Course details

Summary

Gain a sought-after qualification

A chemistry degree offers excellent marketability now and well into the future. One of the exciting things about chemistry is that you begin to understand the world we live in, what everything is made of, and how their properties can be changed. This could help you get involved in huge scientific breakthroughs, and contribute to public debates on issues of global importance.

For example Teflon, a plastic, can be used to line a frying pan while Glad wrap film, also plastic, will melt if you so much as put it near heat. How are the two plastics composed to allow them to have quite different properties and uses?

Massey University BSc (Chemistry) major provides a full foundation in all aspects of chemistry. In addition to the fundamentals there is sufficient flexibility that you can add in additional ‘flavours’ such as chemical biology, chemical synthesis and materials/nanoscience at Manawatu or computational, environmental and biological chemistry at Auckland.

Combine with other sought-after subjects

Match your degree with a second major or minor (e.g. in mathematics, nutrition or genetics) to develop a unique blend of skills that will set you apart from the rest.

Real-world problem solving

You’ll carry out analytical projects applying broad-based chemistry knowledge to solve real-world problems. For example, one of our student’s tracked nutrients from a farm’s centralized nutrient drip to find out it they were getting to the trough they were being pumped to. Another tested the caffeine levels in sport drinks. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside some of our world-recognized researchers on issues of international significance.

Careers

As a chemistry graduate from Massey you will be in demand - both in New Zealand and overseas. Your knowledge can be applied to an amazingly wide range of settings including industry, business, research institutes, universities, polytechnics, and schools.

There is a growing role for chemical scientists as we confront major challenges. Chemical scientists, using the principles of green chemistry, will be required to help protect the environment, improve health, provide new energy sources, design new processes, and assist in food production.

Over 200 companies in New Zealand employ chemical scientists in product development, quality assurance, marketing, sales, and administration. If you would like to have a career in industry you should consider combining management or occupational health and safety courses with your chemistry major.

You could be employed in the:

• Food industry (dairy, meat, canning)
• Forest products (pulp and paper)
• Chemical processing of wool, textiles, and plastics
• Production of agricultural and horticultural chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Chemical scientists are increasingly employed in areas concerned with the environment; those looking for such a career should include the environmental science package in their programme or consider the Bachelor of Business Studies/Bachelor of Science conjoint programme.

Scientific research is also an important field that you could join. Chemical scientists carry out research in industry, specialist research institutes such as the Fonterra Research Centre and the Forest Research Institute, and at universities.

Entry criteria

Students must have successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance.

It is strongly recommended (but not compulsory) that students beginning their study of Chemistry have a sound background in chemistry and biology and/or physics at NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent). It will be assumed that students enrolled in the first year chemistry courses, 123.101 and 123.102, will have studied at least 20 credits from NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or an equivalent alternative) and have achieved at least 14. Mathematics is also desirable.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 overall (min 19 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 50 Overall (min 42 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 170