Corequisite major: Chemistry
Students who are taking the equivalent of a major in Chemistry have the option of undertaking a specialisation in Advanced Chemistry. The specialisation in Advanced Chemistry builds a more sophisticated understanding of chemical concepts across the spectrum of the discipline and in particular fosters integration of theoretical and applied knowledge across interdisciplinary and sub disciplinary contexts.
Students are able to construct a pathway based on their evolving areas of interest, allowing for specialisation in several areas of chemistry including synthetic, biological, physical, material and theoretical. Students undertaking this specialisation are expected to complete at least one independent research project as they consolidate professional skills and research capabilities in a real research lab environment. This is a particularly important consideration for students contemplating pursuing Honours in the discipline.
Learning Outcomes
- Extend and synthesise knowledge of the structure, bonding, properties, characterisation and reactivity of molecular and macromolecular compounds and solid state materials into a range of interdisciplinary and sub disciplinary contexts, and to the solution of real-world problems.
- Demonstrate highly developed safe laboratory based skills, using appropriate risk assessments, software and instrumentation, in both qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.
- Perform both collaborative and independent research in a professional manner, accessing relevant chemical literature to develop arguments based on sound chemical reasoning, and communicate information clearly and accurately to an expert audience
- Build on the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry and of its underlying significance in other areas of science, engineering and medicine to inform their practice.
- Identify key ethical and social dimensions in general chemistry and in specific sub-disciplinary areas.
Other Information
What courses should you take in first year if interested in this specialisation?
- CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (pre-requisite for CHEM1201 and all 2000-level CHEM courses)
- CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (pre-requisite for all 2000- 3000-level CHEM courses)
Additional advice:
- A specialisation in Advanced Chemistry must be taken in conjunction with a Chemistry major.
- Any student wishing to undertake Honours in Chemistry must complete the minimum of the equivalent of a major in Chemistry.
Recommended Study Plans:
Students who are taking a specialisation in Chemistry can organise enrolment choices through three thematic streams: Biological Chemistry, Materials Chemistry or Synthetic Chemistry. These three streams build a more sophisticated understanding of chemical concepts across the spectrum of the discipline and, in particular, fosters integration of theoretical and applied knowledge across interdisciplinary and sub disciplinary contexts.
In total 48+24 units of 2000-3000 level CHEM courses will need to be taken through the major and specialisation.
Thematic stream 1 - Biological Chemistry (with optional sub-themes in biomaterials and engineering, or drug discovery and pharmacology)
Suggested enrolment pattern for this stream includes 24 units from the courses listed below:
12 units from the completion of the following courses:
12 units from the completion of 3000-level courses from the following list:
- CHEM3204 Structural Methods in Chemical Biology (winter session)
- CHEM3207 Current Topics in Chemical Biology (semester 2)
6 units from the completion of the following course:
- CHEM3060 - Research Project in Chemistry (semesters 1, 2 and summer session)
Students with an interest in biomaterials and bio-engineering are encouraged to also complete: CHEM2214 Chemical Physics and CHEM3208 Molecular Modeling and Computational Chemistry.
Students with an interest in drug discovery and pharmacology are encouraged to also complete: CHEM2202 Chemical Structure and Reactivity 1 CHEM2202 Chemical Structure and Reactivity 2 and CHEM3201 Synthetic Aspects of Medicinal Chemistry.
Thematic stream 2 - Materials Chemistry (with optional sub themes in biomaterials and bio-engineering, or materials synthesis and chemical manufacturing)
Suggested course work for this stream includes the completion of 24 units, which includes:
12 units from the completion of the following courses:
12 units from the completion of 3000-level courses from the following list:
- CHEM3202 – Advanced Materials (semester 1)
- CHEM3208 – Molecular Modeling and Computational Chemistry (semester 2)
6 units from the completion of the following course:
- CHEM3060 - Research Project in Chemistry (semesters 1, 2 and summer session)
Students with an interest in biomaterials and bio-engineering are encouraged to also complete: CHEM2213 Chemical Biology 1, CHEM3204 Structural Methods in Chemical Biology CHEM3207 Current Topics in Chemical Biology .
Students with an interest in materials synthesis and chemical manufacturing are encouraged to also complete: Chemical Structure and Reactivity 1 and 2 (CHEM2202 and CHEM3203), Organometallic Chemistry (CHEM3203), and Catalysis in Chemistry (CHEM3206).
Thematic stream 3 - Synthetic Chemistry (with optional sub-themes in drug discovery and pharmacology, or materials synthesis and chemical manufacturing:
Suggested course work for this stream includes the completion of 24 units, which includes:
12 units from the completion of the following courses:
- CHEM2202 – Chemical Structure and Reactivity 1 (semester 1)
- CHEM2203 – Chemical Structure and Reactivity 2 (semester 2)
12 units from the completion of 3000-level courses from the following list:
- CHEM3201 – Synthetic Aspects of Medicinal Chemistry (semester 1)
- CHEM3203 – Organometallic Chemistry (semester 1)
- CHEM3206 – Catalysis in Chemistry (semester 2)
6 units from the completion of the following course:
- CHEM3060 - Research Project in Chemistry (semesters 1, 2 and summer session)
Students with an interest in drug discovery and pharmacology are encouraged to also complete: CHEM2211 Chemical Biology 1 and CHEM2208 Chemical Biology 2, CHEM3204 Structural Methods in Chemical Biology and CHEM3207 Current Topics in Chemical Biology.
Students with an interest in materials synthesis and chemical manufacturing are encouraged to also complete: CHEM2214 Chemical Physics, CHEM2213 Materials Chemistry and CHEM3208 Molecular Modeling and Computational Chemistry.
Academic or enrolment advice:
Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this major (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).
Back to the topRequirements
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, of which:
6 units must come from the completion of the following compulsory course:
CHEM3060 Research Project in Chemistry (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units must come from completion of 2000- level courses from the discipline area CHEM- Chemistry not previously taken.
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of 3000- level courses from the discipline area CHEM- Chemistry not previously taken.