Science
Chemistry
The foundation
for all other
sciences
Australia
CHINA
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www.monash.edu/chemistry
Chemistry
If you are interested in a career in chemistry,
then Monash is the place to be.
Ranked Australia’s number one university for chemistry* Monash University is at the forefront
of chemistry innovation and research. Chemistry at Monash offers a world-class research
environment and enables students to engage in the many facets of this fundamental field
of science.
Chemistry is the central science that
underpins every field of science. Science
needs innovative, passionate chemistry
graduates who are equipped to tackle the
many challenges the world faces in the twenty
first century.
In the modern world, developments in areas
including medicine, biology, biochemistry,
microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, earth
sciences and new materials, are increasingly
based on molecular properties and interactions,
meaning chemistry is assured of continuing its
central role.
Solutions to current world problems
in the environment, energy resources,
waste management and pollution control,
as well as progress in medical treatments,
new materials, biotechnology, nanotechnology
and industrial processes will rely heavily
on chemical knowledge and its application.
Why study chemistry
at Monash?
The Monash University School of Chemistry
provides a cutting-edge chemistry education,
with established industry relationships and
teaching staff who lead the field in research
and innovation. Students studying chemistry
at Monash have the opportunity to explore
a diverse range of areas and applications.
Monash’s School of Chemistry is taking
steps to become the driving force in the global
shift toward green and sustainable Chemistry.
Green Chemical Futures Initiative, encompass
innovative teaching, research, and industry
engagement to reduce the environmental
footprint of the chemical industry.
Visit www.monash.edu/chemistry for more.
*The Academic Ranking of World Universities (2012)
Our focus is on student learning which is enhanced by our active
research culture, industry engagement and community involvement.
Diverse, exciting career opportunities
Studying chemistry at Monash University
opens the door to an incredibly diverse range
of career options and opportunities.
A degree in chemistry equips graduates with
a range of relevant, transferrable skills,
including logical thinking, critical analysis,
numeracy, data handling and communication.
A solid chemistry education is essential
to many science careers.
Approximately 35 per cent of professional
chemists are employed in government
laboratories, forensic and analytical
laboratories, universities and research
organisations.
Chemistry graduates are also perfectly
equipped to pursue a career outside of
science, with many graduates found working
in careers such as law, banking, teaching,
journalism, communications and politics. With
the field of biotechnology expanding rapidly,
there are also a huge number of new, exciting
roles emerging for chemistry graduates.
Career options include:
esearch chemist in a university,
R
government or industrial laboratory
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Patent attorney
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Mining
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Materials scientist
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Waste and resources management
eaching at primary, secondary
T
and tertiary level
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Food scientist
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Occupational health and safety
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Industrial chemist
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Petrochemicals
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Analytical scientist
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Science journalist
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Risk management
n
Forensic scientist
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Geochemist
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Wine and brewing industry
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Environmental scientist
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Pharmaceuticals
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Hospital or medical laboratories
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Biotechnologist
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Sales and marketing
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Water quality and management
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Quality control
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Information technology
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Toxicology
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Chemistry research and innovation
Chemistry at Monash has a broad research
base that emphasises the chemistry of
sustainability as well as recognised strengths
in materials, synthetic, analytical and green
chemistry. Our focus is on student learning
which is enhanced by our active research
culture, industry engagement and community
involvement.
We collaborate in a number of projects with
other Monash departments and schools,
including biochemistry, biological sciences,
microbiology and earth sciences.
We also work closely with external parties such
as CSIRO (radio-physics, minerals, chemicals
and polymers, wood technology, etc), hospitals
(Monash Medical Centre, Royal Melbourne,
Royals Women’s), industries (coal, energy,
dairy, chemical, biotechnology) and many
other chemistry and science departments
worldwide.
Our academics are involved in a diverse range of research projects
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Molecular design and synthesis
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Drug design
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Anti-cancer agents
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Food chemistry
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Medicinal chemistry
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Bio-diagnostics
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Development of new materials
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Forensic analysis
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Glasses and polymers
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Analytical chemistry
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Bio-spectroscopy
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Water chemistry and quality
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Fluorescence
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Energy
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Environmental chemistry
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io-organic and bio-inorganic
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chemistry
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Biotechnology
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Green chemistry
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Chemical education
Courses
Students wanting to study chemistry at Monash have a range of options, including the
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Advanced (Research), Bachelor of Science Advanced
(Global Challenges) or the Bachelor of Environmental Science. Chemistry units can also be taken
as part of a double degree.
n Bachelor
of Science
Science is fundamental to every aspect
of human existence and holds the key to
solving humanity’s most complex, perplexing
questions. Advances in science have enabled
us to find the cure for diseases, understand
climate change and explore the universe.
