Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

RMIT’s Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) is designed for students who are curious about how the world works at a molecular level and want to turn that curiosity into real scientific capability. Across three years, you’ll study core areas of chemistry while building strong laboratory, analytical and problem-solving skills that prepare you for careers in research, industry, environmental science and beyond.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Strong Foundations
In your first year, you’ll complete core science subjects such as Physical Sciences in Action, Mathematical Toolbox for Scientists, and Data for a Scientific World, alongside chemistry-focused units like Chemistry Fundamentals 1 and Chemistry Fundamentals 2. These subjects introduce key principles in atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics and chemical reactions, while strengthening your quantitative and data analysis skills essential for modern chemistry.

Year 2 – Developing Practical and Analytical Expertise
Second year deepens your chemistry knowledge through units such as Analytical Techniques, Chemistry Laboratory, and intermediate chemistry courses within the major. You’ll spend significant time in the lab learning how to apply spectroscopy, chromatography and other analytical methods, while building confidence in experimental design and scientific reporting.

Year 3 – Advanced Chemistry and Capstone Experience
In your final year, you’ll complete advanced units such as Advanced Chemistry Laboratory and Advanced Chemistry Theory, integrating theoretical understanding with complex laboratory work. You’ll also undertake a Capstone project within the Bachelor of Science, where you apply your chemistry knowledge to a research or industry-relevant problem, preparing you for professional practice or further study.

Focus areas (in a string):

Chemical fundamentals, analytical chemistry, laboratory practice, advanced chemical theory, data analysis, research application.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Strong understanding of chemical principles, ability to design and conduct experiments, competence in analytical instrumentation, critical evaluation of scientific data, effective scientific communication, and professional teamwork skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Chemistry major is designed to align with professional scientific standards and industry expectations, incorporating laboratory training and a capstone work-integrated learning experience to ensure graduates are workplace-ready.

Reputation (employability rankings):

RMIT is ranked among the world’s leading universities under 50 years old in the QS rankings and is recognised for its strong industry connections and career-focused education model, supporting positive graduate employment outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RMIT, chemistry is something you actively practise from the start. The Chemistry major is built around structured laboratory classes where you apply theory in real time — analysing samples, interpreting data, and working with professional scientific equipment in purpose-built science facilities at the Melbourne City campus. As you move into second and third year, your lab work becomes more advanced and research-focused, helping you develop the independence, precision and problem-solving ability expected of a professional chemist.

Your learning is hands-on, collaborative and career-oriented, with practical classes embedded in core subjects and a capstone experience that brings everything together:

Practical laboratory classes in units such as Chemistry Fundamentals 1, Chemistry Fundamentals 2, Analytical Techniques, Chemistry Laboratory, and Advanced Chemistry Laboratory, where you conduct experiments and analyse real chemical data.
Access to RMIT’s science laboratories and specialist chemistry teaching spaces designed for experimental and analytical work.
Use of industry-relevant laboratory instrumentation and analytical tools during practical classes and advanced units.
A final-year Capstone project within the Bachelor of Science, allowing you to apply your chemistry knowledge to a real research or industry-based problem.
Collaborative group-based laboratory work that mirrors how chemists operate in professional research and industrial environments.
Access to the RMIT Library’s extensive scientific databases and digital research tools to support laboratory reports and independent investigations.
Learning support through RMIT’s Learning Lab, which provides discipline-specific academic and study resources for science students.

If you’re someone who prefers learning by experimenting, testing and discovering — rather than just memorising — this program gives you consistent, structured practical exposure across all three years.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from RMIT’s Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) leave with practical scientific skills that help them step confidently into professional roles such as chemist, environmental scientist, forensic scientist or laboratory technician. With strong industry links and hands-on training embedded in your studies, you’ll be well prepared to move into labs, research teams or science-related roles where analytical thinking and real-world experience matter.

Career support tailored to you: RMIT’s Careers & Employability services help you polish your resume, refine interview skills, explore internships and connect with employers through career fairs, job postings and mentoring opportunities.
Strong employment outcomes: Recent official data shows that around 88 % of RMIT graduates from higher education programs are in employment after graduation, with a solid portion in full-time science and professional roles.
Industry connections: RMIT works with thousands of industry partners worldwide, giving you opportunities for work-integrated learning, capstone projects and networking that reflect real workplace expectations.
Practical experience built into the degree: Your studies include work-integrated learning, project collaborations and links to industry advisory committees that help shape curriculum aligned with employer needs.
Professional credibility: Completing a chemistry major within RMIT’s science degree ensures you’ve developed laboratory, analytical and critical thinking skills that are valued across science sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing your Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, you could continue your studies to specialise or advance your career. Many students choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at RMIT, which adds a research-focused year and strengthens skills for scientific research or postgraduate study. From there, you could move into a Master’s degree or even a PhD in fields related to chemistry, environmental science, biotechnology or materials science — opening doors into research leadership, advanced industry roles or academic careers.