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Undergraduate

Chemistry

Chemistry is central to all areas of modern science and technology, providing a foundation for fields such as biochemistry, green chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, materials science, geology, nanotechnology and pharmacology.
80
ATAR
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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career options.

Career Pathways

Chemistry at UWA produces highly employable graduates for jobs in Western Australia, nationally and internationally. UWA is Western Australia’s top ranked University, and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight Universities. This means UWA Bachelor of Science graduates with a Chemistry major are widely recognised, and our graduates are highly sought-after by employers including:

Companies in WA’s (*) two biggest industries:

- Mining (e.g. BHP*, Chevron*, Woodside*, Rio Tinto*, Alcoa*, Shell*, Fortescue*)
- Agriculture (e.g. Wesfarmers*, CSBP*)

- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies like ‎Pfizer*, Perrigo* and Epichem*.
- Chemical and environmental analysis companies like MPL laboratories* and SGS*
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)*
- Top-ranked International Universities

Our graduates also embark on careers in teaching, marketing, sales, and patent law with a company or government department. A UWA Science degree with a major in Chemistry is your ticket to an exciting and rewarding career with diverse and interesting pathways. 

UWA’s research-led teaching will provide you with state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and high level problem solving skills.

The chemical industry is seeking graduates who are specialised in chemistry, but with diverse skill sets. UWA’s unique degree structure sets us apart from other Western Australian universities to train graduates for these jobs.

At UWA, right from first year, you have the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your interest and goals. For example, it is possible to do a major in chemistry with a second major in biochemistry/molecular biology, or genetics, pharmacology, or neuroscience, or psychology, or management. In addition, at UWA you may specialise in either synthetic chemistry or physical analytical chemistry, or pursue both streams in a Chemistry double major. You can use your personal interests as a basis for your choice of subjects to study, and, ultimately, to direct your career.

At UWA, like at other universities, you will learn all the required skills and knowledge you need to set off on a career as a chemist in industry or a government organisation. However, as Western Australia’s top university for Physical Sciences including Chemistry, UWA is exclusively placed to provide you with the more diverse skill set you will need to become a leader in the field. This could be in industry as a Chief Technology Officer or Chief Executive Officer, as the founder of your own start-up company, a research theme leader at CSIRO, or as a Professor at a university.

In combination, these factors mean a UWA Bachelor of Science Chemistry major can launch a career focussed on solving humanity’s greatest challenges:

- Understanding and adapting to climate change
- Disease pandemics like COVID19
- Providing food and water for the world’s ever-growing population
- Extending and improving quality of life through medicine
- Sustainable energy production
- Providing the materials that modern society depends on, and that underpin the next technological innovations
- Preserving our planet’s amazing biodiversity

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Career Pathways

Chemistry at UWA produces highly employable graduates for jobs in Western Australia, nationally and internationally. UWA is Western Australia’s top ranked University, and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight Universities. This means UWA Bachelor of Science graduates with a Chemistry major are widely recognised, and our graduates are highly sought-after by employers including:

Companies in WA’s (*) two biggest industries:

- Mining (e.g. BHP*, Chevron*, Woodside*, Rio Tinto*, Alcoa*, Shell*, Fortescue*)
- Agriculture (e.g. Wesfarmers*, CSBP*)

- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies like ‎Pfizer*, Perrigo* and Epichem*.
- Chemical and environmental analysis companies like MPL laboratories* and SGS*
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)*
- Top-ranked International Universities

Our graduates also embark on careers in teaching, marketing, sales, and patent law with a company or government department. A UWA Science degree with a major in Chemistry is your ticket to an exciting and rewarding career with diverse and interesting pathways. 

UWA’s research-led teaching will provide you with state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and high level problem solving skills.

The chemical industry is seeking graduates who are specialised in chemistry, but with diverse skill sets. UWA’s unique degree structure sets us apart from other Western Australian universities to train graduates for these jobs.

At UWA, right from first year, you have the opportunity to tailor your degree to suit your interest and goals. For example, it is possible to do a major in chemistry with a second major in biochemistry/molecular biology, or genetics, pharmacology, or neuroscience, or psychology, or management. In addition, at UWA you may specialise in either synthetic chemistry or physical analytical chemistry, or pursue both streams in a Chemistry double major. You can use your personal interests as a basis for your choice of subjects to study, and, ultimately, to direct your career.

At UWA, like at other universities, you will learn all the required skills and knowledge you need to set off on a career as a chemist in industry or a government organisation. However, as Western Australia’s top university for Physical Sciences including Chemistry, UWA is exclusively placed to provide you with the more diverse skill set you will need to become a leader in the field. This could be in industry as a Chief Technology Officer or Chief Executive Officer, as the founder of your own start-up company, a research theme leader at CSIRO, or as a Professor at a university.

