Chemistry

Chemistry is the central science. It deals with the composition, structure, and behaviour of the atoms and molecules that make up all forms of matter. Understanding the world at an atomic level is essential to all areas of science. Chemistry interlinks and contributes to medicine, geology, materials science, molecular physics, biology, and astronomy.

Chemistry propels advances in modern society and has an important role to play in solving major global challenges such as energy sustainability, food supply, health, and the environment. Every day, we utilise products developed by experimental chemists, such as plastics, fabrics, petrol, and pharmaceuticals.

Careers

Aotearoa needs chemists in teaching, industry, health, and research.

• Chemists are key members of developmental teams in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Industry uses chemists in such areas as research and development of new products, monitoring product composition and quality, and environmental monitoring and regulation.
• Hospitals and other health services employ chemists in areas such as biochemical research, medical analysis, and toxicology.
• This Chemistryprogram at University of Canterbury is a good start to a teaching career with its emphasis on laboratory work and its relevance to other sciences.
• The majority of chemical research in Aotearoa is done in universities, Crown Research Institutes, and private laboratories. These institutions provide chemical challenges equal to any in the world.

Courses include:

• Research Methods: Research Proposal and Ethics
• Research Methods: Literature Review and Poster Design
• Organic Chemistry
• Toxicology and Methods in Drug Discovery
• Kinetics and Spectroscopy
• Sustainable Chemistry: Catalysis, Energy and Green Materials