology, clean energy and solving environment problems? Studying Chemistry provides both a foundation in and detailed understanding of fields including chemical reactions and processes, catalysis, green chemistry, chemical engineering, natural products, food science, cosmetic and fragrance industries, materials science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology and the environment. In the Chemistry Major students will develop an understanding of complex reactions, the mechanisms of reactions and the physical and chemical manipulations that can be used to make reactions occur. Students will also develop an understanding of chemistry in the energy sector, environmental processes, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical equilibrium and the properties of materials. A major in Chemistry will complement majors in other disciplines such as biochemistry and molecular biology, pharmacology, engineering science, environmental science, geology and physics.
- Outcomes
Students are able to:
- devise and test hypotheses, analyse chemical data
- interpret experimental results and present outcomes in oral and written formats
- write coherent reports and prepare and deliver coherent presentations, using appropriate software as required
- apply the literature to perform experiments and understand current practices in chemistry
- solve basic chemical problems (e.g. calculations of yields, dilutions, stoichiometry in chemical reactions)
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles of chemical safety
- explain the properties of common classes of chemicals and materials
- demonstrate knowledge of for e.g. chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms, equilibria and periodic properties
- apply relevant employability skills for chemistry.
- Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so and to pursue as many areas of interest as you can during your course of study. At the same time, we k now that many of you value the University's guidance and assistance in planning your enrolment throughout your course, so we offer the following suggestions for your consideration as possible avenues to broaden your degree. Do always remember, however, that there is no wrong way to broaden your studies as long as you complete at least four units not associated with your Degree Specific Major.
- Prerequisites
Chemistry ATAR or equivalent and Mathematical Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher
- Incompatibilities
MJD-CHMDM Chemistry (Double major), MJD-CHEMS Chemistry, MJD-CHMPH Chemistry - Physical and Analytical, MJD-CHMSY Chemistry - Synthetic, MJD-CHMEM Chemistry, MJD-GECDM Geochemistry
- Courses
Chemistry can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
- BP004 Bachelor of Science
- CB004 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Science*
- BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
*Students enrolling in this as part of a combined course must use the code MJDC-CHEMY when selecting this as their extended major.
Example Study Plan
See study plans for more information.
Units
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
- N/A
- not available in 2024 – may be available in 2025 or 2026
Level 1
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (18 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1, S2 | CHEM1001 | Chemistry—Properties and Energetics |
|
S1, S2 | CHEM1002 | Chemistry—Structure and Reactivity |
|
S1 | SCOM1101 | Communicating Science |
Bridging units
Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 or higher in Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent are required to complete MATH1721. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 or higher in Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent are required to complete MATH1720 and MATH1721. Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 or higher in Chemistry ATAR or equivalent are required to complete CHEM1003.
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1, S2 | CHEM1003 | Introductory Chemistry |
|
S1, S2 | MATH1720 | Mathematics Fundamentals |
|
S1, S2 | MATH1721 | Mathematics Foundations: Methods |
Level 2
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (24 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1 | CHEM2101 | Analytical Methods |
|
S1 | CHEM2102 | Metals in Molecules | |
S2 | CHEM2103 | Synthetic and Biological Organic Chemistry | |
S2 | CHEM2104 | Energy and Materials |
Level 3
Degree-specific major units
Take the following unit:
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
N/A | CHEM3101 | Workplace Safety and Advanced Analytical Methods |
Degree-specific major units
Take unit(s) to the value of 18 points:
Note: Recommended unit CHEM3102 Chemistry: A Global View for students undertaking a second major with Chemistry
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
N/A | CHEM3102 | Chemistry: A Global View | |
N/A | CHEM3103 | Organometallic Chemistry |
|
N/A | CHEM3104 | Organic Chemistry | |
N/A | CHEM3105 | Advanced Materials |