Study Chemistry at Otago

Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry is the science of matter; it’s so fundamental it’s been called the central science. Studying Chemistry will help you develop an understanding of how the universe works. You’ll learn how to synthesise new chemicals that could have a profound effect on people’s lives. You could assist with the discovery of new drugs, agrochemicals, catalysts and sources of energy, and gain a highly transportable and internationally recognised qualification in Chemistry. Studying Chemistry at Otago means you’ll acquire problem-solving skills within a chemical framework.

Career opportunities

Careers involving chemistry are hugely varied and there’s been a shortage of chemistry graduates in New Zealand in recent years.

Qualified chemists work in industries involving chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and timber. These positions include areas such as research and development, quality control, marketing, sales and management. Chemists also play leading roles in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, water quality control, and in chemical, biochemical or medical research units. They are also sought after in central and local government agencies, to work on projects such as pollution monitoring, water purification and forensic work solving criminal cases.

Recent changes in environmental and occupational health and safety legislation have also resulted in jobs for chemistry graduates, both in the public sector and industry. Chemistry graduates are in continual demand for commerce-related positions, because employers recognise that people with a background in chemistry have been well trained to handle information and deal with complex concepts. These are qualities relevant throughout the workforce, in areas as diverse as  finance, law, politics and sales. And there is ongoing demand for secondary science and chemistry teachers throughout New Zealand.

Background required

To enter Otago’s Chemistry programme, you should ideally have studied Chemistry to Year 13 level. Mathematics and Physics at Year 12 or 13 would also be helpful. If you haven’t studied chemistry to the appropriate level, or you think your grades are not good enough, we offer two further options:

CHEM 150 Concepts in Chemistry: A six-week paper taught as part of the University’s Summer School. The first four weeks are distance-taught and the last two are on campus in Dunedin. This course is designed for students with fewer than 14 Chemistry credits at Level 2.

Introductory Chemistry: A distance-taught programme for those with little or no chemistry background. This can be studied at any time throughout the year and students can take as long as they need to complete it.

What will I study?

At 100-level

At least one of the following:

• CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture
  This course focuses on atoms and molecules – the way they are put together and the way they interact with each other. You’ll learn about modern methods of determining molecular structure and shape, and explore the relationship between molecular interactions and the properties of materials. As well as the theory, you will conduct practical experiments during laboratory sessions.
• CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis for Biology and Human Health
  An introduction to the concepts of chemistry – underlying important processes in biology and human health, including energetics, kinetics, redox, equilibria and solubility, acids/base chemistry, sterochemistry and the organic chemistry of carbohydrates, amino acids and DNA.

At 200-level

You will expand your knowledge in areas including physical, organic, inorganic, biological and analytical Chemistry.

At 300-level

You’ll hone your expertise even further, learning modern techniques of chemical synthesis and analysis, and be involved in basic research in an area of particular interest.

By the end of your Chemistry degree, you will have a sound understanding of a wide variety of chemical processes and extensive research, analysis and practical skills.

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Key information for future students

• Domestic students
• International students

Contact us

Department of Chemistry
Email chemistry@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/chemistry

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.