This three year degree provides a
comprehensive science education and equips
graduates for employment in both the public
and private sectors. The transferrable skills and
methodology developed while studying the
Bachelor of Science provides a springboard
to any career where critical thinking, the ability
to analyse and investigate new information, a
commitment to lifelong learning and evidencebased decision making are valued.
High-achieving Bachelor of Science students
can also incorporate Honours into their course.
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Bachelor
of Science Advanced
(Research)
With its focus on world-class scientific
research, this course offers an advanced
level honours qualification and will elevate
you into the top echelon of young Australian
scientists. It’s the perfect platform to specialise
in a field you are passionate about and, if
you choose, to transition into postgraduate
research studies. Research studies – a central
feature – begin early in your course and lead
to a full year of honours studies. You will gain
advanced research skills in an area of science
as well as competence in generic skills that
will improve your employability across a broad
range of exciting careers.
Taking part in ground-breaking research is a
fundamental part of this degree. Graduates
will have the skills to transition smoothly
into postgraduate research or study, or gain
employment with a research focus.
n
Bachelor
of Science Advanced
(Global Challenges)
In 2014, Monash University will accept
students into a ground breaking, exciting new
course: the Bachelor of Science Advanced
(Global Challenges), the only course of its kind
in Australia.
This unique course is focussed on developing
future leaders- graduates who will use their
fascination with science to make a tangible
difference in the world, translate their
knowledge into action and inspire change,
discovery and innovation.
In addition to core science subjects, you will
also study leadership, communication and
entrepreneurship. You will develop a start-up
business and undertake two internships, one
of which is international. The summit of your
experiences will be a year-long project. You will
work with your peers and in partnership with
an external organisation to tackle an issue of
real global significance.
The course content for the Bachelor of Science
Advanced (Global Challenges) is designed to
ensure you graduate with an Honours degree
and with strong science skills complemented
by a range of real-world experiences and a
supportive mentor network.
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Bachelor
Science
of Environmental
Students with a strong interest in chemistry
may also be interested in studying
environmental science, an area in which
knowledge of chemistry is essential in tackling
solutions to global environmental issues.
n Bachelor
of Biotechnology
The Bachelor of Biotechnology has a strong
chemistry focus. Biotechnology depends on
the ability to manipulate chemical structures.
It is a relatively new and fast-developing
field that integrates knowledge from several
traditional sciences: biochemistry, chemistry,
microbiology, and chemical engineering.
n Double
Degrees
Within the Faculty of Science it is also possible
to combine a science major with many
different disciplines as part of a double degree,
including the following:
n Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Law
n Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of
Engineering
n Bachelor of Science/Commerce
n Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education
n Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts
It is also possible to combine a chemistry
major with many other subjects and units
offered by the faculty. Combining chemistry
with biosciences, earth sciences, physics,
mathematics or materials science further
broadens your career opportunities.
For more information, visit
monash.edu/science/future
Chemistry at Monash is evolving
A degree in chemistry equips graduates with a range of relevant,
transferrable skills.
Green Chemical Futures
Our journey to become leaders in the global shift
towards green and sustainable chemistry starts
with us, which is why we’re building a Green
Chemical Futures hub right here on campus.
Located in the North West Precinct, Green
Chemical Futures will unify teaching, research,
and industry in one location.
The building will be a fresh and engaging
academic environment, where students can
collaborate with their peers, academics, and
industry professionals. We will create a vibrant
home where students come not only to learn,
but to network and socialise.
It will be the heart of forward-thinking in
chemical science, with each level inviting
students and researchers to explore
possibilities and stretch their mind, marrying
learning with innovation in the same building.
Monash Science students and academics
will have access to:
The lower levels of the building will house
innovative teaching and collaborative learning
spaces, moving away from traditional
lecture halls in favour of inviting spaces
that encourage active learning and creative
problem-solving in smaller groups. State-ofthe-art research laboratories and transitional
facilities will be located on the upper levels.
