LOCATION

The School of Chemistry is a cross-campus school located at the Hobart (Sandy Bay) and Launceston (Newham) campuses, approximately 200km apart.

Both campuses have vigorous teaching and research programs in Chemistry. The School operates as a single unit in which there is extensive resarch cooperatioon between campuses, and the involvement of staff in teaching activities on each campus. The School has 10.25 Academic Staff and 7 General Staff.

CHEMISTRY IN THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Chemistry - The Central Science

Almost every item in our modern world has involved a chemist at some stage of its production: in the development of the pens with which we write, the petrol that powers the cars we drive or the million and one household items, from detergents to glue which we use every day. Consequently, chemistry is a science central to many of the more rapidly evolving areas of technology. For example, chemists have contributed to:

(i) the design of ultra-lightweight alloys that revolutionised the aircraft and aerospace industries,
(ii) the development of powerful medicinal drugs,
(iii) the production of plastics - used in everything from "glad-wrap" to boat construction, and in many other fields.

Modern Chemistry

Over the last 20 years, the practice of chemistry has been transformed as a result of the electronic and microprocessor revolutions. Instead of the traditional test tubes and associated glassware, modern laboratories bristle with sophisticated electronic equipment linked to computers. Such laboratories require highly skilled personnel for their operation and for interpretation of results. These people are today's chemistry graduates.

Specialisation in Chemistry is available through a professionally accredited Chemistry major.

Hobart and Launceston

The BSc is offered in Hobart, but the first year may be taken in Launceston in a limited range of disciplines: Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography & Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Psychology, and Aquaculture. Transfer to Hobart allows completion of the BSc in these and other disciplines, including Zoology but excluding Aquaculture.

Chemistry Major in the BSc

This major provides a sound theoretical basis in chemistry which is enriched by reference to relevant industrial and biological applications. The units Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analytical Chemistry enable students to gain a firm background in current analytical procedures and techniques. The positive role of chemistry in solving environmental problems is illustrated in Environmental Chemistry, and several units cover biological applications of chemistry.

Normal BSc requirements, but including Chemistry CH856. For students without CH856, entry may be gained via a pass in summer bridging units in Chemistry and Mathematics or their equivalents, or the bridging unit in Chemistry with a TCE score of 80% or above.

Chemistry Units for a Major in Chemistry & BSc(Honours)

In addition to teaching Chemistry in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Hobart and Launceston, chemistry is taught to students enrolled in degrees in Agriculture (Hobart), Aquqculture (Launceston), Biomdical Science (Launceston), Biotechnology (Hobart), Engineering (Hobart and Launceston), Health Science (Launceston), Human Movement (Launceston), Pharmacy (Hobart), and students at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston.

RESEARCH

The School of Chemistry has a vigorous and modern research program covering most of the major areas of chemistry. A range of fundamental studies are in progress in analytical, environmental, inorganic, organometallic, organic, natural products, physical and theoretical chemistry, together with applied and industrial chemistry related to each of these areas.

The high quality of research is recognised internationally, and more than 200 research papers from the School have been published in international journals during the last four years, with most of these having postgraduates as co-authors. Academic staff have been particularly successful in obtaining financial support for research from the Australian Research Council and other granting bodies, and chemical industries based in Tasmania and in other states and internationally.

The School is well endowed with modern scientific and computing equipment for research and an excellent library. The University also maintains a Central Science Laboratory equipped with major instruments to facilitate research at an international level, also containing mechanical, glassblowing and electronic workshops.

Research activities in the School involve the active participation of students enrolled for Honours, Masters and Doctors of Philosophy degrees, together with Postdoctoral Fellows and international visitors. Students may enter MSc or PhD enrolment after successfully completing an Honours degree at either the University of Tasmania or another university. Postgraduate students work closely with a member of staff, and students are usually members of a research group with similar interests. A research population of about fifty, including 25 postgraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, gives the School a wealth of talented people with a wide range of expertise, and an enjoyable and stimulating social atmosphere.

The School invites you to consider joining our research program to develop your research skills in a dynamic Department, and to participate in the life of the School and the pleasant lifestyle of Tasmania.