Bachelor of Science(Analytical chemistry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Charles Sturt University Sydney

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how scientists test medicines, monitor pollution, or analyse chemicals in food and water, the Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry) at Charles Sturt University could be the perfect fit. This degree focuses on modern laboratory techniques, chemical analysis, and real-world applications, helping students build the practical skills needed for careers in scientific laboratories, research organisations, and analytical industries.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Building your scientific foundation
In the first year, you’ll develop a strong understanding of core scientific principles while getting comfortable in the laboratory. Units such as CHM104 Chemistry 1A, CHM107 Chemistry 1B, and SCI101 What is Science? introduce the fundamentals of chemistry, scientific thinking, and experimental methods. You’ll also study introductory mathematics and supporting science subjects to strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills.

Year 2 – Expanding your chemistry knowledge
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into the major areas of chemistry and start learning how chemical analysis works in real laboratories. Subjects like CHM215 Inorganic Chemistry, CHM216 Organic Chemistry, and CHM214 Physical Chemistry explore chemical reactions, structures, and energy changes. You’ll also study CHM213 Analytical Chemistry and STA201 Scientific Statistics, where you’ll learn how to interpret laboratory results, analyse data, and apply analytical techniques used in professional science environments.

Year 3 – Advanced analytical skills and industry exposure
By the final year, you’ll focus on specialised analytical tools and technologies used by professional chemists. Advanced units such as CHM323 Instrumental Analysis 1 and CHM324 Instrumental Analysis 2 teach you how to operate modern laboratory instruments used to identify and measure chemical substances. You’ll also complete CHM335 Analytical Chemistry Industry Experience, giving you valuable exposure to real workplace environments and helping you graduate with practical industry skills.

Focus areas (in a string)

Analytical chemistry techniques, instrumental analysis, chemical data interpretation, laboratory management, scientific statistics, industrial laboratory practice, applied chemical research.

Learning outcomes (in a string)

Develop advanced laboratory and analytical skills, operate modern chemical instruments, interpret and analyse scientific data, design and conduct experiments, apply statistical methods in research, communicate scientific findings clearly, work safely and professionally in laboratory environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Graduates can pursue professional recognition through the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, supporting career development within the chemistry profession.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Charles Sturt University is known for its strong focus on practical learning and industry-relevant education, helping graduates develop job-ready skills that are valued by employers in science and research sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

A major highlight of studying analytical chemistry at Charles Sturt University is the strong focus on practical learning. Throughout the degree, students spend significant time in laboratories using modern analytical equipment and learning the techniques that professional chemists use in real testing and research environments. Instead of only studying theory, you’ll gain hands-on experience preparing samples, operating instruments, analysing chemical data, and solving real scientific problems. The university also provides access to specialised research facilities and professional laboratories where analytical chemistry is applied to environmental testing, food analysis, and industrial research. These experiences help students graduate with practical skills that employers in scientific laboratories truly value:

Environmental and Analytical Laboratories (EAL): Students can gain exposure to a professional testing laboratory at the university that analyses environmental samples such as water and soil for government and industry clients. This facility demonstrates how analytical chemistry is used in real environmental monitoring work.
Modern analytical instruments: During laboratory classes, students work with advanced analytical equipment such as chromatography systems, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and mass spectrometry, which are widely used in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food-testing laboratories.
Specialised science laboratories: The university provides access to more than 25 operational science laboratories, including facilities for chemistry, microbiology, microscopy, and molecular analysis. These dedicated spaces allow students to carry out experiments, learn lab techniques, and conduct chemical research.
Residential intensive laboratory schools: Several chemistry subjects include intensive on-campus laboratory sessions where students spend focused time performing experiments, learning instrument operation, and applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Industry experience subject: The program includes CHM335 Analytical Chemistry Industry Experience, where students gain workplace exposure and practical experience in a professional laboratory or scientific organisation.
Research-style laboratory projects: In advanced subjects, students complete investigation-based laboratory tasks where they design experiments, choose analytical techniques, and interpret scientific results—similar to the work carried out by professional chemists.
Scientific data analysis tools: Students also learn to use computer-based tools and scientific software to process laboratory data, interpret experimental results, and support quantitative chemical analysis.
Access to research facilities and science resources: Students can use the university’s research laboratories, scientific facilities, and library resources that support chemistry and analytical science study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry) from Charles Sturt University can lead to exciting career opportunities in laboratories, research organisations, and industries where chemical testing plays an important role. Thanks to the program’s strong practical focus and industry exposure, graduates develop the laboratory and analytical skills needed for roles such as Analytical Chemist, Laboratory Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, or Environmental Testing Officer. These careers are found across sectors like pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food safety, and chemical manufacturing.

To help students move confidently into their careers, the university provides strong industry connections and career support services:

Career support through the Careers and Skills Hub: Students have access to the university’s Careers and Skills Hub, where they can get help with CV writing, interview preparation, career workshops, and employer networking events that connect them with potential employers.
Excellent graduate employment outcomes: Charles Sturt University has consistently ranked number one among Australian public universities for graduate full-time employment, with about 89–91% of graduates securing full-time jobs within four months of graduating.
Competitive graduate salaries: Graduates from the university start their careers with a median salary of around AUD $75,700, which is above the national graduate average.
Strong industry partnerships: The university collaborates with over 1,000 industry partners, giving students opportunities for internships, workplace learning, and professional networking with employers in science and research sectors.
Industry placement experience: Students complete CHM335 Analytical Chemistry Industry Experience, which includes around 180 hours of professional laboratory work. This placement allows students to apply their skills in real workplaces, and in some cases, students receive job offers from their placement organisations.
Strong reputation with employers: National surveys show high levels of employer satisfaction with Charles Sturt graduates, highlighting the university’s reputation for producing job-ready professionals with practical experience.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies if they wish to specialise further or move into research. Many graduates choose to pursue postgraduate programs such as a Master of Science, specialised chemistry or environmental science degrees, or research-based honours programs. For those interested in advanced research or academic careers, progressing to a PhD in Chemistry or a related scientific field is also a strong pathway.