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)

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

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

  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

 

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
100-Level
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 Matter#6Summer
Total for major at 100-level12
MATH151General Mathematics 1A (if required)*6Autumn
* 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
200-Level
CHEM211Inorganic Chemistry II6Autumn
CHEM212Organic Chemistry II6Autumn
CHEM213Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Change6Spring
CHEM214Analytical and Environmental Chemistry6Spring
Total for major at 200-level24
300-Level
At least FOUR subjects from the following list:
CHEM324Instrumental Analysis6Autumn. First offered in 2018
CHEM337Environmental Chemistry6Autumn. First offered in 2018.
CHEM374Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure Elucidation6Autumn. First offered in 2018.
CHEM370Modern Inorganic & Bio-inorganic Chemistry6Spring. First offered in 2018.
CHEM325Bioinformatics: Genomes, Genes and Biomolecules6Spring. First offered in 2018.
CHEM360Organic Synthesis III6Spring. First offered in 2018.
Total for major at 300-level24
Sub-total for major60
Plus additional subjects chosen from the Science Schedule30
Total for major90
Plus elective subjects chosen from the Science or General Schedules54
Degree Total144

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).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

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

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: smah-students@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 9 February, 2016