Commencing semesters, 2020

Semester 1
Semester 2

Program level

Undergraduate

Program code

2233

Faculty

Humanities and Social Sciences
Science Faculty

School

School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

Teaching Location

St Lucia

Delivery mode

Internal

Courses and requirements

View the courses and requirements for courses that can be studied as part of the Chemistry major.

Enquiries

Australian/domestic students

Faculty of Science

Email: enquire@science.uq.edu.au

Phone: 07 3365 1888

International students

International Student Advisor

Email: study@uq.edu.au

Phone: Outside Australia: + 61 3 8676 7004
Within Australia (Free Call): 1800 671 980

Enquire online

http://www.science.uq.edu.au/

Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry is the central science. Chemistry encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them in real life. This involves an understanding of the mechanisms of reactions and processes that occur at the molecular level. An understanding of the principles of chemistry underlines disciplines such as biochemistry, engineering, food science, materials science, nanotechnology and pharmacy.

More information about what can be studied in the Chemistry Major.

What you can study

Some of the major areas of study are:

  • Synthetic chemistry - the development of new methodologies to explore the synthesis of new drugs, new materials or new molecular devices
  • Polymer chemistry - the preparation and study of new polymers with uses as materials, electronic devices, and medicine
  • Computational chemistry - understanding and predicting the structures and reactivities of molecules and short-lived intermediates using high-level theoretical calculations and powerful supercomputers
  • Surface chemistry - chemistry occurring at interfaces. This is important in many biological processes, in the study of catalysts, and in nanotechnology, and
  • Spectroscopy - examining the interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation to determine chemical structures and reactivities.

Courses and requirements

View the courses and requirements for courses that can be studied as part of the Chemistry major.

Employment opportunities

There is a high demand for chemistry graduates. Employment opportunities for chemists are numerous and diverse, in both specific and broad areas. A chemistry degree is one of the most versatile you can obtain because of the fundamental nature of the discipline, and also because it can be combined with so many other sciences, leading to powerful and sought-after skills. Examples of the types of careers for chemists are:

  • Environmental and Analytical Chemists - May work in the pharmaceutical industry, environmental testing, or forensic science laboratories
  • Research Chemists - May work in universities, scientific institutes, government or the private sector
  • Chemistry teachers - Can gain employment in secondary or tertiary institutions

In addition, chemists may be employed in diverse roles in private companies, local councils, state and federal government regulatory authorities (such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and CSIRO), universities and hospitals.

This major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for the educational relevance of its chemistry content.

What it costs

Please view the Bachelors of Science / Journalism for indicative fees.

How to apply

Please view the Bachelors of Science / Journalism for information on key dates and how to apply.