From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Science?
Chemistry is innovation at the molecular level – for these scientists, making breakthrough discoveries is all part of the job.
Interested in a career where you could create life-saving medicines, rid water of microplastics, or develop a new type of construction material that can repair itself?
With our Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry, you’ll become an expert in how our world works at the molecular and atomic levels. Discover how the qualities and structure of molecules can be changed to develop new materials, medicines and technologies. Build a monumental career by focusing on the smallest details.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry offers a strong foundation in the essential knowledge, principles and skills needed for a chemistry-focused career.
You’ll study courses covering the building blocks of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and medicinal. Other core topics – covering integrity and ethics, project management, communication and critical thinking – will help to develop your scientific and professional skillset.
Our wide range of electives allow you to explore various subjects, or you may choose to pursue a second major. This could be in another science discipline or a non-science area such as arts, languages, business, or mathematics.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have multiple opportunities to apply your learning into practice in the lab. Group projects and professional placements provide further opportunities to develop your technical and professional skills.
These experiences ensure that you’ll graduate with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in your science career.
Key features
Learn how to conduct lab-based experiments and develop your procedural knowledge.- Explore topics in medicinal chemistry, quantum mechanics, environmental remediation and more.
- Choose a second major to enhance your employment prospects.
- Use purpose-built labs with industry-standard tools and technologies.
- Undertake a professional placement or research project in your final year.
What you'll learn
Across three years of study, you’ll complete a mixture of common core courses, science core courses, chemistry courses, elective courses and a final professional placement or research project.
In your first year of the Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry, you’ll take a mix of common core science courses alongside introductory-level chemistry courses, including:
- Foundations in Chemistry
- Chemistry IA
- Chemistry IB.
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into your chemistry major with courses in:
- Environmental and analytical chemistry
- Medicinal and biological chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical and inorganic chemistry
- Structure determination and analysis.
Throughout your degree, you’ll also have the opportunity to take electives as part of either a second major, or to explore topics of specific interest and relevance to your future career goals.
In your final year, you’ll embark on either a major chemistry research project or you may opt to undertake a professional placement in industry.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 units from Core courses, and
- 6 units from Work integrated learning, and
- 6 to 54 units from Electives, and
- Either:
- 48 units from Discipline courses, or
- 42 to 90 units for one Major from Major
Complete exactly 42 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
INFO2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry IA
|
Course code
CHEM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
ECOL1001
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry IA
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry IB
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry II
|
Course code
CHEM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry II
|
Course code
CHEM2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry II
|
Course code
CHEM2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry II
|
Course code
CHEM2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structure Determination and Analysis II
|
Course code
CHEM2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry III
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Inorganic Chemistry III
|
Course code
CHEM3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Chemistry III
|
Course code
CHEM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry III
|
Course code
CHEM3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry III
|
Course code
CHEM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structure Determination and Analysis III
|
Course code
CHEM3006
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Project
|
Course code
SCIE3901
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 54 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 4
|
Course code
AUXX1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 5
|
Course code
AUXX1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 6
|
Course code
AUXX1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 7
|
Course code
AUXX1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 8
|
Course code
AUXX1018
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Chemistry is a very broad field with many different areas and sub-fields to specialise in. Experts in molecular structures and chemical processes, scientists with a strong chemistry background are in high demand across various industries. From pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and biotechnology to environmental science, food and beverage manufacturing, agriculture and materials science.
You could develop life-saving vaccines, medicines and treatments. Maybe you’ll pioneer a newer, more efficient process for removing heavy metals and pollutants from water and soil. Perhaps you’ll work on food fortification projects, finding ways to enhance the nutritional content of food products.
Whatever your area of interest, there’s a career path for you. You could work in a wide range of sectors including:
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Automotive and aerospace
- Biotechnology
- Chemical manufacturing
- Clinical research and testing
- Consumer goods
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Energy and petrochemicals
- Environmental science and protection
- Food and beverage development
- Forensics and criminal investigation
- Health and safety regulators
- Healthcare and diagnostics
- Mining and metallurgy
- Pharmaceuticals
- Research and development
- Textiles and fabrics
- Water treatment and management.
Industry trends
It’s an exciting time to forge a career in a chemistry-related area. As understanding of the human health and environmental impacts of things like microplastics, PFAS and ‘forever chemicals’ increases, industries across the board are working to transition to more sustainable approaches to their operations. Chemistry specialists will only become more in-demand as these efforts continue to gain traction. Their unique expertise will be essential to establishing a safe, sustainable ‘lifecycle’ perspective to chemical development and usage for the manufacture of consumer products and other materials.
Similarly, chemistry specialists have a vital role to play in environmental remediation efforts. Their deep understanding of chemical processes enables them to design new and innovative approaches to both removing pollutants from water and soil and also identifying safe methods of recycling these waste products.
Increasing investment in renewables, carbon capture and storage technologies also require chemical scientist expertise. The growing interest in hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, the development and use of biofuels, and the increased focus on mitigating the environmental impact of projects – all lead back to chemical science. As a graduate of Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry, you’ll be at the forefront, driving these and many other major transformations.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
