Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The La Trobe University Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) is a unique double degree that lets you combine strong scientific knowledge with practical business skills. It’s a great choice for students who enjoy chemistry but also want to understand how science connects with industries, markets, and business decision-making.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Building your science and business foundations
In the first year, you’ll start by developing a solid base in both chemistry and business. Science subjects such as Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2 introduce fundamental chemical concepts, laboratory techniques, and scientific thinking. At the same time, commerce units like Accounting and Finance for Business and Business Foundations help you understand how organisations operate, manage finances, and make strategic decisions.

Year 2 – Strengthening analytical and commercial skills
During the second year, your chemistry knowledge becomes more specialised while your business perspective expands. Units such as Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry develop your laboratory skills and teach you how to analyse chemical data and reactions. On the commerce side, subjects like Marketing Principles and Business Analytics show you how companies use data, strategy, and market insights to grow and compete.

Year 3 – Applying chemistry in real-world business contexts
In the final year, you’ll explore advanced chemistry topics and apply what you’ve learned to more complex scientific problems. Subjects such as Advanced Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and a Chemistry Research Project allow you to gain hands-on research and laboratory experience. Alongside this, commerce units like Strategic Management or Entrepreneurship help you understand how scientific discoveries can be turned into products, innovations, or successful businesses.

Focus areas: Chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, business strategy, finance, marketing, business analytics

Learning outcomes: Develop strong laboratory and analytical chemistry skills, interpret and evaluate scientific data, understand business strategy and financial decision-making, connect scientific innovation with commercial opportunities, communicate technical and business ideas effectively

Professional alignment (accreditation): The chemistry component is aligned with professional standards recognised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, supporting graduates who want to build careers in chemical science and related industries.

Reputation (employability rankings): La Trobe University is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, reflecting its strong global reputation for research, teaching quality, and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe University, the Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) is designed to give you practical experience in both the laboratory and the business world. Throughout the program, you’ll spend time in modern chemistry labs learning experimental techniques, analysing data, and working with professional scientific equipment, while also building real business skills through case studies and collaborative projects. Because the university is closely connected to active research centres and industry partners, students get the opportunity to see how scientific discoveries and business strategy work together in real industries.

La Trobe’s advanced facilities and research institutes allow students to learn in professional scientific environments and apply their knowledge through practical activities and teamwork, including the following opportunities:

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) – One of the university’s major research hubs where students learn in a world-class environment surrounded by scientists working in chemistry, molecular science, and biotechnology.
Modern chemistry teaching laboratories – Students develop hands-on laboratory skills by performing experiments, analysing chemical samples, and applying techniques learned in units like organic and analytical chemistry.
Advanced research platforms – Facilities such as the La Trobe Bioimaging Platform and La Trobe Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform give students exposure to cutting-edge analytical technologies used in chemical and biological research.
Finance Trading Room at La Trobe Business School – Commerce students gain practical financial analysis experience using professional trading software and real-time market data.
Work-integrated learning opportunities – Students may take part in industry projects or placements where they apply both scientific and business knowledge in real organisational settings.
Collaborative group projects – Many subjects involve working in teams to analyse research data, develop business strategies, and present solutions to real-world scientific or commercial problems.

These hands-on experiences help you graduate with more than just theoretical knowledge—you’ll also develop practical lab skills, teamwork experience, and a clear understanding of how science and business connect in the real world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the La Trobe University Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) gives you a powerful mix of scientific knowledge and business understanding. This unique combination opens doors to careers where science and industry meet, with graduates often moving into roles such as chemist, business analyst, laboratory scientist, or project manager across sectors like pharmaceuticals, consulting, finance, research, and technology. Because you develop both analytical and commercial skills during the program, you’ll be well prepared to work in environments that value innovation and strategic thinking:

Career support from La Trobe University Careers and Employability – Students can access career mentoring, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and internship guidance to help them confidently transition into the workforce.
Industry engagement and practical experience – The program connects students with real-world learning opportunities such as industry projects, internships, and work-integrated learning, allowing you to apply both scientific and business skills before graduating.
Strong graduate outcomes – Graduates from La Trobe’s science programs report positive employment outcomes, with many moving into professional roles soon after graduation and average starting salaries for science graduates around AUD $58,000.
Research and industry connections – Students benefit from learning environments connected to leading research centres like the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science and industry-focused programs within the La Trobe Business School, helping them build valuable professional networks.
Professional recognition – The chemistry component aligns with professional standards recognised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, supporting graduates who want to pursue careers in chemical sciences or related industries.
Career-ready skills – By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed strong skills in scientific research, data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic business thinking, making you adaptable across many different career paths.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue studying, this double degree provides several pathways for postgraduate education. Graduates can move into advanced programs such as a Master of Chemical Sciences, Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, or even a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at La Trobe University or other universities. These options allow you to specialise further, build research expertise, or step into leadership roles in science-driven industries.