Future Students

Chemistry And Biomolecular Sciences

The Area of Study

Designing a new drug, measuring air and water quality, making new materials all rely on chemistry along with biology, geology, medicine, many branches of engineering and other sciences. It plays a major role in our economy, environment, lifestyle and health, and in processes going on in the world around us. Biomolecular science is based on biochemistry and molecular biology and extends into the fields of genetics, genomics and proteomics, biotechnology, structure and systems biology and bioinformatics. It offers a path into many stimulating careers in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic, biotechnology and other bioindustries, and at biomedical and other research institutes.

The chemistry and biomolecular science units offered at Macquarie University provide both a sound basis for a career and strong support for students majoring in other sciences such as biology, chiropractic, geology, environmental science, marine science and medical science. If you are majoring in chemistry and biomolecular sciences you may either specialise to a high degree or combine your studies with other science areas such as biology, computing, physics, electronics, geology, mathematics, statistics and psychology.

[Back to Top]

 

Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course duration
Bachelor of Science 73.00 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Science in Advanced Chemistry # 98.40 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Arts 76.00 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Science with Bachelor of Laws 96.00 5 years full-time
Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws 95.45 5 years full-time

[Back to Top]


What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in one of the following:

  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Ecology
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Biochemistry – Microbilogy
  • Geochemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Medical Chemistry
  • Molecular Design
  • Molecular Analysis (Biomolecular Analysis)
  • Molecular Analysis (Chemical Analysis)
  • Molecular Analysis (Environmental Analysis)
  • Advanced Program in Chemistry

Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • advanced chemistry
  • analytical chemistry
  • biochemistry
  • biological chemistry
  • biotechnology
  • environmental chemistry
  • geochemistry
  • marine chemical ecology
  • mathematics and computing
  • medical chemistry
  • medical microbiology
  • molecular biology
  • molecular technologies
  • physics

[Back to Top]


Recommended Prior Knowledge

HSC Mathematics (Band 2) plus Chemistry (Band 3) or their equivalents are recommended studies for chemistry units. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

[Back to Top]

 

Accreditation

Students with a sufficient spread of chemistry units are able to seek accreditation by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Incorporated (RACI Inc), the professional body for chemists.

[Back to Top]


Career Options

  • biotechnologist
  • environmental monitoring
  • pharmaceuticals
  • paints and coatings technology
  • teaching
  • patent law
  • mining and geoexploration
  • plastics industry
  • researcher
  • quality control chemist
  • sales representative

[Back to Top]


Some Major Employers

  • departments of education and training
  • departments of mines and energy
  • medical research institutions including hospital research centres
  • National Measurement Institute (formally Australian Government Analytical Laboratories)
  • Sydney Water Corporation
  • Colgate-Palmolive Pty Ltd
  • Australian Laboratory Services
  • Gradipore Ltd
  • environmental protection authorities
  • Water Technology Australia
  • CSIRO
  • universities

[Back to Top]


Further Information

Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences
Macquarie University, NSW, 2109
Telephone: (02) 9850 8275
Fax: (02) 9850 8313
Email:  chemandbiosciences@mq.edu.au
Web:  www.cbms.mq.edu.au

[Back to Top]