Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of thinking about things at the molecular level.
What makes a good beer?
Why do compounds react in certain ways?
How do chemicals interact with plants and animals?
How can we best analyse the minute residues available in forensic science?
All of these questions require an understanding of the molecular basis of compounds, and the way that molecules interact with each other and with the environment. Chemistry uses sophisticated techniques to probe and measure these interactions at the molecular level. A graduate in Chemistry will end up in a variety of occupations, ranging from research and industrial laboratory work through to teaching and project management
Study Options with Chemistry
At the University of Tasmania, we are well-placed to provide a sophisticated chemical education, with academic staff who are recognised nationally and internationally for their research and teaching ability.
We pride ourselves on being friendly and open to students and we maintain a good interaction between staff and students through small class sizes and individual instruction.
There are opportunities to work closely on research projects with academics who are leaders in their fields providing a tailored learning experience. Combined with the unique natural features of living in Tasmania, this makes Chemistry at UTAS an attractive place to work and study
Careers
Our graduates have forged exciting careers around the world, undertaking exciting work as diverse as finding cures for disease to helping save the environment.
After completing an undergraduate degree, you may look to gain industry experience, or continue studying and complete a research honours year in one of our specialisation areas such as physical, inorganic, organic or analytical chemistry, or chemical education. Research honours can give you valuable practical experience prior to securing a job, or be the first step of a career in research.
Careers in Chemistry extend beyond the traditional lab environment with employment opportunities for chemistry graduates are in many sectors
- Biotechnology
- Drug discovery and design
- Earth Science
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Geology
- Marine Science
- Mining
- Oceanography
- Patent Law
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Water Quality
Typical employers include universities, CSIRO, government agencies, analytical laboratories and statutory authorities and industry. In the private sector, opportunities exist with industries such as petrochemical, food and drink, paper, heavy chemicals, iron and steel manufacturing, as well as computer firms, insurance companies, mining companies and banks.
CAREER PROFILE
Damien Stringer | Chemistry Graduate
Damien is the operations manager at pioneering biotechnical company Marinova in Hobart. Damien is involved in product and process development; helping to identify potential new products that can be made on a commercial scale
Research
At UTAS many research staff are National and Global leaders in their fields
Our research is focussed on our strengths in analytical/environmental chemistry through the research centre ACROSS (Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science) and synthetic chemistry which encompass the sub-disciplines of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.
Materials science and natural products are an emerging strength in the discipline. Our research interests range from fundamental discoveries through to tackling multi-disciplinary research with Pharmacy, Medicine, agriculture, Biological Sciences and IMAS and translation of our research with industry partners.
A recent success of this is Greyscan, a commercial product for explosives detection.
