2017 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) | 2017

This information is for students commencing their course in 2017. Students follow the rules and requirements for the year they commenced their course. Please refer to the Archives link in the menu for years prior to 2017.

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 Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(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.
CHEM101 Chemistry IA: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry 6 Autumn
CHEM104 Foundation Chemistry: Properties of Matter 6 Autumn
Spring
Select ONE of the following two subjects:
CHEM102 Chemistry 1B: Structure and Reactivity of Molecules for Life 6 Spring
CHEM105 Foundation Chemistry: Reactions and Structures 6 Spring
Summer
Only for students who have completed CHEM104 and CHEM105.
CHEM106 Foundation Chemistry: Properties and Reactivity of Matter 6 Summer 2017/2018
Total for major at Year 1 12
MATH151 General Mathematics 1A* 6 Autumn
* 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
CHEM211 Inorganic Chemistry II 6 Autumn
CHEM212 Organic Chemistry II 6 Autumn
CHEM213 Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Change 6 Spring
CHEM214 Analytical and Environmental Chemistry 6 Spring
Total for major at Year 2 24
Year 3
At least FOUR subjects from the following list:
CHEM324 Instrumental Analysis 6 Autumn. First offered in 2018
CHEM337 Environmental Chemistry 6 Autumn. First offered in 2018
CHEM374 Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure Elucidation 6 Autumn. First offered in 2018
CHEM370 Modern Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry 6 Spring. First offered in 2018
CHEM325 Bioinformatics:Genome, Genes and Biomolecules 6 Spring. First offered in 2018
CHEM360 Organic Synthesis III 6 Spring. First offered in 2018
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

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: 14 November, 2016