Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science(Chemistry)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at La Trobe University is a flexible double degree that lets you combine scientific expertise in chemistry with a broad understanding of society, culture, or communication—giving you a unique edge in today’s job market. It’s ideal for students who want both analytical scientific skills and strong critical thinking or creative abilities, opening doors to diverse and future-focused careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll build a strong foundation in both disciplines, starting with core science units like CHE1GEN – Chemistry in Action and CHE1MOL – Molecules to Materials, where you explore chemical reactions and molecular structures. Alongside this, your Arts subjects introduce you to areas such as communication, sociology, or politics, helping you develop critical thinking and academic writing skills from day one.

Year 2
As you progress, you’ll deepen your chemistry knowledge through units like CHE2ORG – Organic Chemistry and CHE2ANA – Analytical Chemistry, focusing on laboratory techniques and chemical analysis. At the same time, your Arts major becomes more specialised, allowing you to explore themes such as global issues, media, or human behaviour in greater depth.

Year 3
This year focuses on advanced scientific concepts and independent thinking, with subjects like CHE3PHY – Physical Chemistry and CHE3SYN – Synthetic Chemistry, where you apply theory to real-world chemical problems. Your Arts studies also become more research-oriented, helping you refine your ability to analyse complex ideas and communicate them effectively.

Year 4
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your expertise through advanced chemistry electives or research projects such as CHE4RES – Chemistry Research Project, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory or industry-based settings. Your Arts component may include capstone subjects or major projects, allowing you to integrate your interdisciplinary knowledge into a final piece of work.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Chemistry, organic and analytical chemistry, scientific research, communication, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Strong laboratory and analytical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, research capability, effective communication, interdisciplinary understanding

Professional Alignment (accreditation):
Chemistry majors may be aligned with professional standards set by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, supporting pathways into professional chemistry careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):
La Trobe University is recognised globally, with strong performance in employability and industry engagement reflected in rankings such as the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe University, this double degree is designed to be hands-on from the start—you won’t just learn chemistry and arts concepts in theory, you’ll actively apply them in real-world environments. Students benefit from purpose-built teaching laboratories, advanced molecular science facilities, and opportunities to engage with industry and research, ensuring you graduate with both technical lab skills and transferable interdisciplinary experience. What really sets this program apart is access to cutting-edge infrastructure like the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, where students work alongside researchers using industry-grade tools and technologies :

Advanced teaching laboratories – Practical classes take place in modern chemistry and biochemistry labs designed for hands-on experiments and real-time data analysis
La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) – Access to a $100M research hub with 18+ laboratories and specialised equipment supporting molecular science and chemistry research
Specialist research platforms – Includes facilities like the Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform for molecular analysis and the Bioimaging Platform with microscopy and cell analysis tools
Work placements & industry exposure – Opportunities to gain practical experience through placements with organisations such as environmental and government agencies
Research-integrated learning – Students engage with real research environments, often working alongside leading scientists in interdisciplinary projects spanning chemistry, health, and environmental science
Collaborative projects & teamwork – Group-based scientific problem-solving and research tasks help build collaboration and communication skills valued by employers
Field and applied learning opportunities – Depending on your Arts major, you may also participate in fieldwork, case studies, or community-based projects that complement your science training
Access to research centres and institutes – Including facilities like the Centre for Materials and Surface Science, offering exposure to advanced analytical and fabrication technologies

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree from La Trobe University are highly versatile, combining scientific expertise with strong communication and analytical skills—making them attractive across multiple industries. You could step into roles such as chemist, environmental consultant, policy analyst, or science communicator, with opportunities spanning science, government, business, and media sectors. This unique blend of Arts and Chemistry opens pathways that are both technically specialised and broadly adaptable:

Career support services – Access to La Trobe’s Career Ready Advantage program, offering career mentoring, workshops, industry projects, and employer networking opportunities to boost employability
Employment outcomes – La Trobe graduates benefit from strong employment rates, with many science graduates securing roles in laboratories, environmental agencies, and research organisations soon after graduation
Industry partnerships – The university collaborates with industry, government, and research bodies through institutes like the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, providing exposure to real-world projects and professional networks
Accreditation value – Chemistry studies aligned with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute enhance your credibility and support recognition as a professional chemist in Australia
Graduate outcomes – Graduates are equipped for careers in chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, science policy, and communication, with the flexibility to move across sectors thanks to their interdisciplinary skill set

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, you can advance into postgraduate study such as a Master of Science (Chemistry), Master of Data Science, or specialised Arts-related master’s degrees depending on your interests. High-achieving students may also pursue honours or research pathways, leading to a PhD and careers in scientific research, academia, or advanced industry roles.