The Master of Science degree allows students to undertake independent research that contributes to knowledge in a specific area of science over a shorter period of time than a PhD. If you are unsure whether a PhD is right for you, a Master of Science can give you the experience of what studying for a doctorate might be like, while developing your skills and earning a degree that will enhance your employment prospects. Chemistry Areas of research within Chemistry can be classified under three broad themes: Understanding the world around us: water and environmental chemistry, analytical sciences, chemical biology, coal and soil science and computational chemistry. Preparing for the future: materials science and nanotechnology, green chemistry, synthesis and catalysis, surfaces and surfactants and chemical education. Lighting up our life: crystallography, biospectroscopy, super-resolution/single molecule spectroscopy and solar energy conversion. Career opportunities Science graduates gain employment in genetic engineering, agricultural support and pharmaceutical science, banking and finance, environmental consulting, hospitals, medical institutes, mining, petroleum and engineering, research, and wine and food industries. Opportunities also exist in organisations including the Department of Sustainability and the Environment, CSIRO, the defence forces, road and water authorities, museums, local councils, education and the health sector. Depending on their areas of expertise, graduates can be employed as botanists, chemists, ecologists, astrophysicists, environment consultants, food scientists, palaeontologists, genetic engineers, marine biologists, materials scientists, medical scientists, metallurgists, molecular biologists, museum curators, nuclear physicists, financial analysts, communications specialists, forensic scientists, researchers, science journalists, geotechnical engineers, statisticians, teachers, and weather forecasters.