Chemistry
MJRU-CHEMM

Chemistry

Undergraduate major

Experience science at a molecular level, where major advances are made in medicine, clean energy, forensic science and materials.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Chemistry Major (BSc Science)
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Course outline

Outline

Outline

Chemistry is referred to as the ‘central science’, because it connects other sciences such as physics, biology and geology. It is science at a molecular level, where major advances are are occurring in many areas – including medicine, nanotechnology, sensors and environmental chemistry.

In this course, you will gain the knowledge to become a skilled chemist. Much of your learning will be largely laboratory-based, at Curtin’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

You’ll study theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, including synthesis, analysis and spectroscopy. You’ll also learn problem-solving, teamwork and critical analysis skills, which can open opportunities for other careers within science.

Within the Chemistry major, you'll have a choice of three specialisations:

Analytical and Forensic Chemistry

In this specialisation, you'll learn how to use sophisticated scientific instruments to solve complex analytical problems in forensic and environmental chemistry. You'll also develop decision-making skills within the ethical and professional context of analytical and forensic science.

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry

In this crossover field of chemistry, you'll study the essential processes of life at the molecular level. You’ll use complex equipment and procedures to understand the biomolecular world, explore applications in biosensors and drug design, and monitor the effects that new substances have on living organisms.

Chemistry of Sustainable Development

This specialisation focuses on the chemical processes used in local industries. It highlights how chemistry is an integral science to developing solutions to sustainability in areas such
as water, energy, industry and the environment.

This major is a Bachelor of Science (Science) degree course and can instead be studied as a Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

Double degrees
You can study Chemistry with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.

How this course will make you industry ready

You'll have the opportunity to undertake industry research projects at the Resources and Chemistry Precinct. The precinct accommodates Western Australia's primary analytical chemistry facility, ChemCentre.

What jobs can the Chemistry course lead to?

Careers

  • Analytical chemist
  • Environmental chemist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Materials scientist
  • Medicinal chemist
  • Synthetic chemist.

Industries

  • Environment
  • Forensics
  • Health
  • Manufacturing
  • Petrochemical engineering.

Further study

What you'll learn

  • have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in chemsitry that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of chemistry, GC1
  • can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to chemistry, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within chemistry, GC2
  • understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in chemistry using digital technologies, GC3
  • can gather and interpret relevant data within chemistry to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with chemistry, and how these impact upon the practice of chemistry, GC4
  • understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of chemistry, GC5
  • display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6

Why study Chemistry

Get the Curtin edge

You'll have the opportunity to participate in industry research projects at the Resources and Chemistry Precinct, home to Western Australia's primary analytical chemistry facility, ChemCentre.

Specialist pathways

You can choose to specialise in Analytical and Forensic Chemistry; Medicinal and Biological Chemistry; or Chemistry of Sustainable Development.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Application ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Mathematics Specialist ATAR, Physics ATAR or Biology ATAR. 

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Application ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Mathematics Specialist ATAR, Physics ATAR or Biology ATAR. 

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    • A TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field of study, if you are not sure if it is relevant, check with the course co-ordinator for the major they are going into.

    • Curtin College Diploma of Information Technology does NOT meet the MAM requirements for the data science major. Alternative offer B-MTDSC to be given

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Application ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Mathematics Specialist ATAR, Physics ATAR or Biology ATAR. 

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  1. Met the admission criteria for minimum entry
  2. Met the ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite (or equivalent)
  3. Met the ATAR Chemistry prerequisite (or equivalent)

Prerequisite Information
The ATAR Mathematics Applications can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1015 Linear Algebra 

The ATAR Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:
CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1001 Biological Chemistry

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider. 

In addition, you need to have:  

  1. Met the ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite (or equivalent)
  2. Met the ATAR Chemistry prerequisite (or equivalent)

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Application ATAR and Chemistry ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Methods ATAR, Mathematics Specialist ATAR, Physics ATAR or Biology ATAR. 

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

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  • Curtin course code: MJRU-CHEMM
  • Last updated on: 4 November 2024

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