Chemists are involved in most areas of science, technology, environment and industry; for example, medicinal drugs, nanotechnology, water and air quality and energy production. Manufacturing industries rely on chemists to ensure that quality and safety standards are maintained. The development of better and safer drugs depends heavily on the input of chemists. 

 Chemistry principles are fundamental to many other disciplines, including biotechnology, environmental science, geosciences, materials science and food science.

At QUT you will study analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry with an additional focus on modern applications such as nanotechnology, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy.

Employment opportunities are diverse and, you may become an industrial chemist, materials scientist, environmental chemist, quality control analyst, laboratory supervisor, food chemist or an organic/ inorganic chemist. Your interaction with QUT experts in drug development, clay and minerals chemistry, renewable energy sources, nanotechnology, environmental monitoring and applications of modern analytical instrumentation, may lead to careers in these areas.

QUT graduates are sought after by police and other forensics laboratories because of their extensive practical training using modern analytical instrumentation. You could consider undertaking a graduate-entry teacher education program after your degree to pursue a teaching career.

*Check entry requirements for graduate-entry teacher education programs to ensure you have the discipline knowledge required for your chosen teaching areas.

Professional recognition

Graduates completing the chemistry major with the chemistry for industry second major are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.