2018 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) | 2018

Chemistry is the study of the molecular nature of all matter and its interactions. The relationship between molecular structure and its properties and reactivity give chemistry an essential, central position in science and technology.

An understanding of chemistry is needed for the full range of technically based disciplines from solid-state physics and astrophysics to molecular biology and the life sciences; from geochemistry and environmental science to engineering and health sciences.

At UOW you will study the fundamentals of Chemistry with an emphasis on molecular structure and activity. An understanding of chemistry is needed in many technical disciplines, including solid-state physics, astrophysics, engineering, molecular biology, various health sciences, geochemistry and environmental science.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate extensive and coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts associated with chemistry.
  2. Demonstrate technical and cognitive skills associated with chemistry by locating, analysing and synthesising information to generate solutions to complex questions and problems.
  3. Exercise critical analysis of observations and data from primary and secondary sources.
  4. Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently to others through a variety of media. 

Course Structure 

To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points in accordance with the table below.

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
Year 1
Autumn
Select ONE of the following two subjects:
Note: Students who have achieved a mark of 65% or more in NSW HSC Chemistry or equivalent must select CHEM101. All other students must select CHEM104.
CHEM101Chemistry IA: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry6Autumn
CHEM104Foundation Chemistry: Properties of Matter6Autumn
Spring
Select ONE of the following two subjects:
CHEM102Chemistry 1B: Structure and Reactivity of Molecules for Life6Spring
CHEM105Foundation Chemistry: Reactions and Structures6Spring
Summer
Only for students who have completed CHEM104 and CHEM105.
CHEM106Foundation Chemistry: Properties and Reactivity of Matter6Summer 2018/2019
Total for major at Year 1 12
MATH151General Mathematics 1A6Autumn
* Note: Students should meet the minimum mathematics requirement before enrolling in CHEM213 - Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Change and/or CHEM214 - Analytical and Environmental Chemistry II
Year 2
CHEM211Inorganic Chemistry II6Autumn
CHEM212Organic Chemistry II6Autumn
CHEM213Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Change6Spring
CHEM214Analytical and Environmental Chemistry6Spring
Total for major at Year 224
Year 3
At least FOUR subjects from the following list:
CHEM324Chemical Analysis and Inference6Autumn
CHEM337Environmental Chemistry6Autumn
CHEM374Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure Elucidation6Autumn
CHEM370Modern Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry6Spring
CHEM325Bioinformatics:Genome, Genes and Biomolecules6Spring
CHEM360Organic Synthesis III6Spring
Total for major at Year 3 24
Sub-total for major 60
Plus additional subjects chosen from the Science Schedule  30
Total for major  90
Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules 54
Degree Total 144

Please click the subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject at different locations. For information regarding timetables, tutorials, and classes please the visit the Timetables and Classes page.

The School offers a third year research subject, CHEM341, to students with a good academic record (usually a credit average or better) who wish to gain experience in research. Entry into this subject is by permission of the Head of School.

Honours

See separate entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours).

Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

Completion of this major qualifies graduates for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Other Information

For further information please email: smah-students@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 13 February, 2018