Australian National University

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

A basic understanding of chemistry is critically important for anyone planning a career in science, medicine or engineering. Chemistry impacts on all of our lives from the safe handling of common household chemicals to understanding the chemical effects of compounds on our health from dietary intake including foodstuffs and medicines, the air we breathe, the fuels we burn, the chemicals we manufacture and use, and their environmental consequences.

The major in Chemistry will provide students with a depth and breadth of understanding of chemical knowledge that is essential for anyone contemplating further study in chemistry or a career in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries. In combination with a major in Biology it forms an ideal background for further study in biological or medicinal research. The highly transferable lab-based skills in the manipulation of glassware, the safe handling and use of chemicals, the application of techniques and instrumentation, and experimental process will stand students in excellent stead in a variety of disciplinary contexts.

The major in Chemistry will provide students with the chemical basis for understanding biological structures and processes; the effects of drugs and other chemicals in the body; the electrical, magnetic and photochemical properties of materials; geological and atmospheric processes; and environmental issues.

Delivery mode

Australian National University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.


Locations
  • Brinkin
  • Observatory Rd, Coonabarabran
  • 496 Murramarang Rd, Kioloa
  • Canberra
  • Cotter Rd, Weston Creek

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:

  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:

  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:

  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:

  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency

As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Applicants must meet one of the following English language test scores:

  • IELTS Academic and IELTS UKVI Academic: Overall score: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT [excluding Home Edition]: Overall score: 80
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score: 176
  • PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI: Overall score: 64

International Baccalaureate:29

Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $0 - $147,990 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $0 - $147,990 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) will prepare you for the following roles.

About Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is unlike any other university in Australia. Founded in 1946, in a spirit of post-war optimism, our role was to help realise Australia's potential as the world recovered from a global crisis.

That vision, to support the development of national unity and identity, improve our understanding of ourselves and our neighbours, and provide our nation with research capacity amongst the best in the world, and education in areas vital for our future, has been our mission ever since.

It can be difficult work, but it's work we proudly do-because connecting talented people with diverse perspectives, equipping and encouraging them to address the most complex of tomorrow's problems, and ensuring Australia's future is not just our approach-it's also our national role and international responsibility as Australia's national university, and it's a responsibility from which we'll never waver.