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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Chemistry deals with the composition, structure, and behaviour of atoms and molecules that make up all forms of matter. UC's School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) is one of the best places to study Chemistry in New Zealand. Find out how to study Chemistry at UC.
The central discipline in science, Chemistry is the study of substances and their transformation.
It is the science that deals with the composition, structure and behaviour of the atoms and molecules which make up all forms of matter. Chemistry is interdisciplinary, merging with Biology, Physics, and other subjects in certain aspects.
A basic knowledge of Chemistry is essential in order to appreciate and understand the material world in which we live. It also provides a means of making the world a better place.
Chemistry has an important role to play in solving the world's major problems in energy, food supply, health and the environment. Modern society relies on chemists for everything from medicine to materials.
Chemistry is also a popular choice for students pursuing double majors or double degrees. Common combinations include Chemistry with Physics, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or Law. Students of Engineering, Biology, Forestry and the Earth Sciences may need to study Chemistry as a support to their main discipline.
Studying Chemistry at undergraduate level will open the door to a broad range of careers. Our researchers are engaged in internationally recognised work and postgraduate students have opportunities to take part in meaningful projects.
At 100 level there are two core courses, CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, which are intended for students with a solid background in Year 13 Chemistry.
CHEM 114 is intended for students with fewer than 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry and will lead into the core courses.
Let's Talk Chemistry is a is an introduction to the basic concepts, vocabulary and language of Chemistry. It is written for all students who need or wish to study Chemistry for its own sake or need it as the basis of another discipline (Biological Science, Medicine, Physics, Engineering) at first-year University level.
It will also provide reinforcement for those who have a basic background and can be a useful resource for teachers.
1. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter one
2. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter two
3. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter three
4. Let's Talk chemistry chapter four
5. Let's Talk chemistry chapter five
6. Let's Talk chemistry chapter six
7. Let's Talk chemistry chapter seven
8. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter eight
9. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter nine
10. Let's Talk chemistry chapter ten
11. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter eleven
12. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter twelve
13. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter thirteen
14. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter fourteen
15. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter fifteen
16. Let's Talk Chemistry chapter sixteen
Chemistry is an important component in many other fields of study including Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Consumer and Applied Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Human Nutrition, Law, Optometry, Pharmacy, Nuclear Chemistry, Veterinary Science and many others.
At UC, degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering and Forestry also include 100-level courses in Chemistry.
The core courses for a degree in Chemistry are CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 211, CHEM 212, CHEM 251, CHEM 242, CHEM 281, or BCHM 281, CHEM 381 or CHEM 382.
At 300 level students choose courses that focus on a particular pathway within Chemistry. You can also focus on Biology with Medicinal Chemistry or , or a Physics-oriented Chemistry degree with Materials Science and Nanotechnology.
See the degree regulations for the BSc and then view the options for different pathways below.
Chemical Biology and Biological Chemistry are the study of the chemical principles underlying biological processes, and the application of chemical techniques and tools to the study and manipulation of the molecular processes taking place within cells. This combination of courses provides a solid background for careers in pharmaceutical research, drug development, health, forensic science, biotechnology and proteomics. It is also an important avenue to postgraduate study and research.
Environmental chemists undertake research and provide advice on how chemicals move through the environment and their effects on human health and the environment.
Graduates find careers in environmental consulting, environmental testing, education and policy development. There are a range of opportunities in postgraduate study and research.
(If you are interested in Chemistry and environmental chemistry/science, there are two pathways you can follow: i) a BSc with a major in Chemistry that emphasises environmental chemistry (described below) and ii)a BSc with a double major in Chemistry (any pathway can be chosen) and Environmental Science. This double major is described on the tab below.)
Environmental scientists study how the earth works, how people are affecting the environment and how to solve environmental problems. Environmental scientists with skills in chemistry are highly sought after. Example careers include helping businesses to be more sustainable, working with engineering firms to reduce impacts of major projects and advising government agencies on environmental risks.
If you are interested in Chemistry and environmental chemistry/science, there are two pathways you can follow:
i) a BSc with a major in Chemistry that emphasises environmental chemistry (described on the tab above) and
ii) a BSc with a double major in Chemistry (any pathway can be chosen) and Environmental Science. This double major is described here.
Note: CHEM 255 (Contemporary Chemistry: Technology, Environment, and Health) can be taken instead of CHEM 211 or CHEM 242 with approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Materials science and nanotechnology develop knowledge and understanding of material structure and properties.
Understanding the behaviour of atoms, molecules and nanoscale objects paves the way to rational design and synthesis of functional materials with desired compositions and structures needed for specific applications. This underpins discovery and development of new materials needed by high-tech industries.
Materials science and nanotechnology are strongly interdisciplinary and offer opportunities to work with physicists, biologists, geologists and engineers.
Depending on your interests, your Chemistry courses can be complemented by courses in Physics (giving a strong background in the origins of the physical properties of materials and behaviour at the nanoscale), in Geology (expanding your knowledge of the properties of geological materials (rocks etc)) or Biology (providing a background relevant to bionanotechnology and biomaterials).
* PHYS205 required for PHYS319 (runs alternate years)
If your Chemistry interests do not neatly fit into any of the focussed pathways: no problem! To complete a Chemistry major you must include the compulsory courses at 100 and 200 level, and then you can choose any 60 points (or more) from CHEM 300 level courses, including at least one of CHEM 381 or CHEM 382.
At least 60 points from CHEM 300 level courses, including at least one of CHEM 381 or CHEM 382
This pathway enables students to graduate with a BSc after 3 years, and after a further 2 years they can graduate with a BE(Hons) CAPE (5 years in total for both degrees). It gives CAPE graduates a better and deeper foundation in the science behind their Engineering qualification, and science graduates a more practical framework to complement their discipline-based knowledge.
To enter 2nd Professional year CAPE, BSc graduates typically need at least a B average and must have appropriate mathematics courses. All students require the approval of the Dean of Engineering to enter the BE(Hons) programme.
The tables below outline BSc structures optimised for this pathway.
Note:
A. Starting with BE(Hons) CAPE Intermediate: plan for BSc with CHEM major, followed by direct entry to 2nd professional year BE(Hons).
B. Starting with BE(Hons) CAPE Intermediate: plan for BSc with BCHM major, followed by direct entry to 2nd professional year BE(Hons).
C. Plan for BSc with CHEM major, followed by direct entry to 2nd professional year BE(Hons).
D. Plan for BSc with BCHM major, followed by direct entry to 2nd professional year BE(Hons).