MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Molecular science is concerned with the smallest parts of the world around us. Through studying the physical properties of atoms and molecules, their chemical bonds and how they interact, molecular science gives us a way to understand and manipulate everything from advanced construction materials to the human body.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the molecular nature of all matter and its interactions. The relationship between molecular structure and its properties and reactivity give chemistry an essential, central position in science and technology.
Anan understanding of chemistry is needed for the full range of technically based disciplines from solid-state physics and astrophysics to molecular biology and the life sciences; from geochemistry and environmental science to engineering and health sciences.
Chemistry is one of the key sciences, helping to unlock mysteries across the physical sciences including both environmental and Earth Sciences through to analytical and forensic sciences ad even in molecular biology and medical sciences.
WHAT YOU STUDY
You will study the fundamental of Chemistry with an emphasis on molecular structure and activity. You will gain an understanding of how Chemistry impacts on the world around us and you will be able to perform chemical experiments safely and effectively, including organic synthesis. Special topics include spectroscopy, instrumental analysis and nanotechnology.
COURSES YOU CAN STUDY
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
Bachelor of Science Advanced (Chemistry)
International Bachelor of Science
CAREERS
Chemists enjoy some of the broadest career options of any scientist, due to the fundamental importance of chemistry in many scientific and commercial endeavours. However, the highest demand for chemists is in research and pharmaceuticals.
Research positions can either be in government or private industry, but most other careers arein the private sector.
In research and development, chemists are found working on projects from basic molecular research to development of nanomaterials in multidisciplinary teams.
In the industrial and commercial setting, chemists can work on anything from synthesising pigments to manufacturing microelectronics, or advanced materials. 
Medical Biotechnology
Through technologies such as genetic engineering, biotechnology is shaping diverse aspects of medicine (treating cancer, vaccines, therapy and diagnosis of genetic diseases) and industry (bioremediation).
Medical biotechnologists find new ways to do things, such as using naturally occurring interferons to synthesise new drugs – drugs that can destroy viruses and fight cancer tumours.
WHAT YOU STUDY
Medical Biotechnology at UOW is focused on providing you with the tools and knowledge to work in biomedical science research and the biotechnology industry.
You will complete a major in cellular and molecular biology, including genetics, immunology and bioinformatics. You will also complete a major strand of chemistry and an optional strand in human anatomy and physiology. The nature of subjects like genetic engineering means you will also complete studies in ethics and management.
COURSES YOU CAN STUDY
Bachelor of Science (Medical Biotechnology)
Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology
Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology Advanced
CAREERS
Graduates are employed in a variety of fields both within Australia and internationally including environmental research, patent consultancy and medical research. Additionally, many graduates have continued further study by enrolling in Doctoral degrees or Pharmacy and Medical degrees.
Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal chemists design and synthesise new medicinal and pharmacological agents; develop new dosage forms; monitor guidelines for testing drugs and undertake analyses; assist with drug regulatory affairs; assess patent application for new drugs; and teach in tertiary institutions. UOW offers specialised subjects in drug discovery and design.
WHAT YOU STUDY
You will study a combination of biology and chemistry subjects giving you the foundation you need for advanced studies in pharmacology. You will explore the function of cell receptors and molecular basis of drug action, drug disposition and bioavailability, kinetics of drug action and the factors affecting drug activity.
COURSES YOU CAN STUDY
Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry)
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry Advanced
CAREERS
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest employers of chemists, whose work often focuses on the synthetic route of pharmaceutical compounds. The other main role in the field of medicinal chemistry is drug discovery – research and development leading to new drug therapies.
Drug discovery is a collaborative process. Sometimes it involves investigating natural compounds to discover new biological effects. It can also mean large scale testing of chemical libraries to search for new uses of known products.
Pharmaceutical companies always engage in ongoing and well funding discovery projects, making this an appealing area of work for people excited by the ‘frontier’ of scientific investigation. In all cases, though, it requires the same patient and thorough approach to investigation as any scientific work.
Nanotechnology
This degree targets the emerging field of nanomaterials, molecular machines and nanoscience, and draws on the internationally recognised strengths of the University’s materials-based research institutes. It has a materials chemistry focus with possible electives in physics, engineering and biology to tailor the qualification to your areas of interest.
WHAT YOU STUDY
You will be able to choose from all fields of fundamental to nanotechnology: chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and materials science. Through case studies in areas including biomimetics and nanostructured materials you’ll learn the importance of design, synthesis and characterisation in the realisation of the end-products.
COURSES YOU CAN STUDY
Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)
Bachelor of Nanotechnology Advanced
CAREERS
Many nanotechnology scientists are employed by research institutes, either in universities or for private industry. The number of nanotechnology jobs in private industry will rise dramatically in coming years as new technologies are developed from research in this field.
In private industry, their work is particularly valuable in materials development and microelectronics. There are a rapidly growing number of opportunities for commercial development of medical and micro-robotic technologies currently being researched.
The field of nanotechnology is characterised by collaboration between different fields of science and engineering, especially in applied research and development.
Visit the Faculty of Science Undergraduate Booklet for additional information.