Outreach programs
Our outreach activities show students a mixture of new research, fundamental chemical principles and the chemistry of everyday life. We hold these activities on the University of Melbourne campus.
The Chemistry Outreach program
What's in Water? - VCE Chemistry Unit 2
10 – 20 June 2025
9:00 – 12:00 or 1:00 – 4:00
University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus
In a 3-hour laboratory program at the University of Melbourne, students will determine the concentration of ions or complexes in a water sample using UV-visible spectroscopy.
The workshops assist students with VCE Chemistry Unit 2 and can be the basis of a scientific investigation on water quality. Students will collect and analyse a water sample, measuring concentrations of either copper, iron, phosphate or nitrate ions.
We will provide lab coats and safety glasses for students and staff. Those attending a session are required to wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the feet.
$38 per student (including GST)
Organic Analysis - VCE Chemistry Unit 4
10 – 20 June 2025
9:00 – 12:00 or 1:00 – 4:00
University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus
This program will introduce students to the principles and applications of organic chemistry and structural analysis. Students will complete an analysis by collecting data from the 1H NMR and IR instruments and simulated data from the remaining instruments:
Mass Spectroscopy
Identifying the molecular ion from supplied data, interpreting and examining fragments.
1H and 13CNMR
Collecting 1H data and determining carbon and proton environments and interpreting integration.
IR Spectroscopy
Using the instrument to analyse samples, and identify bonds and functional groups.
Collecting and collating data and identifying structures
Analysing supplied elemental analysis data and determining structures.
We will provide lab coats and safety glasses for each of your students and staff. Those attending a session are required to wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the feet.
$38 per student (including GST)
Got questions?
Want to learn more about the Chemistry Outreach program?
Contact Mick Moylan on (03) 8344 6465 or
Work experience
For high school students interested in doing work experience in the School of Chemistry, you can apply through the Faculty of Science Year 10 work experience program.
Science Festival
As part of National Science Week, the University runs the Science Festival which is a week-long celebration of scientific knowledge, innovation and progress with a series of free events and activities for both students and the public.
University Open Day
The University of Melbourne Open Day runs in August every year. The School of Chemistry opens up its teaching spaces and laboratories to the general public to explore. There are information sessions on degrees and courses, tours, laboratory demonstrations, free liquid nitrogen ice cream, and much more.