Undergraduate - Area of study Chemistry

NOTE: This area of study has had one or more changes made to it since publication on 1 October 2014. For details of changes, please consult the 2015 Handbook change register2015 Handbook change register (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2015handbooks/2015-change-register.html).

Chemistry is the study of substances: their makeup, structure and composition; how they behave; and how they may be measured, harnessed and transformed for useful applications in the worlds of materials, medicine, technology and the environment.

Both observation and measurement are essential in chemistry. Therefore, all chemistry units involve laboratory work and practice in solving problems in addition to lectures, tutorials and opportunity for oral and written communication.

There are units in chemistry for students with a wide variety of interests, including analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal and biological chemistry, and synthetic chemistry. Opportunities for specialisation in these areas commence at level two. As well as those students who major in chemistry, there are many who need some chemistry as a prerequisite or recommended unit for their higher-level studies.

The major in medicinal chemistry focuses on fundamental chemistry, synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical science. Students learn about the design and chemical synthesis of bio-active molecules and pharmaceuticals with the aim to discover and develop new drugs and therapeutic agents. The major in medicinal chemistry is synergistic with the Malaysian National Key Economic area in health care comprising three sectors: pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, medical technology and health services.

Learning outcomes

Graduates from Clayton will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad understanding of the major areas of chemistry; including, synthetic chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal and biological chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and environmental chemistry
• apply the theoretical principles learnt throughout the coursework
• apply the scientific method to generate new knowledge in the chemical sciences, and integrate chemistry with other science disciplines to recognise and solve scientific and technical problems
• exercise proficiency in experimental design, chemical laboratory techniques, critical thinking, data acquisition and problem solving, working both individually and collectively
• discuss the importance of chemistry and its application in everyday life; including generation of new chemicals and materials, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, new energy sources, and environmental protection and sustainability
• demonstrate the ability to work safely through the application of risk assessment and apply knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety policies and legislation
• derive, analyse and apply effectively data acquired through chemical experimentation, the application of physical and theoretical analytical techniques and by applying limits of error and concept of scale in the chemical sciences
• demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills to a diverse range of audiences and develop competency in the use of various electronic media to support communication of ideas and results
• communicate numerical and quantitative literacy, information and communication literacy, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical, social and international understanding
• exercise the highest ethical and moral standards in the chemical sciences and its application within a scientific and social context.

Graduates from Malaysia will be able to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge of scientific principles, concepts and skills in the areas of chemistry and pharmacology relevant to medicinal chemistry
• demonstrate understanding of the mechanisms of drug action and related principles of affinity, efficacy and potency
• collect, organise, analyse, evaluate and interpret chemical and pharmacological data using appropriate statistical and computational tools, and analytical and critical thinking skills
• demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques and experimental design in medicinal chemistry
• effectively communicate information in the field of medicinal chemistry
• work and learn independently and also collaboratively with others in a multidisciplinary setting
• appreciate the importance of ethical and Occupational Health and Safety issues related to medicinal chemistry
• exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.