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The latest equipment and resources
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A lectorial-style learning space
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Wireless technology
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Industry engagement spaces
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Visual interconnection and interaction.
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Collaborative learning spaces
nSophisticated
laboratories and research
facilities
The Monash University Faculty of Science
is regenerating. The future starts here.
Visit www.monash.edu/science for more
information about the new facilities on offer
in Chemistry at Monash.
Route to becoming a professional chemist
Studying chemistry starts at level one, with a general introduction to chemistry and, as you
progress, becomes increasingly specialised. You may consider undertaking an honours year
as part of your chemistry education, giving you the opportunity to be part of a research group
studying a significant problem. We encourage all our students to set their sights on undertaking
an honours degree, as this will greatly increase your employment potential.
Level one
Level-one chemistry is an introductory year
emphasising the fundamental and central role
chemistry plays in science.
The mainstream chemistry units CHM1011/
CHM1022 are suitable for students with
an understanding of chemistry as well as
those relatively new to the subject, while the
advanced chemistry units CHM1051/CHM1052
have been designed for students who have
demonstrated a strong aptitude for chemistry
during their VCE studies.
The concepts delivered in lectures are reinforced
within the workshops and tutorials and these
are strengthened through a comprehensive
laboratory program. Students are given the
opportunity to design their own experiments to
solve a range of chemical problems and develop
sound analytical techniques.
Level two
Various units are available to students pursuing
professional training in chemistry and to those
requiring a strong chemistry background for
other science, engineering or biomedical
science disciplines. ‘Synthetic Chemistry I’, and
‘Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry’ are
recommended units for students intending to
major in chemistry.
Level three
The level-three units allow students to develop
specialist knowledge in interest areas. Students
intending to continue chemistry at the honours
level are required to complete two of the
following four units – Advanced Physical
Chemistry or Advanced Analytical Chemistry
and Advanced Organic Chemistry or Advanced
Inorganic Chemistry. Research projects are
incorporated into the laboratory program to
provide advanced laboratory skills, and for
students undertaking a significant amount
of chemistry, a full research project unit
is available.
Level four – Honours
The honours year is offered to students who have
achieved excellence in chemistry at level three.
The major component is an advanced research
project. Two John Swan scholarships are offered
on a competitive basis to provide support to the
most promising honours students.
Our chemistry units
Each unit = 6 points, minor = 24 points, major = 48 points
CHM1011
CHM1022
Chemistry I
Chemistry II
or
CHM1051
CHM1052
Chemistry I Advanced
Chemistry II Advanced
Level two
CHM2911*
Synthetic Chemistry I
CHM2922*
Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry
CHM2942
Synthetic Chemistry II
CHM2951
Environmental Chemistry – Water
CHM2962
Food Chemistry
CHM2990
Introductory Chemical Research Project
Level three
CHM3911*
Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHM3922*
Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHM3941*
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHM3952*
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
CHM3180
Materials Chemistry
CHM3930
Medicinal Chemistry
CHM3960
Environmental Chemistry
CHM3972
Sustainable Chemistry
CHM3990
Applied Chemistry Project
Further information
Professor Steven Langford
School of Chemistry,
Monash University
Wellington Road, Clayton
Victoria 3800, Australia
Telephone +61 3 9905 4569
Email: steven.langford@monash.edu
www.monash.edu/chemistry
General career information can be
found by visiting the future students
section on the Faculty of Science website
www.monash.edu/science
Details of courses are provided in
the Monash University Undergraduate
Handbook and online at
www.monash.edu/pubs/handbooks
www.monash.edu/chemistry
Level four – Honours
Disclaimer: Monash University reserves the right to alter
information, procedures, fees and regulations contained
in this document. Please check the Monash University
website for updates (www.monash.edu). All information
reflects prescriptions, policy and practice in force at time
of publication. July 2013.
Advanced research project (75%) and coursework (25%)
CRICOS provider: Monash University 00008C
Students with a total of 24 points of third-year chemistry, an average distinction grade, plus the required units
(*must complete one of CHM3911/52 and CHM3922/41 to be eligible), can choose to do an honours year.
13P-661
Level one