Chemistry is a foundation science of civilisation and is central to modern technology and medicine. It began with early studies of medicine and metallurgy in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe, and developed into its modern form after the European Renaissance. Australians have won six Nobel prizes in sciences to date, including a Nobel Prize for Chemistry won by Sir John Comforth in 1975 . One Nobel Prize was one for Physics and led to major advances in chemistry, biology and materials science (W.H. Bragg, W.L. Bragg, 1915). The other four were won in Medicine and contained substantial chemical components (Florey, 1945, MacFarlane Burnett, 1960, Eccles, 1963, and Doherty, 1996).

Chemistry is science at the molecular level. Chemical science underpins defence technology at every level from lasers and high-speed computers to food science and energetic materials. Ordnance and Engineering are particular areas where ADFA Chemistry majors have found employment. A Science or Arts degree built around Chemistry courses is a solid basis for pursuing a balanced and liberal education.

The chemistry of materials is taught at UNSW@ADFA in support of the BE and BTech programs for Engineering, Technology and Aviation students.

Chemistry is divided into several sub-fields. The School of PEMS has strengths in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry as well as Inorganic and Biological Chemistry. As well as teaching, academic staff carry out research in these fields. Fourth year Honours and higher-degree-by-research (MSc, PhD) programs are available within a range of specified areas.

A major sequence in Chemistry comprises of two Level I courses

plus 12 units of credit of the following Level II Chemistry courses

and 24 UOC of Level III Chemistry courses

Honours Chemistry is offered as part of the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours program. The course allows students to develop their own research program under the supervision of academic staff and hence to incorporate higher-level skills and a greater depth of scientific experience in their university studies. Such projects usually lead to new science and publication in scientific journals. Students nominate for selection through their respective Services in Session 2 of third-year studies at the Academy. UNSW@ADFA requires high achievement in the Chemistry components of the normal pass degree, with a credit average or higher at Level III and an overall credit average or better for the BSc program.

Prospective honours students are invited to discuss projects with the Head of School and academic staff early in their third year.