In combination, these factors mean a UWA Bachelor of Science Chemistry major can launch a career focussed on solving humanity’s greatest challenges:

- Understanding and adapting to climate change
- Disease pandemics like COVID19
- Providing food and water for the world’s ever-growing population
- Extending and improving quality of life through medicine
- Sustainable energy production
- Providing the materials that modern society depends on, and that underpin the next technological innovations
- Preserving our planet’s amazing biodiversity

Salary Information

As a chemist, you can expect an annual salary of $108,000 (+ bonus) as the average across all industries and experience levels, with a salary growth of 2.1% per year. The average entry level salary of scientists commences at $75,000 and ranges up to $130,000 for experienced workers.

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Salary Information

As a chemist, you can expect an annual salary of $108,000 (+ bonus) as the average across all industries and experience levels, with a salary growth of 2.1% per year. The average entry level salary of scientists commences at $75,000 and ranges up to $130,000 for experienced workers. Further studies toward a Master or PhD degree will increase your average base salary toward the upper end of this scale, and will prepare you to take responsibilities as an educator in the higher education system or as manager in industry. Amongst all industries, chemists working in the mining industry see the highest salaries averaging at $132,000. (Salary information from the Professional Scientists Australia 2019 Remuneration Report).
This course could lead to these

Career Opportunities

Alt content Chemist Alt content Laboratory Manager Alt content Agricultural Scientist Alt content Biochemist/ Molecular Biologist
More career opportunities
This course could lead to these

Career Opportunities

Chemist

Examine physical and chemical properties of substances, develops and monitor chemical processes and production.

Laboratory Manager

A laboratory manager plans, organises, directs and coordinates the operations of a research or production laboratory.

Agricultural Scientist

Help improve agricultural productivity, profitability and sustainability through scientific examination of commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques.

Biochemist/ Molecular Biologist

Research the chemistry of living organisms to improve medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, environmental science and manufacturing.

Biotechnologist

Examine anatomy, physiology and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules, develop new materials for practical use.

Chemical Engineer

Design and coordinate manufacturing facilities and methods to convert raw materials into functional products.

Environmental Consultant

Advise on policies to determine design, implementation and modification of government or commercial environmental operations.

Environmental Engineer

Apply engineering knowledge to assess and manage the effects of human and other activity on the natural and built environment.

Environmental Manager

Develop and apply an organisation's environmental management system to identify, solve and alleviate environmental issues for sustainable development.

Environmental Scientist

Develop modes of environmental conservation and decrease human impact through close examination of the environment.

Food Scientist

Use your skills to examine chemical and physical properties of substances to refine chemical processes, food production, and coordinate wine and spirits production.

Forensic Scientist

Apply scientific procedures and techniques to the examination of potential evidence that may assist in legal investigations.

Secondary School Teacher

Inspire and teach secondary school students in a variety of subject areas.

Toxicologist

Reveal the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms by examining the symptoms, mechanisms, treatments and detection of biological poisoning.

Further Study

Chemistry is central to all areas of modern science and technology, providing a foundation for fields such as biochemistry, green chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, materials science, geology, nanotechnology and pharmacology. By undertaking honours in Chemistry, you will develop an understanding of the research process and your abilities to conduct independent research. You will acquire training and practice in skills such as experimental methods, problem solving, literature searching, data analysis, computing, team building, and written and oral communication.
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Further Study

Chemistry is central to all areas of modern science and technology, providing a foundation for fields such as biochemistry, green chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, materials science, geology, nanotechnology and pharmacology. By undertaking honours in Chemistry, you will develop an understanding of the research process and your abilities to conduct independent research. You will acquire training and practice in skills such as experimental methods, problem solving, literature searching, data analysis, computing, team building, and written and oral communication.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers, mature-age applicants and those with previous tertiary study. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Indonesian Secondary School Leaving Certificate (STTB SMA)
  • 8
International Baccalaureate
  • 27
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
  • 8
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
  • 66
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 60
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
  • 270
Trinity College Foundation Program
  • 75
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 80
Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 320
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Indonesian Secondary School Leaving Certificate (STTB SMA)
  • 8
International Baccalaureate
  • 27
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
  • 8
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
  • 66
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 60
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
  • 270
Trinity College Foundation Program
  • 75
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 80
Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 320
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Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry standards page.

Admission requirements

Mathematics requirement

This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

WACE prerequisite: Mathematics requirement (1A) Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher and Chemistry ATAR

Mathematics requirement

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

Chemistry / biology requirement

Applicants are recommended to have completed Chemistry ATAR and Biology ATAR / Human Biology ATAR.

