How to become a chemist
Analyse chemical compounds in a laboratory environment.
Pathways to this career
- Complete an undergraduate science degree and major in Chemistry.
- Develop your practical experience by securing an internship while studying. Professional guidance and mentorship from accomplished chemists will help set you apart from other graduates.
- Qualified already? Build on your knowledge with postgraduate degree in chemistry or specialised industry experience.
- Research and join recognised institutions. You may benefit from networking with like-minded individuals and staying up to date with industry breakthroughs.
What does a chemist do?
Duties and tasks
- Perform experiments to understand the properties of chemical substances and the effects of chemical compounds under different testing conditions
- Research and develop theories, techniques and tests to measure the reliability of outcomes
- Develop practical applications based on experiment and research findings, and present to broader science community
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate MAQ-BSC-DEG
Available majors
- Core Zone: Major in Biology
Undergraduate UNE-DSC-DIP
Discover related subjects
Undergraduate TAS-ZAS123
Undergraduate UNE-CHEM100
Related degrees
Undergraduate MAQ-CHEX1001
Related degrees
Undergraduate LTU-CHM101
Related degrees
- Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Cybersecurity
- Diploma of Arts
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Diploma in Health Sciences
Step up your career with these resources
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.
Is a career in project management right for you?
Do you get a kick out of thinking big and getting things done? You could make a great project manager.
Together, we've got this
Your dedicated advisor will help you enrol, plan your studies and find confidence in the knowledge that you belong at university. They’ve helped thousands before you. Now it’s your turn.