School of Molecular and Life Sciences
The School, comprising of the Disciplines of Agriculture & Food, Chemistry, Ecology, and Medical Radiation Science, delivers outstanding education programs in these and related topics such as Agribusiness, Environmental Science, Coastal and Marine Science, and Biochemistry.
Developing the knowledge and practical, real-world skills of curious minds to make tomorrow better, the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin delivers educational programs across regional WA locations, as well as at Muresk Institute (Northam) and Curtin Malaysia campus. The extensive range of educational offerings include pre-bachelor, bachelor and masters courses along with a suite of postgraduate research degree courses.
The School strives to act as a source of independent and expert advice to industry, government, and society, and to carry out research and development with particular relevance to the regional community.
In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 assessment, Curtin University ranked well above world standard for Chemical Sciences, Macromolecular and Material Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Environmental Science and Management, Ecology, Plant Biology, Zoology, and Crop and Pasture Production.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, Curtin ranked:
- Ranked 40th in the world for Earth and Marine Science
- Top 200 in the world for Environmental Sciences
School Teaching and Research Areas
Agriculture and Food Science
Feed the world! Australia has the potential to be a leader in developing innovative solutions for sustainable, economical and ethical food production, across domestic and international markets. As such, our discipline delivers taught and research study in the fields of Agricultural Science, Agribusiness, Food Science, and uniquely run an Associate Degree in Agribusiness delivered at Muresk Institute, Northam and the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC).
Our research is assisting global and Australian industry partners tackle relevant sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, food design and food technology, crop disease and soil health.
Learn more about Agriculture | Learn more about Food Science
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter and its properties, a multi-faceted discipline encompassing the sciences of synthesis, identification, quantification, and investigation of species at the atomic and molecular levels. Chemistry is often divided into its main five branches, analytical, physical, organic, inorganic and biological. It is referred to as the “central science” due to its intimate links with disciplines such as physics, biology and geology.
It is a science at a molecular level, where major advances are being made in areas such as medicine, Information Technology, nanotechnology and new materials.
Ecology
Our courses are supported by research-led teaching and delivered by academics with industry experience and the dedication to creating a better world.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, Curtin ranked 40th in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences.
Medical Radiation Science
Dealing with sick and sometimes anxious people requires considerable care and understanding. Professionals involved in the field of medical radiation must balance a genuine interest in patients and their welfare, along with the necessary technological requirements of the diagnostic or therapy procedure to be undertaken.