Bridging Chemistry Course
Overview
The Chemistry Bridging Course places emphasis on building conceptual understanding and developing skill sets to prepare you for first-year chemistry units.
The course does not offer formal accreditation or prerequisite qualifications for University of Sydney enrolment.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will:
- Gain knowledge and skill sets applicable to undertaking first-year chemistry units.
- Receive a certificate of participation upon course completion. The certificate of participation does not hold any accreditation or qualifications for University of Sydney degrees or enrolment.
Faculty of Science
Conducting excellent research and creating the next generation of science talent in Australia is core to the Faculty of Science, as they play a leading role in Australia's ability to compete scientifically on the world stage.
Content
The course will cover 13 topics:
- Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
- The Structure of Atoms
- Ionic Compounds: formation, formulae, and naming
- Covalent Compounds: bonding, naming, polyatomic ions
- Formulas and Equations
- Chemical Reactions and Ionic Equations
- Chemical Calculations I: Atomic and formula weights
- Chemical Calculations II: Percentage composition, empirical formulas
- Chemical Calculations III: Stoichiometry
- Chemical Calculations IV: Solution stoichiometry
- Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
- The Periodic Table
- Acids and Bases: pH calculations
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme
MySydney scholarship recipients starting their studies at the University of Sydney in Semester 1, 2026, may qualify for complimentary enrolment in the Faculty of Science Bridging Courses. For more information see MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a separate invitation to register for these courses.
You can contact MySydney Entry and Scholarship via email at admission.pathways@sydney.edu.au.
The course is suitable for assumed knowledge of chemistry which will support students moving into the first year of their tertiary studies. It is designed for science and engineering students enrolling in first-year chemistry, as well as Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science)/Master of Nutrition and Dietetics students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) or found Chemistry difficult at school. Anyone may take this bridging course regardless of which tertiary institution they are enrolling in.
If you have completed HSC Chemistry, you are also welcome to attend this course and refresh your memory.
The course will be delivered through an online Learning Management System (Canvas). Interactive components include:
- in-person tutorial sessions, highly recommended attendance
- recorded Zoom lectures and online chapter notes for self-service learning in your own time
- discussion boards for Q&A
- quizzes to be submitted online for each module.
The face-to-face course option will include the above plus on-campus tutorial sessions with the chemistry team.
The online self-paced option will commence 19th January 2026 and conclude 31st March 2026. Invitations to the content will be sent via email.
There will be a final assessment to test your knowledge and a certificate of participation for those who complete the course. The certificate of participation does not hold any accreditation or qualifications for University of Sydney degrees or enrolment.
All courses must be paid in advance of commencing your course. We accept the following payment methods:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- American Express (only available for enrolments made through the Sydney Short Courses website)
- Electronic Funds Transfer (for company invoices only)
- Journal Transfer (for University of Sydney Staff only)
Please see our Payment Options for further information.
All participants should read our terms and conditions prior to enrolling.
Please note the following:
- if you enrol in a course that starts within seven (7) days from the course purchase date, or it has already commenced, a refund will not be granted in any circumstance, and you will not be eligible to withdraw from this course or to claim a credit voucher for the course cost;
- if you enrol in a Bridging course (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics) delivered by the Faculty of Science and cancel your enrolment or order within 48 hours of your purchase, we will refund the fees in full.
Dr Reyne Pullen
Email: reyne.pullen@sydney.edu.au
Important information
- The online self-paced option will commence 19th January 2026 and conclude 31st March 2026.
- When you enrol, you will receive access to the Learning Management System, Canvas, but the content won't be made available until the 19th January 2026.
- Although you can work through the course content at your own pace, it must still be completed within this timeframe.
Upcoming classes
Self-paced online content plus face-to-face sessions
| When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 29 Jan 2026 | 10am - 12pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub | |
| Thu 5 Feb 2026 | 10am - 12pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub | |
| Thu 12 Feb 2026 | 10am - 12pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub | |
| Thu 19 Feb 2026 | 10am - 12pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub |
| When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 29 Jan 2026 | 1pm - 3pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub | |
| Thu 5 Feb 2026 | 1pm - 3pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub | |
| Thu 12 Feb 2026 | 1pm - 3pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub | |
| Thu 19 Feb 2026 | 1pm - 3pm (UTC+11:00) | Learning Studio 4003 - Sydney Nanoscience Hub |
