Chemistry

Chemistry is often referred to as the central science as it is the common link between molecular level phenomena and the macro-level world which is key for many areas of science. 

Chemists learn to understand how processes that define our world work, and how we might be able to utilise them to raise global living standards while minimising impact on our planetary environment.

As such, Chemists play leading roles in developing sustainable industrial processes, creating novel materials for renewable energy applications, renewing our agricultural lands and degraded waterways, fighting disease (in humans, animals, and agriculture), discovery and sustainable utilisation of natural resources, and criminal investigations. 

The Chemistry major has been designed to provide students with a deep understanding of how chemical knowledge can be used to develop a more sustainable society. Students will explore the use of modern simulation and computational tools to assist in this endeavour and how chemistry knowledge can intersect with other science disciplines to create truly novel and lasting solutions for a sustainable life. 

3 reasons to study Chemistry at Murdoch 

1. This course emphasises naturally merging computational and simulation techniques with laboratory methods and a problem-based approach to learning.
2. With small class sizes you'll gain plenty of opportunities for interactions with friendly staff and students to co-design content, assessment, and solutions. 
3. Co-design extra-curricular activities, with potential for collaboration with industry partners, to enhance your scientific and professional development 

What you’ll learn 

• How you can harness your knowledge of the breadth and depth of chemical science across a range of possible areas. 
• How to apply experimental and quantitative principles, concepts and methods in chemistry-specific and interdisciplinary contexts. 
• How to combine chemistry-specific knowledge with experimental, computational and mathematical techniques to investigate problems, and critically appraise the limits and viability of proposed solutions. 
• Impactful ways of communicating your ideas and findings to peers, experts in other fields, and even the general public.  

Your future career 

Our aim is to graduate students who are well grounded in chemical knowledge but are capable of applying that in ‘out of the box’ ways to arrive at disruptive solutions to difficult problems. The practical quantitative, analytical and problem solving traits developed in graduates from this major can be applied broadly, including to:  

• Research and Development in Industry or Academia
• Education and Training
• Public Health and Safety 
• Mining and Mineral Processing
• Manufacturing and Agriculture
• Environmental Projects, including Analysis and Water Treatment 
• Forensic Environmental and Criminal Investigation