Chemistry is the science of matter and energy - the study of the makeup and structure of substances, how their atoms and molecules react and interact, and how that behaviour can be harnessed to transform materials, medicine, and technology.
Both observation and measurement are essential in chemistry. Our chemistry units cover aspects of synthetic, analytical and physical chemistry with emphasis on the environment, materials, medicine, biology, and sustainability. All our units involve laboratory work in addition to lectures and tutorials, and are undertaken in our new and state of the art Green Chemical Futures building.
Monash's School of Chemistry is amongst the top 50 chemistry departments in the world. We place a strong emphasis on research, innovative teaching and science education, developing students in modern chemical practice, problem solving, as well as oral and written communication skills.
Chemistry is considered a core science and the foundation for more specialised disciplines. This means graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in industry, food and forensic sciences, academia, environmental sciences, teaching and medical research. Your analytical and logical-thinking skills will also be of interest to the legal, financial, and commercial worlds.
Availability
Chemistry is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor, and in S2000 Bachelor of Science at Malaysia as a minor.
Outcomes
In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students at Clayton successfully completing this major or extended major 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 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
- communicate effectively 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.
Minor requirements (24 points)
12 points at level 1 and 12 points at level 2 or 3.
Students complete:
- One level 1 science sequence (12 points) from:
Note 1: Students who have demonstrated a strong aptitude in chemistry during secondary studies (eg. VCE Chemistry study score greater than 36) may enrol in CHM1051 and CHM1052 advanced units. Students with a high score in CHM1011 may be permitted to progress to the advanced stream in semester two.
Note 2: Students undertaking the chemical engineering specialisation as part of the double degree E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science will need to complete an additional approved science unit at level 1 to meet the Bachelor of Science requirements: CHM1011 or CHM1051 are counted toward the chemical engineering specialisation and contribute to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) requirements.
- Two level 2 or level 3 units (12 points) from those listed under the major.
Major requirements (48 points)
Note: The major is only available at Clayton.
12 points at level 1 and at least 18 points at level 3.
Students complete:
- The requirements for the minor in chemistry (24 points)
- Four additional units (24 points) from the following, with at least three units (18 points) at level 3:
Extended major requirements (72 points)
Note: The extended major is only available at Clayton.
12 points at level 1 and at least 24 points at level 3.
Students complete:
- The requirements for the major in chemistry (48 points)
- Four additional units (24 points) from the remaining level 2 and level 3 units listed above under the major, with a total of at least four units at level 3.
Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies
Students must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours), M5021 Graduate Diploma of Health and Science Research or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).
Students must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisites table.
Bachelors
Single degrees
Successful completion of this area of study can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the following single degrees:*
- S2000 Bachelor of Science
- S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)
- S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)
Students in other single bachelor's degrees may be eligible to complete the minor or major by using 24 or 48 points of their free electives.
Double degrees
Successful completion of this area of study can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the Bachelor of Science component in the following double degrees:*
- B2023 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
- B2016 Bachelor of Commerce Specialist and Bachelor of Science
- D3005 Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- C2003 Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science
- L3007 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
- S2006 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts
- S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- S2004 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science
- S2003 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Global Studies
- S2005 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music
