Bachelor of Science(chemistry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Nathan Campus

Program Overview

If you’re genuinely curious about how substances react, how medicines are developed, or how chemistry helps solve environmental challenges, the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Griffith’s Nathan campus gives you the tools to turn that curiosity into real expertise. This degree is perfect for students who enjoy practical learning, problem-solving, and want flexibility to shape their science journey while building strong laboratory and analytical skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Scientific Foundation
Your first year sets the groundwork with core chemistry studies such as CHEM1001 Chemistry 1A and CHEM1002 Chemistry 1B. These courses introduce you to fundamental chemical principles — atomic structure, bonding, reactions and energy — while helping you become confident in the laboratory. You’ll also develop scientific communication and quantitative skills that support your learning across all areas of science.

Year 2 – Developing Core Chemistry Expertise
In second year, you’ll move into more focused chemistry subjects like CHEM2001 Organic Chemistry and CHEM2002 Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. Here, you’ll explore reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics, molecular structure and analytical techniques in greater depth. Laboratory classes become more advanced, and you’ll begin thinking like a professional chemist — analysing data, solving complex problems and understanding how theory applies in real situations.

Year 3 – Advanced Study and Specialisation
Your final year brings higher-level chemistry with courses such as CHEM3001 Advanced Organic Chemistry and CHEM3002 Analytical Chemistry. You’ll refine your skills in instrumental analysis and complex chemical systems, and may engage in research-focused learning under academic supervision. By the time you graduate, you’ll feel confident working with modern laboratory equipment and tackling real scientific challenges.

Focus Areas

Organic chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Analytical chemistry, Physical chemistry, Instrumental analysis, Laboratory practice

Learning Outcomes

Graduate with a strong understanding of chemical theory, advanced laboratory competence, critical thinking and data analysis skills, and the ability to apply chemistry to environmental, industrial and health-related challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Chemistry major aligns with the academic requirements of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), supporting professional recognition within Australia.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Griffith University is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong academic quality and graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Griffith’s Nathan campus, chemistry is something you actively do, not just study. From your first year, you’ll spend regular time in purpose-built science laboratories developing real experimental skills — measuring reactions, analysing samples, interpreting data and learning how professional chemists work. The teaching approach blends practical classes with research-informed learning, so the techniques you’re exposed to reflect current scientific practice.

As you progress through the degree, your hands-on experience becomes more advanced and specialised:

Modern teaching laboratories at Nathan: You’ll complete structured laboratory classes in dedicated chemistry labs designed to simulate real scientific environments, helping you build confidence with experimental design, safety procedures and analytical methods.
Access to the Griffith Analytical Facility: Through the Griffith Analytical Facility, students are exposed to advanced instrumentation such as chromatography and spectroscopy systems — tools widely used in industry and research.
Collaborative laboratory work: Many chemistry practicals involve working in pairs or small groups, strengthening your teamwork and communication skills while solving experimental problems together.
Research-aligned learning: Griffith Science integrates inquiry-based and research-informed teaching, meaning you engage with case studies, problem-solving tasks and techniques that reflect real scientific investigation.
Digital learning platforms: You’ll use Learning@Griffith and campus computer labs to access course materials, submit lab reports and analyse experimental data, keeping your theoretical and practical learning closely connected.
Campus science facilities: As a Nathan campus student, you’ll also have access to science learning spaces, study areas and the university’s library resources that support independent research and project work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Chemistry degree from Griffith’s Nathan campus gives you more than technical knowledge — it gives you real career flexibility. Graduates commonly move into roles such as Analytical Chemist, Environmental Scientist, Quality Assurance Officer, or Research and Development Officer, working in laboratories, environmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies and manufacturing industries. Because you graduate with both strong lab skills and analytical thinking, employers see you as someone who can contribute from day one.

And Griffith doesn’t leave you to figure it out alone — here’s how your career journey is supported:

Career support through CareerConnect: Griffith’s dedicated career service offers one-on-one career advice, resume and interview workshops, networking events, and access to CareerHub, where you can find job listings and internship opportunities tailored to science students.
Graduate employment outcomes: Griffith participates in national Graduate Outcomes Surveys, which consistently report strong employment and further study rates for science graduates shortly after completing their degrees.
Industry engagement and partnerships: Through Griffith Sciences, students benefit from links with industry, government and research organisations, helping you build networks and practical insight while you study.
Employability framework: Griffith integrates employability skills into your degree, helping you develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities alongside technical chemistry expertise.
Professional recognition: The Chemistry major aligns with the academic requirements of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), supporting long-term professional credibility in Australia.
Versatile career pathways: Graduates apply their chemistry background across pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food and materials testing, forensic science and research — giving you flexibility to shape your career around your interests.

Further Academic Progression:

If you enjoy research and want to specialise further, you can continue into an Honours year, where you’ll complete a supervised research project and strengthen your laboratory expertise. From there, you could progress to a Master of Science or a PhD at Griffith or another university, opening doors to advanced research roles, academia, or leadership positions in scientific industries.