School of Chemistry, Building S

Welcome to the School of Chemistry, Building S, located in the beautiful city of Launceston, Tasmania. As an establishment, health, and point of interest, our institution is dedicated to providing a comprehensive chemical education and fostering a deep understanding of the molecular basis of compounds.

Have you ever wondered how chemicals interact with plants and animals? Or how forensic scientists analyze minute residues? These questions require a thorough understanding of the molecular world and the way molecules interact with each other and the environment. At the School of Chemistry, we use sophisticated techniques to probe and measure these interactions at the molecular level.

Our academic staff are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and teaching ability, making us well-placed to provide a sophisticated chemical education. We pride ourselves on being friendly and open to students, maintaining a strong interaction between staff and students through small class sizes and individual instruction.

One of the unique aspects of studying Chemistry at the University of Tasmania is the opportunity to work closely on research projects with leading academics in their fields. This tailored learning experience, combined with the natural beauty of Tasmania, makes Chemistry at UTAS an attractive place to work and study.

Throughout your science degree, particularly in the first year, you will find in-depth explanations in both lecture content and practical units. Our graduates have gone on to forge exciting careers around the world, from finding cures for diseases to helping save the environment.

After completing an undergraduate degree, you may choose to gain industry experience or continue studying and complete a research honours year in one of our specialisation areas, such as physical, inorganic, organic, analytical chemistry, or chemical education. Research honours can provide valuable practical experience before entering the job market or be the first step towards a career in research.

Careers in Chemistry extend beyond the traditional lab environment, with opportunities in sectors such as universities, CSIRO, government agencies, analytical laboratories, statutory authorities, and various industries. Our alumni have found employment in petrochemical, food and drink, paper, heavy chemicals, iron and steel manufacturing, computer firms, insurance companies, mining companies, and banks.

One of our successful graduates, Damien, is the operations manager at pioneering biotechnical company Marinova in Hobart. Damien is involved in product and process development, helping to identify potential new products that can be made on a commercial scale.

Our research strengths lie in analytical/environmental chemistry through the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS) and synthetic chemistry, which includes the sub-disciplines of inorganic and organic chemistry. We also have emerging strengths in materials science and natural products. Our research interests range from fundamental discoveries to multi-disciplinary collaborations with Pharmacy, Medicine, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, and IMAS. We also collaborate with industry partners to translate our research into practical applications, such as the successful commercial product Greyscan for explosives detection.

The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) is home to a wide array of research-level analytical instruments, including High Field NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and Microscopy. These world-class facilities enable us to utilize a variety of methodologies in our research. Our CSL staff offer expertise, helpful service, and valuable advice to support your scientific endeavors.

Lastly, we acknowledge and pay respect to the palawa/pakana peoples of lutruwita upon whose lands the University of Tasmania stands. We are committed to fostering a culturally inclusive and diverse environment for our students and staff.

Join us at the School of Chemistry, Building S, and embark on a journey of discovery in the fascinating world of molecules and their interactions.