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Chemistry (BSc)

Course Code: B1035

Chemistry underpins many industries from manufacturing to drug discovery, agriculture to criminal investigation. Chemists play leading roles in the fight against disease, the discovery and utilisation of natural resources, the development of environmentally friendly industrial processes, as well as new materials for applications in nanotechnology, the space industry and other areas. It is important as a science in its own right, and is widely applicable to biological, environmental, energy conservation and industrial processes.

The structure of the Chemistry major has been designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of chemistry whilst retaining the flexibility to study complementary, specialised areas of interest as 'minors'. This is achieved by:

a) providing a broad and diversified scientific base in first year, which includes essential principles of mathematics, physics and chemistry;
b) expanding and developing chemical knowledge in second year; and
c) allowing students to develop specialised skills in their third year.

Level:	Bachelor
Qualification:	Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry
Duration:	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Availability:	Murdoch campus (internal) Some units may also be available in the following locations and attendance modes: Murdoch campus (external) (all but one unit)
Employment Prospects:	The employment situation for graduates with a Chemistry degree is bright, especially for those who combine chemistry with other disciplines. Opportunities for chemists are not limited to Australia, and the skills and knowledge acquired in a chemistry degree are valued around the world. The skills learned whilst studying chemistry can take graduates on to a satisfying career in numerous fields both in and out of the lab anywhere in the world. Chemists are found in roles within law and accounting firms, NGOs, government policy positions at the local and international level, and the art world. Creativity, passion, logical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to analyse complex situations are all skills at the top of any employer's list of desirable attributes. Chemists have these abilities in abundance. That's why chemists can be found at the forefront of research, teaching, the arts, and business.
Special Requirements:	Students enrolling in units that have a practical component must make allowance for on-campus attendance to complete the practical work. The on-campus sessions for external students are generally held in a one week block; the dates are published in each unit guide.
Recommended Double Majors:	Biotechnology (BSc); Environmental Science (BEnvSc, BSc); Mathematics and Statistics (BSc); Mineral Science (BSc); Molecular Biology (BSc); Physics and Nanotechnology (BSc)
Professional Recognition:	With an appropriate choice of units, graduates are eligible for membership of the professional organisation for chemists, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

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