Chemistry

Chemistry is the science of substances – their structures, their properties and reactions that change them into other substances.

Knowledge of basic chemical principles is important in all branches of science and for a wide range of industries. Studying Chemistry develops problem-solving skills, logical thinking and analytical ability. It also ensures that you are familiar with handling information, be it numerical, oral, written or graphical, and dealing with complex ideas – attributes that are desirable to many employers.

Waikato was rated the top university in New Zealand for chemistry in the Tertiary Education Commission’s 2006 assessment of tertiary research.

Career Opportunities

• Analytical Technician
• Environmental Officer  
• Forensic Scientist  
• Industrial Chemist  
• Product Development Chemist
• Laboratory Manager  

Potential Employers

• Crown Research Institutes
• Government Departments
• Local Body Authorities
• Major Industries
• Private Research Companies
• Universities and Polytechnics

Degrees

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science (Technology)

Chemistry can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

NCEA Level 3 Chemistry. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Materials and Process Engineering.

Papers

CHEM101 Chemical Concepts
A study of chemical concepts fundamental to the sciences and technology. Topics include atoms, elements, stoichiometry, intermolecular forces, states of matter, gas-phase, solution, acid-base and redox equilibria, atomic structure, quantum theory, orbitals and electronic configurations, bonding and structure and systematic chemistry of main group elements.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

CHEM102 Chemical Change and Organic Compounds
An introduction to physical and organic chemistry with some emphasis on environmental, technological and biological relevance, chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and mechanism and the common organic functional groups and their typical reactions.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry with  a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

ENVS101 Environmental Science
A study of the utilisation and exploitation of natural resources and the effects of human activities on biological, chemical and physical processes that form resources and control ecosystems.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers specialise in analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. There are also papers on geochemistry and environmental, forensic, toxicological and medicinal chemistry.