Chemistry

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Study options

The School of Chemical and Physical Sciences offers a number of postgraduate qualifications in chemistry to suit the objectives and backgrounds of prospective students. These range from coursework diplomas to a full research PhD degree.

The following programmes are offered:

Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc) in Chemistry

Prerequisites

GDipSc students must have previously completed a Bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Course requirements

120 points from 200 and 300 level chemistry courses
at least 75 points must be at 300 level or above
up to 30 points may be from courses outside science
a project worth 30 points may be included, with approval

Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc) in Chemistry

Prerequisites

PGCertSc students must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with an average B grade in relevant 300 level courses.

Course requirements

60 points from CHEM 401-489, 580

The certificate may be extended to a Postgraduate Diploma with the addition of 60 further 400 level points.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc) in Chemistry

Prerequisites

PGDipSc students must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with an average B grade in relevant 300 level courses.

Course requirements

120 points from CHEM 401-489, 580

Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Chemistry

An Honours degree follows an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and is designed to provide students with depth in a specialised field.

Prerequisites

BSc(Hons) students should have completed the following with an average B+ grade:

CHEM 301
CHEM 302
CHEM 303
A laboratory course (CHEM 305 and/or 306) relevant to their CHEM 489 research project.

Course requirements

120 points at 400 level are required, made up of the following:

6 courses from CHEM 421-425
CHEM 480 (Research Preparation)
CHEM 489 (Research Project)

CHEM 441 (Directed Individual Study) can provide a flexible course of study if required for an individual student.

Note: up to 30 points may be substituted with other 400-level science courses, with approval from the School.

An Honours programme may be started in trimester 1 or 2 and may be undertaken part-time. All courses are partly internally assessed.

Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry

Prerequisites

MSc students should have completed the following with an average B+ grade:

CHEM 301
CHEM 302
CHEM 303
A laboratory course (CHEM 305 and/or 306) relevant to their CHEM 489 research project.

Entry to Part 2 is conditional upon satisfactory grades being achieved in Part 1.

Course requirements

Part 1

120 points are required, made up of the following:

6 courses from CHEM 421-425
CHEM 580 (Research Preparation)
One additional 15 point course

Part 2

CHEM 591 - thesis

Part 2 normally takes at least 12 months but may not extend to more than 18 months, including write-up and submission. The thesis is examined by an internal and an external examiner. Other assessments include two oral presentations, a full research proposal, an introduction to the thesis and draft submissions of the final thesis.

Master's Part 1 students may register for Masters Part 2 immediately after completion of Part 1 or from December 1 until the start of the following academic year.

BSc(Hons) students may change to a Master's Part 1 programme at any time before examinations, with approval from the School.

Masters by Thesis

Students who have reached a satisfactory standard in the BSc(Hons) degree or Postgraduate Diploma may enrol in Master's Part 2 directly, with approval from the Head of School.

Since the assessment for this qualification is by thesis only, a grade of Honours is not given but the degree may be awarded with merit or distinction.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry

The PhD is the highest degree offered by the School. It is a research degree culminating in a thesis and usually takes three to four years of full time study to complete.

Prerequisites

Students must have a BSc(Hons) or MSc with first class or high second class Honours or equivalent, to be admitted to the PhD programme.

Students are enrolled on a provisional basis for at least 12 months before gaining full registration. Registration is based on the satisfactory completion of a written research proposal and an oral presentation.

Formal assessment of the PhD is by a thesis and an oral examination, but progress reports are required regularly during the programme.

Master's students are eligible to change to a PhD at any time before examination of the MSc thesis, with approval of the School.

PhD students are encouraged to apply for a range of scholarships offered by the School, the University and others. Details can be found on the scholarships webpage.

Faculty of Graduate Research

The Faculty of Graduate Research is the initial contact point for all PhD students. Please visit their website for all queries, including available funding, the role of a supervisor and the application process. The Faculty provides ongoing support to PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria.

Chemistry research

Postgraduate students may choose a research topic from the wide range of areas of active areas within in the School. Academic staff offer their internationally recognised expertise in the following areas:

Organic, bio-organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry (including total synthesis)
Marine natural products chemistry
Materials chemistry and ceramics
Molecular self-assembly and liquid crystals
Environmental analytical chemistry
Nanotechnology - synthesis, characterisation and novel applications
Biomineralisation
Colloid and surface chemistry
Organometallic chemistry
Heritage materials and conservation science

More information

For more information about studying chemistry in our School:

Download the Postgraduate Prospectus
Contact the Chemistry Postgraduate Coordinator
View a list of chemistry research indexed by staff member.