Faculty of Science
Chemistry

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Faculty of Science

1. Overview of subjects
    1.1. 100-level subjects
    1.2. 200-level subjects
    1.3. 300-level subjects
2. Suggested subjects
    2.1. 100-level subjects
    2.2. 200-level subjects
    2.3. 300-level subjects
3. Special requirements for laboratory classes
4. Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)
5. Further information
Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions
        100-level subjects
        200-level subjects
        300-level subjects

Chemistry is the scientific discipline that describes, from both an experimental and a theoretical perspective, the properties and reactions of all of the elements and all of their compounds (the material 'stuff' of the universe). As such, it is of fundamental importance in the physical, biological, and general sciences. Chemistry is responsible for and sustains life on Earth, has played a pivotal role in 'the ascent of man', is an absolute requirement of modern technological societies, and is a key science of the future. A sound training in chemistry is essential for employment and advancement in scientific and allied careers in teaching, research, government, the professions, health and environmental regulation, commerce, and industry.

The School of Chemistry offers theory and practical courses in chemistry which are designed to teach:

a general understanding of the structure and properties of matter;
the relationships between structure, properties and chemical reactivity;
control of chemical reactions (kinetics, energetics, chemical design and synthesis);
the role of chemistry and chemical processes in the natural world;
the role of chemistry and chemical technology in the industrialised world; and
an appreciation of the health, safety and environmental issues associated with chemistry.

Students can undertake a three or four-year program in chemistry leading to a degree major in the subject or enrol in a limited selection of subjects to suit their goals and interests. Graduates with a major in chemistry are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the peak professional body for chemists in Australia, as well as chemical societies from around the world.

1. Overview of subjects

1.1. 100-level subjects

There are two 100-level chemistry streams for students who have completed VCE or its equivalent. Each consists of two semester-length subjects, Chemistry 610-121 plus 610-122 (Semesters 1 and 2), and 610-141 plus 610-142 (which is offered in Semesters 1 and 2, or Semester 2 and Summer Semester).

610-121 plus 610-122 Chemistry is an advanced stream suited to students with a very strong background in chemistry. This subject will provide an advanced treatment of chemistry which is appropriate for students who intend to major in chemistry or the physical or biological sciences. The course is presented using traditional lecture/tutorial platforms augmented by computer-aided learning (CAL) and laboratory programs. This stream is offered in Semesters 1 and 2.
610-141 plus 610-142 Chemistry is designed to provide the essential chemistry required to major in chemistry or the physical or biological sciences. VCE Chemistry or its equivalent is normally a prerequisite for this subject. The course is presented using traditional lecture/tutorial platforms augmented by computer-aided learning (CAL) and laboratory programs. This stream is offered twice during the year, once over Semesters 1 and 2, then again over Semester 2 and Summer Semester.

For students who have not completed VCE Chemistry or its equivalent the subject Chemistry 610-171 is available.

610-171 Fundamentals of Chemistry is designed to cater for students who have not completed VCE Chemistry and is offered in Semester 1. The subject is presented using traditional lecture/tutorial platforms augmented by computer-aided learning (CAL) and laboratory programs. This subject is designed to provide background knowledge in chemistry to allow students to enter Chemistry 610-141 in Semester 2. Students who achieve a high level of performance in the examination component of Chemistry 610-171 may be permitted to undertake Chemistry 610-142 in Semester 2 or Summer Semester provided they also complete additional computer-aided learning tasks during the winter recess break.

Notes:

Students with a high level of performance in VCE Physics and Mathematics who have not completed VCE Chemistry may be permitted to enrol in Chemistry 610-141. Contact the the Director of First Year Studies, Assoc Prof WD McFadyen, for further information.
Students with a high level of achievement in chemistry at Year 12 or its equivalent may apply for direct entry into 200-level chemistry subjects. Contact the Director of First Year Studies, Assoc Prof WD McFadyen, for information regarding exemption examinations.
Students who have gained credit for 610-051 and 610-052 (available only to BBiomedSc students) are eligible to enrol in 200-level chemistry subjects.
Credit is available for one only of 610-121 or 610-141 or 610-051, and for one only of 610-122 or 610-142 or 610-052.

