School of Chemistry
The School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne is one of Australia's leading research centres in the chemical sciences.
Research prospectus
Faculty of Science researchers conduct diverse and varied research in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our scientists are global leaders in their fields, finding solutions to the biggest issues we face today.
As one of the largest and oldest Chemistry departments in Australia, our school has a rich and notable history. Today, the School of Chemistry is a key participant in Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, a major world-class biotechnology initiative in Victoria.
Our academics are undertaking interdisciplinary research within purpose-built facilities. Explore our research prospectus to find out what projects our leading academics are investigating.

Learn more about our research
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Research areas, groups and centres
We have more than 30 different groups conducting research in a range of multidisciplinary areas, in addition to hosting several Centres of Excellence.
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Graduate Research
We have an excellent international reputation in research with an ongoing program to keep our facilities at world standard and our efforts focussed.
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Industry & grants
We receive funding and grants from Government and Industry. We also host a number of Research Fellows who benefit from our first class facilities and vibrant community.
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Facilities & equipment
We offer access to a wide range of modern research instruments and facilities.
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Connect with us
If you would like to study with us, or discuss opportunities for collaboration, or helping to fund our work, see below for how to get in touch.
Study with us
Join over 10,000 students at the Faculty of Science with a range of honours, graduate, and research degrees. Visit the Graduate hub for information and enquiries about graduate studies.
Support us
Our generous benefactors make our work possible. Visit Support Chemistry to find out how you can support our leading research and help change the lives of future generations by funding science scholarships.
Collaborate with us
The Faculty of Science invites interested organisations who would like to explore collaborative research or use our developed technologies. Please get in touch with our Business Development team to discuss.
Frances Guyett
Director, Business Development, Physical Sciences
Research, Innovation & Commercialisation | The University of Melbourne
Incorporating UoM Commercial Ltd and the School of Melbourne Custom Programs
Phone: +61 417 535 617
Email: frances.guyett@unimelb.edu.au
Our Graduates go on to do amazing things…
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Courses
Courses available in the area of Chemical Sciences include Bachelor Degrees, Diplomas & Certificates, Masters / Doctors by Coursework and PhDMasters / Doctors by Research.
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Current students
General information for undergraduate, fourth year, and graduate researchers, including course outline, services and scholarships, as well as careers in the field.
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Graduate research
The School of Chemistry has an excellent international reputation in research with an ongoing program to keep our facilities at world standard and our efforts focused.
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Awards, prizes and scholarships
A range of scholarships, awards and prizes are on offer to support students and research.
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The School has strong links to the community through various programs, collections, regular events and publications.
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Chemistry Outreach Program
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Melbourne University Chemical Society
MUCS runs a public lecture series that encompasses all aspects of chemistry.
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Chemistry Cultural Collection
We host a unique collection of historical artefacts and information related to Chemistry in Victoria.
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Alumni
Read about our fantastic graduates and find out about upcoming alumni events.
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Chemistry Education Association
Professional development for Secondary School teachers, run in conjunction with the Chemistry Education Association, CEA.
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Royal Australian Chemical Institute
We have strong links with the Royal Australian Chemistry Institute (RACI).
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School of Chemistry Books
The story of four decades in the School, Chemistry@Melbourne, and an account of the first 1000 meetings of MUCS From Chalk and Talk to Powerpoint, written by Dr Valda McRae.
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Support Chemistry
We gratefully acknowledge and thank the benefactors partnering with us to advance research and scholarship of the highest level.
Our staff consists of teaching and research academics and research only staff, supported by technical and administrative personnel.
Email addresses for staff in the School can also be found in the University's email directory.
Head of School's Welcome

The School of Chemistry is a department of the Faculty of Science and one of the largest and oldest in Australia with a distinguished history in teaching and research.
The first lectures in chemistry in The University of Melbourne were given in 1856, only three years after the University was founded. Further information about our history is available. Since then the School has grown with over 3000 undergraduates enrolled in Chemistry subjects and more than 120 research higher degree students. The School is home to 26 continuing teaching & research staff and over 40 research only and 20 professional staff.
The School has an excellent international reputation in research and success in external research funding. There is an ongoing program to keep research facilities at world standard, which has involved progressive upgrading of the School's laboratories and instrumentation and recruitment of academics with a strong research profile.
The School of Chemistry is a key participant in Bio21, a major world-class biotechnology initiative in Victoria. New purpose-built research laboratories are located in the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science & Biotechnology building and the Chemistry building which has undergone major refurbishments. These exciting developments provide excellent facilities for researchers in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment.
We invite you to browse our website and welcome inquiries from students interested in pursuing studies in our undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Richard O'Hair
Head, School of Chemistry