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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313675 v.2 Chemistry Major (BSc Science)


Major/Stream Overview

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


Professional Chemists are essential to the operations of most manufacturing, processing, minerals and other industries. They use sophisticated instrumentation 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. 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 basis for diversification into senior management, computing and technical sales areas. There is 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.


Professional Recognition

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



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

The Chemistry major requires WACE Mathematics 3C/3D and WACE Chemistry 3A/3B. WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3C/3D and WACE Physics 3A/3B are desirable.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply chemistry knowledge, principles and concepts

2. apply critical creative and reflective thinking to chemistry problems

3. access evaluate and synthesise information relating to chemistry

4. effectively communicate chemistry ideas and concepts

5. use a range of technologies to collect and analyse data with appropriate regard to uncertainties

6. work as responsible self-directed and motivated learners

7. apply internationally accepted scientific conventions standards and protocols

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. work safely effectively and ethically in a multi-faceted scientific environment, be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Incorporated


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
314658 v.1   Materials Science Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  OR  
314642 v.1   Biological Chemistry Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  OR  
314643 v.1   Geochemistry Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  OR  
314641 v.1   Analytical and Forensic Chemistry Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  200.0
Year 2 Semester 1
312485 v.1   Chemical Energetics and Kinetics 211 7.0 25.0
314001 v.1   Chemical Structure and Spectroscopy 201 7.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 2
314006 v.1   Analytical Chemistry 202 7.0 25.0
314007 v.1   Chemical Reactions and Mechanisms 212 6.5 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 1
314008 v.1   Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy 301 6.5 25.0
314009 v.1   Synthetic Methods in Chemistry 311 6.5 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
314010 v.1   Chemical Research Methods 362 16.0 50.0
  50.0




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For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.