Corequisite major: Chemistry

Description:

Students who are taking the equivalent of a major in Chemistry have the option of undertaking a specialisation in Advanced Chemistry. The specialisation in Advanced Chemistry builds a more sophisticated understanding of chemical concepts across the spectrum of the discipline and in particular fosters integration of theoretical and applied knowledge across interdisciplinary and sub disciplinary contexts.

Students are able to construct a pathway based on their evolving areas of interest, allowing for specialisation in several areas of chemistry including synthetic, biological, physical, material and theoretical. Students undertaking this specialisation are expected to complete at least one independent research project as they consolidate professional skills and research capabilities in a real research lab environment. This is a particularly important consideration for students contemplating pursuing Honours in the discipline.

Learning Goals:

On completion of a major in Chemistry and a specialisation in Advanced Chemistry students will be able to:

1. Extend and synthesise knowledge of the structure, bonding, properties, characterisation and reactivity of molecular and macromolecular compounds and solid state materials into a range of interdisciplinary and sub disciplinary contexts.
2. Apply chemical concepts and ideas to solve problems of a chemical nature and to the solution of real-world problems.
3. Exercise highly developed laboratory based skills in both qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.
4. Prepare, isolate, purify and characterise chemical compounds and design a synthetic pathway to them based on literature precedents.
5. Independently undertake appropriate chemical risk assessments and handle and use chemicals in a safe manner including the correct disposal of chemical wastes.
6. Use software and instrumentation for the acquisition, processing and analysis of chemical data.
7. Use and critically evaluate the relevant chemical literature and present cogent arguments based on sound chemical reasoning.
8. Perform both collaborative and independent research in a professional manner.
9. Communicate chemically relevant material clearly and accurately to an expert or a non-expert audience using effective scientific communication skills.
10. Build on the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry and of its underlying significance in other areas of science, engineering and medicine to inform their practice.
11. Identify key ethical and social dimensions in general chemistry and in specific sub-disciplinary areas.

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Science (BSC)
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) (ASCAD)