Program Overview

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree-level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

• Need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
• Want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
• Want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

Course Structure
For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units and at least one unit from each Discipline Group.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

• English
  • Essential Australian Studies
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Mathematics
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Science
• Science and Technology
  • Information Technology for Academic Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• The Arts
  • Introduction to Media
  • Media Production
• Business and Legal Studies
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics

Leading to:  Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences)
The Physical Sciences provide a foundation for innovation in industry and the tools to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Within the Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) there are two majors: Physics and Chemistry. These majors can be taken together or combined with others from across the university (e.g. Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Information Technology, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Engineering.  

This course has been designed to develop from day one practical high demand skills in analytical and computational methods, hands-on techniques in imaging, materials synthesis and characterisation and advanced analysis and of the students’ critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. All this will be achieved in the context of cutting-edge science with immediate real-world applications. 

Come explore and contribute to how Chemistry and Physics can lead to practical solutions to issues in health, sustainability, agriculture, critical minerals and creating the next generation technologies. 

Major: Chemistry
Chemistry is often referred to as the central science as it is the common link between molecular level phenomena and the macro-level world which is key for many areas of science. 

Chemists learn to understand how processes that define our world work, and how we might be able to utilise them to raise global living standards while minimising impact on our planetary environment.

As such, Chemists play leading roles in developing sustainable industrial processes, creating novel materials for renewable energy applications, renewing our agricultural lands and degraded waterways, fighting disease (in humans, animals, and agriculture), discovery and sustainable utilisation of natural resources, and criminal investigations. 

The Chemistry major has been designed to provide students with a deep understanding of how chemical knowledge can be used to develop a more sustainable society. Students will explore the use of modern simulation and computational tools to assist in this endeavour and how chemistry knowledge can intersect with other science disciplines to create truly novel and lasting solutions for a sustainable life. 

3 reasons to study Chemistry at Murdoch 

• This course emphasises naturally merging computational and simulation techniques with laboratory methods and a problem-based approach to learning.
• With small class sizes you'll gain plenty of opportunities for interactions with friendly staff and students to co-design content, assessment, and solutions. 
• Co-design extra-curricular activities, with potential for collaboration with industry partners, to enhance your scientific and professional development 

What you’ll learn 

• How you can harness your knowledge of the breadth and depth of chemical science across a range of possible areas. 
• How to apply experimental and quantitative principles, concepts and methods in chemistry-specific and interdisciplinary contexts. 
• How to combine chemistry-specific knowledge with experimental, computational and mathematical techniques to investigate problems, and critically appraise the limits and viability of proposed solutions. 
• Impactful ways of communicating your ideas and findings to peers, experts in other fields, and even the general public.