
Chemistry is an enabling science that provides a foundation for fields such as medicine, technology and environmental science.
Chemistry encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them in real life.
Learn the fundamentals of general, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry and gain the practical skills to work in a range of different labs.
Apply your foundational knowledge and skills to specialise in synthetic chemistry, nanoscience or computational chemistry.
Undertake an extended major in chemistry to gain advanced-level knowledge and technical capabilities that you can apply to deepen your understanding of nanoscience, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry or synthetic chemistry.
Studying chemistry will strengthen your problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking capabilities, which are essential skills for future work.
You will be equipped to pursue a diverse range of career opportunities. These include roles as a research scientist, pharmaceutical scientist, laboratory manager, toxicologist, quality-assurance specialist, environmental chemist, forensic chemist, science communicator or teacher.
Alternatively, continue into an honours degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
Our chemistry major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Society.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Research scientist
- Quality assurance officer
- Pharmaceutical scientist
- Chemist
Graduate salary
Science and mathematics (undergraduate)
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This Major is available as:
- Major
- Extended Major
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Experimental Chemistry
- Nanomaterials and Self-Assembled Systems
- Physical Chemistry
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