Chemistry

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Major details for:

Study mode: Full Time Part Time
Study mode: Full Time
Murdoch code: MJ-CHE

Major overview

Understand and apply chemistry to solve real-world challenges

Chemistry is central to solving some of today’s biggest challenges – from developing new materials and energy solutions to improving environmental sustainability and human health. The Chemistry major within our Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) develops your understanding of how matter behaves and how chemical principles are applied in real-world contexts.

Throughout your chemistry major, you’ll explore core areas such as organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, building a strong foundation in chemical principles and reactions. You’ll learn how chemistry underpins advances in areas like materials science, renewable energy, environmental systems and industrial processes.

You’ll combine hands-on lab work with digital tools to model chemical systems, analyse data and solve real-world problems, developing critical thinking and practical skills used in industry and research. You’ll also have opportunities to enhance your scientific and professional skills through co-designed extracurricular activities, including collaboration with industry partners.

As part of your flexible science degree, you can broaden your expertise by pairing your Chemistry major with Physics or Applied Mathematical Statistics depending on your interests and career goals.

You’ll study in a supportive, research-led environment with small class sizes and approachable academics who are actively engaged in real-world research.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the technical, analytical and problem-solving skills to pursue a wide range of chemistry careers, with expertise that can be applied across diverse industries and professional fields.

Science student examining equipment through safety goggles in a laboratory

3 reasons to study chemistry at Murdoch University

Build practical, job-ready skills by combining hands-on lab work with digital tools to solve real-world chemistry problems.
Gain professional experience through co-designed extracurricular activities, including opportunities to collaborate with industry partners.
Learn in a supportive, research-led environment, with small classes and approachable academics who provide personalised guidance and bring real-world research into your studies.

What you’ll learn

Build foundational knowledge in organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry.
Apply laboratory techniques to analyse chemical substances and reactions.
Use computational and simulation tools to model chemical systems and interpret data.
Design experiments and solve chemical problems using scientific methods.
Understand applications of chemistry in areas such as materials, energy and environmental systems.
Communicate scientific findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

It's applicable to quite literally everything, from business intelligence and marketing reporting to finance and applied sciences - anything to do with biological, medical or veterinary sciences.

Jaiden di Lanzo, Mathematics and Statistics

Murdoch University MMFS student with hammer prop

Your future career in chemistry

Our Chemistry major prepares you for careers that involve analysing materials, developing new technologies and solving complex scientific problems.

You could pursue opportunities in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, environmental science, mining and resources, advanced manufacturing and research and development, applying your skills in areas such as materials chemistry, chemical analysis and industrial processes.

Potential roles include:

Chemist
Laboratory analyst
Materials scientist
Environmental scientist
Research scientist
Quality control or assurance specialist

For more details about our Chemistry major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period	Location	Face to Face	Online	Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	Yes
Semester 2, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	Yes
Semester 1, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	Yes
Semester 2, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	Yes

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Starting period	Location	Face to Face	Online	Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 1, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences)

Study a physical sciences degree at Murdoch University and gain hands-on experience in chemistry and physics with real-world applications. Apply now.

Code: B1411

Selection rank: 70

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3 reasons to study chemistry at Murdoch University

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