International students commencing in semester 2 must have completed Biology ATAR and Chemistry ATAR or equivalent to be admitted.

Chemistry / biology requirement

How to apply

Ready to apply for this course? Follow the steps and you’ll be on your way to joining us at UWA.

Course details

This major is no longer available for new enrolments. Two new chemistry majors are available for 2021 applications: Chemistry - Synthetic and Chemistry – Physical and Analytical. Both majors can also be taken together.

 

Chemistry is the science of the molecular scale, and encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them. You'll be taught by renowned experts in their fields, and have a chance to apply your knowledge in practical sessions held in state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories.

About the course

Do you want to be part of the major advances that are being made in medicine, nanotechnology, new materials and the environment? A major in Chemistry will allow you to develop an understanding of the mechanisms, reactions and processes that occur at the molecular level.
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About the course

Do you want to be part of the major advances that are being made in medicine, nanotechnology, new materials and the environment? A major in Chemistry will allow you to develop an understanding of the mechanisms, reactions and processes that occur at the molecular level. You will study the elements that make up all matter, and how they interact with each other to construct living organisms, transmit power from the sun, produce minerals and fuel environmental processes. To complement your lectures from renowned experts in their various fields, you will have the chance to discuss, apply and expand on the theory of your unit in weekly practical laboratory classes. The Bayliss Building in the School of Molecular Sciences is equipped with excellent laboratory facilities for undergraduate teaching. Its teaching and research laboratories are supported by state-of-the-art instrumentation for the important methods of structure determination (nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry), as well as a wide variety of complementary techniques.
Chemistry

Quick details

Status
  • Not Available in 2021
Locations
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 16-25 hours teaching time, plus your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-CHEMS
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BSc), 4 years (BPhil(Hons))
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Chemistry

Quick details

Status
  • Not Available in 2021
Locations
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 16-25 hours teaching time, plus your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-CHEMS
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BSc), 4 years (BPhil(Hons))
TISC Codes
  • UWBPH
  • UWSCI
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

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Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Popular combinations

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Engineering Science Engineering Science Geology Geology

Course structure details

Level 1

Core

Take all units (12 points):

Complementary

Students with ATAR Mathematics: Methods or WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3A/3B or equivalent or higher take 12 points of electives. Students with ATAR Mathematics Applications, WACE Mathematics 3A/3B or WACE Mathematics 3C/3D take the complementary unit MATH1721 and a 6 point elective. All other students take MATH1720 and MATH1721.
Physical and Analytical specialisation
Level 2

Core

Take all units (12 points):
Level 3

Core

Take all units (24 points):
Synthetic specialisation
Level 2

Core

Take all units (12 points):
Level 3

Core

Take all units (24 points):
Course structure details Other combinations
Richer student experiences

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

Eberhard-Karls University, Tubingen

Sungkyunkwan University

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Study abroad options

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

Eberhard-Karls University, Tubingen

The Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is one of Europe's oldest universities. Several hundred years of history in the sciences and humanities have been written here. Today, Tübingen remains a place of research and teaching. In addition to the nearly 85,500 inhabitants, there are some 28,300 German and international students. Some 4500 academic staff teach at the University's seven faculties. Teaching at the University of Tübingen reflects the broad, interdisciplinary spectrum of its research. More than 280 courses are on offer.

Tubingen, Germany
Europe

"The best part of exchange is the people you meet from all over the world. The second best thing is learning to live in a new country with a foreign culture. If you're a language student, it's particularly rewarding that, after all those years, you get to put it into practice and communicate with people. My perspectives have been broadened by my exchange, living in a new country and meeting people from all different cultures; you realise the world's a much bigger place. I can't say anything bad about Tübingen. It was a fantastic place to be on exchange and experience a student town where everything revolves around the students, because we don't have that in Australia." Rosie Blood, Bachelor of Arts - German and Psychology, 2011-2012
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Sungkyunkwan University

For more than six hundred years, Sungkyunkwan University has held a special place in the history of Korea. Since its establishment, the school's educational tradition has emphasised the four principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom. Sungkyunkwan University has also evolved to incorporate a modern educational paradigm that prioritises cutting-edge research and innovative education. This has led to important advances in the arts, sciences, medicine and technology in ways that allow greater synergy with other leading universities and institutions throughout the world.

Seoul, South Korea
Asia

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. Teachers and students hail from all around the world, and it has a total of 61 departments under the faculties of arts, business administration, education, engineering, law, medicine, science, and social science. Currently, it has about 21,000 students undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs.

Hong Kong, China
Asia

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Visit Global Studio for more details and to apply to study abroad.

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Course Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and graduates are eligible to apply for membership

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

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