1.2. 200-level subjects

The School of Chemistry offers a selection of subjects at the 200-level. These subjects all reinforce the basic principles introduced in 100-level subjects and extend further to a more sophisticated treatment of the chemical sciences. Theory, practical and combined theory/practical courses in the main areas of chemistry are offered.

1.3. 300-level subjects

At the 300-level, theory, practical and combined theory/practical courses continue the development of the main areas of chemistry. Students intending to continue to BSc (Hons) in chemistry should note that they are strongly recommended to enrol in at least 62.5 points of 300-level chemistry. The Chemical Research Project is a recommended feature of the 300-level course.

2. Suggested subjects

The following broad guidelines relate to students majoring in chemistry:

2.1. 100-level subjects

Along with one of the 100-level chemistry streams, students are recommended to take mathematics and statistics 620-121 plus 620-123 or 620-141 plus 620-143 or 620-160 plus 620-161. Additional 100-level subjects should be selected from physics, biology, earth sciences, mathematics and statistics, or computer science. Students intending to enrol in 610-211 Light, Matter & Chemical Change B should note that 100-level mathematics and physics are recommended.

2.2. 200-level subjects

At 200-level, chemistry 610-210, 610-220, 610-240 and 610-260 provide a minimum grounding in the important areas of physical, organic, inorganic and analytical/spectroscopic chemistry, respectively. These subjects combine theory and practical components in a single unit of 12.5 points. More comprehensive training in the areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry is provided by the following pairs of theory and practical units, each totalling 18.75 points, viz. 610-211 plus 610-215; 610-221 plus 610-225; and 610-241 plus 610-245. Students with a well-developed interest in particular areas are encouraged to enrol in the larger joint subjects which reflect their goals and interests. Environmental Chemistry 610-280 is available to students pursuing environmental science and chemistry.

Students majoring in chemistry should enrol in at least 37.5 points of 200-level chemistry; this can be achieved by various subject combinations. Selections must include at least three of the subjects 610-210 (or 610-211 plus 610-215), 610-220 (or 610-221 plus 610-225), 610-240 (or 610-241 plus 610-245), and 610-260 (or 610-280). Students with a broad interest in chemistry may elect to enrol in all of 610-210, 610-220, 610-240 and 610-260, whereas students with a well-developed interest in particular areas may elect to enrol in one or more of 610-211 plus 610-215; 610-221 plus 610-225; and 610-241 plus 610-245; and other subjects up to at least 50 points. Students with a particularly strong interest in chemistry may of course enrol in subjects totalling 50 points or more.

2.3. 300-level subjects

The flexible structure of the 200-level courses is maintained at the 300-level. The subjects 610-310, 610-320 and 610-340 provide a minimum grounding in the important areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, respectively. These subjects combine theory and practical components in a single unit of 12.5 points. A more in-depth treatment of these three areas is provided by the following pairs of theory and practical subjects, each totalling 18.75 points, viz. 610-311 plus 610-315; 610-321 plus 610-325; and 610-341 plus 610-345. Students wishing to specialise in particular areas are encouraged to enrol in the larger joint subjects. Specialist subjects in bio-organic chemistry, molecular technology and processes, and analytical and environmental chemistry are also available (610-332, 610-333 and 610-360, respectively). The Chemistry Research Project 610-399 is strongly recommended for students intending to enrol in the honours program in chemistry.

Students majoring in chemistry should refer to the prescribed structure of the major, see CHEMISTRY.

It is recommended that students intending to major in chemistry also undertake the Research Project 610-399. Student with a particularly strong interest in chemistry may of course enrol in units totalling more than 50 points.

3. Special requirements for laboratory classes

For all laboratory classes in 100- to 400-level chemistry students are required to wear a standard laboratory coat, approved safety glasses or goggles, and approved footwear. Thongs and sandals are not permitted in laboratories.

4. Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)

The School of Chemistry offers a fourth-year honours program to eligible students. The Honours year involves course work and the completion of a research project under the supervision of one or more staff members. Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and chemical societies from around the world. Please refer to Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Degree with Honours).

5. Further information

School of Chemistry
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 7137
Fax: +61 3 9347 5180
Web: http://www.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au

Subject descriptions

Special Requirements: For all chemistry 100-level subjects: an A4 duplicate notebook; access to a calculator and sets of molecular models is recommended.

Status:                   Official 2007
Last Modified:            Tuesday October 31 22:21
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