Bachelor of Science Chemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how substances react, how materials are designed, or how chemistry shapes medicine, energy and the environment, this program is a fantastic choice. At UNSW, you’ll study chemistry in depth while gaining extensive hands-on lab experience, setting you up for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, materials development, or postgraduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Laying the Foundation
Your first year builds the core knowledge every chemist needs. In CHEM1011 – Chemistry 1A and CHEM1012 – Chemistry 1B, you’ll explore atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics and the basics of organic chemistry. Alongside lectures, you’ll spend time in the lab learning essential experimental techniques and how to safely handle and analyse chemicals — building confidence from day one.

Year 2 – Exploring the Major Branches of Chemistry
In second year, the subject becomes more specialised and intellectually exciting. Through CHEM2011 – Organic Chemistry 1, CHEM2021 – Physical Chemistry 1, and CHEM2031 – Analytical Chemistry, you’ll dive deeper into reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, quantum chemistry and modern analytical tools used in industry. Laboratory classes become more advanced, helping you connect theory to real chemical investigations.

Year 3 – Advanced Study and Research Skills
By your final year, you’re thinking like a chemist. Subjects such as CHEM3011 – Advanced Organic Chemistry, CHEM3021 – Inorganic Chemistry, and CHEM3031 – Physical Chemistry 2 allow you to explore complex reactions, catalysis, materials chemistry and molecular design. Many students also complete advanced lab work or research-based projects, gaining the independent thinking and problem-solving skills that employers and postgraduate programs value highly.

Focus Areas: Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, laboratory research

Learning Outcomes: Strong theoretical understanding of chemistry, advanced laboratory skills, ability to design and analyse experiments, critical thinking, scientific communication skills, preparation for research and industry careers

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Chemistry major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), meaning the degree meets professional standards recognised across Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of New South Wales is part of the prestigious Group of Eight and is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities in science by the QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong research quality and excellent graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the biggest strengths of studying Chemistry at the University of New South Wales is how hands-on the degree really is. From your very first year, you’ll be in purpose-built teaching laboratories developing practical skills — not just watching demonstrations, but running experiments, analysing results and learning how professional chemists actually work. As you progress, you’ll move into more advanced lab environments and research spaces within the School of Chemistry, working with sophisticated instrumentation and gaining confidence with techniques used in industry and research settings.

You’ll also benefit from access to specialised facilities like the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, which houses high-end equipment for materials characterisation, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry — the same tools used by researchers and industry scientists. What makes this program stand out is how naturally practical experience is built into your learning journey:

Extensive laboratory training across all three years, developing skills in synthesis, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy and data interpretation.
Research-based course options such as CHEM2999 and CHEM3998, where you work closely with an academic supervisor on an independent research project.
Access to advanced analytical instrumentation through the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, including mass spectrometry, chromatography and microscopy facilities.
Opportunities to participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) through the UNSW Science program, allowing you to undertake industry placements or applied projects for academic credit.
Summer research scholarships and internship pathways within UNSW research groups, helping you build real research experience before graduation.
Collaborative lab work and group-based experimental projects that strengthen teamwork and scientific communication skills.
Full access to UNSW’s modern science precinct facilities, research institutes and university library resources to support experimental and theoretical learning.

This combination of structured lab training, research exposure and industry-linked learning ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and technical experience employers are looking for.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at University of New South Wales go on to build rewarding careers across science, industry and research. Whether you see yourself in the lab discovering new materials, working in environmental or pharmaceutical sectors, or applying chemistry knowledge to solve real-world challenges, this degree opens doors to strong job prospects and professional growth:

Career support through UNSW Careers & Employment Services, with tailored workshops, industry mentoring, job listings and career planning specifically for science students.
Strong employment outcomes, with many chemistry graduates stepping into roles such as Analytical Chemist, Formulation Scientist, Environmental Scientist and Laboratory Manager across Australia and globally.
Industry connections and partnerships, with UNSW’s links to research institutes, government labs, environmental agencies and companies in health, energy and materials sectors helping you access internships and networking opportunities while you study.
Accreditation advantages, including recognition from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), which enhances your professional credibility and mobility in chemistry careers.
Graduate outcomes data, showing UNSW science alumni enjoy strong starting salaries and high employment rates within a year of graduating (specific figures available from official UNSW graduate outcomes reporting).

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree you’ll be well-placed to continue into postgraduate study if you wish. Many students progress to honours programs in Chemistry at UNSW, which deepen research skills and prepare you for doctoral study. You can also explore specialised master’s degrees in areas like Analytical Science, Materials Science, Environmental Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Science, or enrol in a PhD pathway if you’re aiming for a research-focused career.