Course details

Summary

Chemistry is the science of atoms and molecules. It deals with molecular structure and synthesis, interactions between molecules, chemical reactions, and theoretical models that explain molecular behavior. Since Chemistry aims to understand the structure and properties of matter in the world around us, it is a central science, with impacts on fields as diverse as biology, earth science, environmental studies, medicine and engineering.

All undergraduate core courses have a practical component in which students gain experience in laboratory skills, experimental design, synthesis, chemical analysis, quantitative measurements, chemical safety, advanced instrumentation, data processing and computer modelling.

The study of Chemistry will help you to develop the ability to think logically, analyse complex systems, communicate clearly, and be creative, numerate and computer-literate.

There is a wealth of subjects on offer within the Bachelor of Science (BSc). The main areas include biological sciences, human sciences, earth sciences, computational sciences, physical sciences and health-orientated sciences. As well as skills that are part of your academic learning in your chosen major, you’ll have exposure to new technologies. This is the degree for you if you’re science-minded and want to keep your options open.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for Chemistry graduates are many and varied. In industry you might be employed in applied research and development, chemical analysis, quality control, pollution control, environmental monitoring, marketing or management. Some of the industries that employ chemists are food processing, paper manufacturing, winemaking and brewing, paints, plastics, ceramics, metals, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and fertilizers.

Chemistry graduates also work in Crown Research Institutes, medical and forensic laboratories, public bodies such as regional authorities, and in the teaching profession in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Many graduates with higher degrees in Chemistry have made successful careers in basic or applied research.

Further study options

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSci)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Structure

Single or first major must include:

45 points: CHEM 110, CHEM 120, MATHS 110*

At least 45 points from CHEM 210–240

30 points from CHEM 310–340

At least 30 further points from CHEM 310–392

Second major must include:

45 points: CHEM 110, CHEM 120, MATHS 110*

At least 45 points from CHEM 210–240

30 points from CHEM 310–340

At least 15 further points from CHEM 310–392

*MATHS 108 or 150 can also be counted toward this requirement.

For students who do not have a strong background in Chemistry, the school offers a Preparatory Chemistry course before Semester 1. Students with a limited background in Chemistry should take CHEM 150 in Semester 1.

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

You need to have one of the following: International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24. General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.