The School of Chemistry & Physics

The School of Chemistry & Physics was formed in 2003 to consolidate the University of Adelaide’s broad-ranging and cutting-edge research in the fundamental disciplines of Chemistry and Physics.  It is one of five schools in the Faculty of Sciences.

There are two disciplines, and several Research Centres within the School, all of which are located on the North Terrace Campus.  The School has over 250 staff, comprising academic and professional staff, research staff, higher degree students, visitors and titleholders.

Discipline of Chemistry

The Discipline of Chemistry involves the study of the structure, physical and chemical properties and reactions of elements and compounds. Students learn how to apply this knowledge to develop new and useful chemicals such as plastics, fuels and pharmaceuticals, for use in manufacture, medicine and the environment. A wide range of professional careers may be sought by graduates including environmental monitoring and control, mining, forensic science, nanotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical and agricultural laboratories, manufacturing, food technology, the chemical industry, research and teaching.

Discipline of Physics

The Discipline of Physics provides an understanding of the structure of matter and the nature of the universe. Students may develop a detailed knowledge of relativity, optics and photonics, lasers, mathematical physics, nuclear or solid state physics. Mathematical and Computer Science courses are often taken along with Physics. A broad range of careers may be sought in electronic, optics, photonics, lasers and energy industries, defence and space programs, scientific computing, manufacturing, telecommunications, defence, engineering, teaching, health and environmental industries.

Associated Research Institutes & Centres

Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS)

The Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing is one of the Universities new flagship research institutes.  IPAS is developing novel photonic, sensing and measurement technologies that will change the way science is done within traditional discipline areas, stimulating the creation of new industries, and inspiring a new generation of scientists to be engaged in solving real-world.

The Centre of Expertise in Photonics (CoEP)

The Centre of Expertise in Photonics (CoEP) is a world leading research centre focused on the design, fabrication, development and application of soft glass microstructured optical fibres.
The Centre is a joint venture between the University of Adelaide and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Australia, and is also supported by the South Australian state government.

The Special Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of Matter (CSSM)

The Special Research Centre for the Subatomic Structure of Matter (CSSM) carries out research activities at the forefront of the fields of theoretical nuclear and particle physics with a special emphasis on the strong interactions and their importance in determining the nature of matter.

University of Adelaide Node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies

The School's Atomic and Molecular Physics research group underpins the activities of the University of Adelaide Node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies (CAMS).

The Centre for Antimatter-Matter Studies (CAMS) is a collaboration of Australian universities and research institutions to study the interactions of electrons and positrons with different types of matter, from single atoms to biological molecules, surfaces and materials. The wide ranging research program brings together some of Australia's top scientists from a broad range of disciplines.