Chemistry

COURSES OFFERED

The following postgraduate courses are available:

1. Doctor of Philosophy
2. Honours Master of Science by Research
3. Master of Science
4. Graduate Diploma in Science


CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS
The following areas of research are available to candidates undertaking the Honours Master of Science degree by research and the Doctor of Philosophy degree:

• Atmospheric trace gas analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
  
• Atmospheric reaction mechanisms
  
• Photochemistry caused by ozone depletion
  
• Environmental chemistry, especially the development of new methods for the analysis and treatment of industrial wastes and trace toxins
  
• Studies of heavy metal levels in the environment.
  
• Electroanalytical chemistry, especially the development of chemically modified
• electrodes and electrochemical detectors.
  
• Application of electrochemically-produced polymers in corrosion protection, biotechnology, catalysis, and as analytical sensors or actuators.
  
• Dynamic processes in fluids and porous media.
  
• Kinetics of extraction processes involved in the food and beverage industries
  
• Structural studies of organic, organometallic, and inorganic compounds using EI, CI and FAB mass spectrometry
  
• Model compounds of metalloproteins.
  
• Co-ordination chemistry of ruthenium
  
• Asymmetric synthesis using organometallic complexes and chiral polymers.
  
• Metal-protein and metal-DNA interactions, and model studies
  
• New methods for organic synthesis and asymmetric synthesis
  
• Chemistry of bio-active natural products.
  
• Medicinal chemistry involving the design, synthesis and evaluation of new compounds with specific biological activity
  
• Synthesis and properties of new heterocyclic molecules
  
• The mechanism of senile cataract formation in humans.
  
• Protein modification by endogenous chemicals
  
• Structure/function of proteins and peptides using high-field NMR spectroscopy and other analytical techniques
  
• Studies on the mass spectrometry of biological molecules such as peptides and nucleic acids
  
• New drug delivery systems
  

1. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Candidates for this degree enrol in CHEM920 and undertake a research project in one of the current research areas listed above, or in other areas on approval by the Head of Department.


2. HONOURS MASTER OF SCIENCE

Introduction and Objectives
There have been many rapid advances in Chemistry, particularly in chemical instrumentation, over the past decade. Many techniques and applications are now in common use which did not even exist five years ago. There is therefore a need for Chemistry graduates, especially those of some standing, to become aware of, and proficient in, at least some of these new developments. The proposed courses are intended to provide for the specific needs and interests of applicants from both industry and education, as well as for students wishing to obtain experience in a modern research program.

Structure of the Course
The course will be made up of subjects selected from those described below, in accordance with the Honours Masters Degree Rules.

There are two paths to the degree:

1. by research only, for students entering with a degree of Honours Class II, Division 2 standard or above. They will do the 48 credit point CHEM920;

2. by a combination of research and coursework, for students entering with a degree below Honours Class II, Division 2 standard. They will do a research project (CHEM920) plus the three following subjects: CHEM910 Advanced Topics in Chemistry, CHEM915 Advanced Chemistry Laboratory Project, and CHEM918 Chemistry Report, described below. That is, they will take subjects to a value of 96 credit points.

Entry to the Course
Entry is subject to the approval of the Board of Research and Postgraduate Studies on the advice of the Departmental Head.

Selection of Subjects
Students must consult the Departmental Head for approval of their proposed choice of subjects.

Pre-requisites
The minimum pre-requisite for all subjects is that the student must have graduated with at least 24 credit points of 300-level Chemistry subjects.

3. MASTER OF SCIENCE

Introduction and Objectives
The objectives of this course are similar to those of the Honours Master of Science above. It is designed for applicants from industry and education and for students who wish to proceed beyond the 3 year pass degree but for whom the research component of the Honours degree is inappropriate.

Structure
This is a 48 credit point coursework degree in which students do the three subjects, CHEM910 Advanced Topics in Chemistry, CHEM915 Advanced Chemistry Laboratory Project and CHEM918 Chemistry Report in accordance with the Pass Master Degree Rules.

Entry to the Course
Students must consult the Departmental Head for approval of overall entry.

Pre-requisites
The minimum pre-requisite is that the student must have graduated with at least 24 credit points of 300-level Chemistry subjects.

4. GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE

Introduction and Objectives
This one year Graduate Diploma is designed principally as a Masters Qualifying course for students who have an inadequate preparation for direct entry into our MSc degree programs. It will be found useful by international students and by students either without a full major in Chemistry at undergraduate level or who completed their first degree some years ago.

Entry to the Course
Students must consult with the Departmental Head for approval of overall entry. The particular combination of subjects to be taken by each student will be decided after discussion with the Head and will take into account the student's specific background and needs.

Subjects to the value of 48 credit points chosen from the following list in consultation with the Head of the Department of Chemistry.
The Departmental Head may also nominate other subject(s) deemed appropriate.