Major structure
Overview
This major is available in the Bachelor of Science.
In the Chemistry major, you’ll develop the ability to understand and manipulate matter at the molecular level.
Major structure
The Chemistry major is made up of seven subjects (87.5 credit points) taken in your second and third year. Each subject is worth 12.5 credit points. Level 2 subjects are usually taken in second year, and Level 3 subjects in third year.
To complete this major, you’ll need:
- 37.5 credit points of Level 2 major core
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 major core
- 25 credit points of Level 3 major electives
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 capstone
The rest of your degree will consist of a Level 1 science core subject, your choice of elective subjects in science, and breadth (non-science) subjects.
Further information
You can find detailed information about your major – including structure, subject availability, and participation requirements – in the Handbook.
You can also explore your study pathway and sample course plans through My Course Planner.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this major.
Chemistry: Start-year intake
These sample study plans assume that students have undertaken VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry, or equivalent. If students have not completed this previously, they may first need to enrol in CHEM10007 Fundamentals of Chemistry in their first semester. It is recommended that students who plan to major in Chemistry have also completed the following: Physics - VCE Units 3/4 12 Physics or equivalent, for example PHYC10009 Foundations of Physics and at least one first year maths subject.
Year 1
100 pts
- Chemistry 2 – major – CHEM10004 – 12.5 pts
- elective – 12.5 pts
- elective – 12.5 pts
- breadth – 12.5 pts
Year 2
100 pts
- Chemistry: Reactions and Synthesis – compulsory – CHEM20018 – 12.5 pts
- elective – 12.5 pts
- elective – 12.5 pts
- breadth – 12.5 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Analytical & Environmental Chemistry – elective – CHEM30012 – 12.5 pts
- elective – 12.5 pts
- elective – 12.5 pts
- breadth – 12.5 pts
Explore this major
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this major.
Students must complete all required core subjects
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Chemistry: Reactions and Synthesis · 12.5 pts |
This subject covers key concepts associated with the synthesis and design of organic and inorganic molecules, molecular architecture and the energy transformations associated with chemical and physical processes. Topics covered include synthesis of simple polyfunctional organic compounds, thermodynamically controlled reactions of s-, p- and d- block elements, thermodynamics, intermolecular forces and the electrical, optical and mechanical properties of solids. These topics have applications in drug discovery, chemical industry, nanotechnology, and energy harnessing through conventional and alternative energy sources. |
| Practical Chemistry 2 · 12.5 pts |
This subject allows students to develop skills in the synthesis of different classes of organic and inorganic compounds; analysis of samples with single and multiple components; determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of molecules; measurement and interpretation of the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of inorganic and organic compounds. Students will have the opportunity to obtain expertise in the operation of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques (including chromatography, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry). The subject consists of a program of experiments supported by three lectures, two tutorials and a variety of electronic online resources. The lectures and tutorials, in addition to the electronic resources, provide background theory relevant to the experiments as well as instruction on different analytical and computational techniques, spectroscopic identification of unknown compounds and cover various aspects of chemical safety, reporting of experimental data, data and error analysis and the use of chemical databases. |
| Chemistry: Structure and Properties · 12.5 pts |
This subject covers key concepts related to the stereochemical and electronic properties of molecules and the methods central to their study. Important elements of the subject include the spectroscopic characterisation and quantification of materials by a range of spectroscopic techniques, molecular orbital techniques and the application of approaches based on molecular symmetry and group theory to the understanding of molecular properties, stereo-selective reactions, bonding and spectroscopy. These topics have applications to advanced materials, light emitting polymers, chemical analysis and catalysis in biological and industrial systems. |
| Advanced Practical Chemistry · 12.5 pts |
This subject will build on the experience gained in second year practical chemistry through the synthesis and characterisation of complex molecules, the acquisition and interpretation of advanced spectroscopic and physical data and the investigation of chemical systems through computational techniques. It consists of a series of laboratory-based experiments aimed at developing skills in the synthesis, safe handling and analysis of chemical substances of a range of different classes of compounds; an understanding of modern characterisation techniques (e.g. chromatography, atomic and molecular spectroscopy); and the operation of instrumentation for the acquisition of kinetic, structural and thermodynamic data. A component of this subject will also involve the development of skills in independent practical work through the design and implementation of experimental procedures and techniques, and data interpretation. The subject will also provide opportunities for the development of scientific writing and presentation skills, problem solving and small group collaboration, while introducing resources and software commonly used within chemical research fields (i.e. scientific databases, chemical drawing software, molecular modelling & optimisation, etc). In addition to increased proficiency in standard techniques, this subject provides an introduction into research-based chemistry through integrated and themed experiments. It will provide skill development in a range of techniques utilised in the modern chemistry laboratory. The subject provides experience across multiple traditional chemical disciplines whilst highlighting the importance of these disciplines in diverse 'real world' applications such as materials science and medicinal chemistry. |
| Reactivity and Mechanism · 12.5 pts |
The subject builds on the skills base established in CHEM20020 Structure and Properties. The concepts of quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, molecular interactions and reaction kinetics will lay the fundamentals for the discussion of chemical reactions involving various types of reactive intermediates. The application of molecular orbital theory will be used to understand the nature of pericyclic reactions and the concept of coordination in main group (including carbon) and transition metal elements. An investigation of inorganic reaction mechanisms will focus on transformations involving coordination and organometallic complexes of d-block metals. Discussion of synthetic aspects will cover methods for carbon-carbon bond formation and functional group transformations, as well as principles of catalysis involving transition metal complexes and their chemistry in synthetic and biological systems. |
Students select subjects according to the major requirements
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Environmental Chemistry · 12.5 pts |
This subject delves into the world of environmental contaminants and their impact on water and soil quality. Additionally, it introduces frequently used analytical techniques essential for environmental and industrial monitoring and analysis. Students will gain proficiency in a range of analytical techniques critical for achieving desirable environmental outcomes. The practical component of this subject offers hands-on experience in applying analytical techniques to environmental samples. Students will work with state-of-the-art equipment, including mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ion chromatography (IC) and atomic absorption/emission spectrometry. These practical exercises will reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and provide students with valuable real-world analytical skills. |
| Specialised Topics in Chemistry B · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides a series of specialised modules in the areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Students choose three modules from the following selection of topics. Each module consists of 12 lectures.
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| Specialised Topics in Chemistry A · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides a series of specialised modules in the areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry Students choose three modules from the following selection of topics. Each module consists of 12 lectures:
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