科廷科技大學

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), a course designed for high performing students to pursue their interest in Science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship. It provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying Chemistry with students able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. The major culminates in a capstone experience in which students will have the opportunity to pursue Chemistry projects that may be based anywhere from pure research right through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

This major trains you to become a skilled chemist. It also teaches you problem solving, teamwork and critical analysis skills, which may open the door for many careers within and outside science. You will study theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, including synthesis, analysis and molecular modelling. Your learning will be largely laboratory-based, in Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

You can take units to develop a specialisation in:

Analytical and Forensic Chemistry

You will learn how to use sophisticated scientific instrumentation in combination with chemical knowledge to solve complex, real-world analytical problems.

You will develop effective problem-solving and decision-making skills within the ethical and professional context of analytical and forensic science, as there are often regulatory or legislative requirements for chemical measurements to be taken.

Biological Chemistry

You will study the essential processes of life on the molecular level. You will use complex equipment and procedures to understand the bio-molecular world, explore applications in biosensors and drug design, and monitor what effects new substances like food additives and medicines have on living organisms.

Biological chemists, play a part in diagnosing diseases and investigating potential cures for illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, through to the design and synthesis of new and improved medicines.

Geochemistry

You will study the chemical make-up of the Earth and other planets. You will focus on the chemical reactions and processes that show how various soils and rocks are created.

Materials Science

Materials scientists examine materials from a unified point of view; they look for connections between the underlying structure of a material, its properties, how processing changes it and what the material can do.

You will study a range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, glasses, ceramics and polymers. You will also learn about analytical instruments and different forms of radiation that materials scientists use to investigate the microstructure of samples.

Students in this course gain a practical laboratory chemistry experience throughout their discipline-based units. Work-based learning is ensured through the requirement to engage in immersive industry and/or research experience.

Professional recognition

Graduates from this course may be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Career information

• Synthetic Chemist
• Medicinal Chemist
• Computational Chemist
• Environmental Scientist
• Forensic Scientist
• Geochemist

Roles may be in research and development, technical services and education or quality control in a wide range of fields, including:

• chemical manufacturing
• petrochemical engineering and mining companies
• environmental agencies
• universities
• forensic laboratories
• hospitals
• toxicology laboratories
• Analytical Chemist
• Materials Scientist