MJRH-ADCHE v.2 Chemistry Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.

This honours level major provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying chemical sciences with students able to explore the field through opportunities for immersive research experiences, industry placement and team-based projects. The major culminates in a personalised capstone experience. Professional Chemists are essential to the operations of most manufacturing, processing, minerals and other industries. They use sophisticated instruments for the analysis of raw materials and finished products. The Chemistry Major provides a body of knowledge in chemistry and a range of skills necessary for a career in a modern analytical or industrial laboratory. These skills are gained in Curtin’s laboratories that are amongst the best equipped in Australia.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of this course may be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Incorporated (RACI).

Career Opportunities

Students graduating with an honours degree in science have demonstrated an ability to work independently, to plan and implement an investigation, to meet project deadlines and to communicate information to a professional standard. For this reason, many employers of chemistry professionals have a preference for honours graduates, and some employers will only consider graduates with an honours degree. Graduates from the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) have the added advantage being able to evidence the development of high level discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship skills through engagement with industry and research groups throughout their course. The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) opens up many career opportunities. Employers appreciate the problem solving and analytical skills of Curtin graduates, and the applied nature of the course. The degree also forms a wide range of destinations where our graduates are employed in Research and Development, Technical Services, or Quality Control Laboratories. Students are able to choose from the following specialisations: Analytical and Forensic Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Geochemistry and Materials Chemistry.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may require a laboratory coat.

This major consists of core chemistry units, a set of core units focused on the development of research and leadership skills and attributes, and a final year capstone experience. In addition there is an elective stream that enables the opportunity to study further units in chemistry or a minor in Arts, Commerce or Science.

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced knowledge of chemical principles and concepts; contribute new knowledge in a range of chemical disciplines

2. critically analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems in chemistry, generate innovative scientific solutions through research using practical and theoretical tools; critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge

3. access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own work

4. communicate approaches and solutions, ideas and findings to an audience of chemical professionals through written word and by oral presentation

5. use established and emerging technologies within the context of the chemical professions and apply them to address complex research questions

6. demonstrate intellectual independence and engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in the chemical sciences

7. participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems while recognising the international and cultural issues in chemistry, understand compliance with international ethical and professional standards

8. work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the importance of cultural diversity and individual human rights that impact research in the chemical sciences or the broader profession

9. be able to work as an independent chemical scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of the chemical sciences

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. One intake is offered each year in February.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 2 FULL YEAR

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 3 FULL YEAR

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2

YEAR 4 FULL YEAR

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2

OPTIONS TO SELECT FROM IN YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

OPTIONS TO SELECT FROM IN YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2