Chemistry

In addition to satisfying the Faculty of Science entry requirements, students interested in entering the Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry program should typically have completed a Bachelor of Science degree which includes some third year chemistry subjects. However, all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the coordinator.

Hurdle assessment requirements: In addition to the Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry requirements, students enrolled in this program must: attend all Safety and Induction program lectures and successfully complete the Safety Examination. Students who fail the Safety Examination will have to complete an additional study program and be reassessed. A pass in the Safety Examination (>65%) is required before students can begin their laboratory work. Students must submit a preliminary literature survey and research plan (10 pages of mixed text, diagrams and formulas) due at the end of the first semester of enrolment (pass/fail).

Components of assessment: The course comprises a research project component and an advanced coursework component. Their relative weightings are as follows: Chemistry Research Project component = 62.5 percent Chemistry Advanced Coursework component = 37.5 percent

The Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry program is designed to:

• increase the student's knowledge and understanding of chemical science;
• develop the process and practice of chemical research;
• encourage the development of individual investigative skills, critical thought and the ability to evaluate information and analyse experimental data;
• promote the acquisition of experimental or theoretical skills in areas currently relevant to one of the research groups in the School of Chemistry;
• improve oral and written communication skills; and
• ensure that students receive essential training skills in laboratory safety procedures.

Advanced Coursework: Students will enrol in the following three subjects (each worth 12.5 points):

• CHEM90008 Advanced Spectroscopy
• CHEM90009 Chemical Synthesis & Characterisation
• CHEM90010 Advanced Chemical Applications 1

Research Project: The research project involves the completion of:

• a preliminary literature survey and research plan (10 pages of mixed text, diagrams and formulas) due at the end of semester of enrolment (pass/fail);
• a major thesis, page limit of 30 pages due at the end of the second semester of study (90% made up from thesis evaluation (35%), oral examination (viva) on thesis (35%); and supervisor’s assessment of research performance (20%) based on attendance, application,initiative, and demonstrated skills);
• a project-related oral presentation (15 minutes presentation, 5 minutes discussion) to be scheduled during the second semester of enrolment (10%);
• Successful completion of a seminar series providing advanced theoretical and/or practical training (pass/fail).

Advanced Coursework

Students will enrol in the following three subjects (each worth 12.5 points):

Research Project

Students will enrol in CHEM40008 Chemistry Research Project 25 points in semester 1 and CHEM40009 Chemistry Research Project 37.5 points in semester 2.

This program has a start-year and a mid-year intake.