Chemistry Overview
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What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of substances and their transformation
Chemistry is the science that deals with the composition, structure and behaviour of the atoms and molecules which make up all forms of matter. Its central role in science is emphasized by the fact that Chemistry merges with Biology at one extreme, and with Physics at the other. 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: energy; food supply; health; and the environment.
Chemists in the Modern World
Chemists provide information about the world we live in: the environment; the chemistry of life; and naturally occurring materials such as wood or minerals. However chemists also take the raw materials of nature and make them more useful in everyday life. As examples the penicillins produced by fungi in the soil have been improved to provide powerful antibiotics; rubber from the sap of the rubber tree has been improved by a chemical process called 'vulcanization'; a molecular understanding of these materials then led to synthetic rubber. The limitless range of plastics, produced by chemists, demonstrate that we no longer have to manage with the materials that the natural world provides. Modern society relies on chemists for everything from medicine to materials.
Careers in Chemistry
There is a solid demand for Chemistry graduates and for science graduates who have included Chemistry and/or Biochemistry in their degree. The economy of New Zealand is based largely on primary industry and Chemistry plays a vital role in developing products and ensuring their market competitiveness. For this reason, chemists find no difficulty in obtaining employment.
The degree is international and a number of graduates choose to spend some time overseas seeking wider experience at some stage in their careers. A career in Chemistry begins in one of three broad areas - teaching, industry or research. A degree in Chemistry offers many opportunities for a teaching career. Chemistry emphasises laboratory skills and is a challenging subject to teach.
Industry in New Zealand needs chemists for quality control and analysis, for product development and as "trouble shooters" for chemical plant processes; in addition, many chemists in industry move successfully into sales and management. Hospitals and other health services provide careers for chemists in areas such as analysis and toxicology while Chemistry affords an excellent background for subsequent work in biochemistry, biotechnology or the food industry. The bulk of chemical research in New Zealand is carried out by universities, government laboratories and the Crown Research Institutes associated with each of the major primary industry sectors (like Wool Research at Lincoln and Dairy Research at Palmerston North). These provide intellectual and chemical challenges equal to any in the world.
At present a graduate seeking employment as a "scientist" in a CRI would require a good Honours degree or a M.Sc. degree. The New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, with over 1500 members, lists 47 job categories among its members, from Administration and Agricultural Chemistry, through Ceramics Industry, Metallurgy and Pharmaceuticals, to Surface Chemistry and Teaching. Within these categories a wide range of job descriptions is evident - works chemist, teacher, general manager, scientist, toxicologist, criminalistics expert, engineer, quality control manager and sales director, to name a few. Chemists have always been adaptable and versatile, and there is no doubt that New Zealand's unique mix of primary and secondary industry, small through large companies, and heavy reliance on technology, gives the chemist scope to find and develop a satisfying career.
Chemistry is also a subject which lends itself to entrepreneurial activity and students should consider this as a career option of benefit, not only to themselves but to the wider economy of the country. A University degree in Chemistry does not aim to train you for a job, but to give you a background in a wide range of Chemistry and to encourage you to apply basic principles to the solving of problems. You should therefore try to include as broad a range of Chemistry and related subjects as you can in your degree and not to restrict yourself to courses you think might be useful in a particular career. Additional experience in subjects such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Business Administration, Biology, Biochemistry etc. may target employment opportunities. Clearly, some choice has to be exercised, and any member of the Department's staff would be glad to talk to you about your choice of courses, or about career opportunities - they will often be able to arrange for you to meet chemists in particular job situations. Such enquiries may be made through the Head of Department or directly to appropriate staff members.
Chemistry as Part of Other Degrees
Students may be drawn to study Chemistry at University because of an interest in the subject. The central role of chemistry in science also means that many people choose to take some chemistry courses because it is an important support to their other studies such as Biochemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology or Physics. Enquiries about course choices may be made through the Head of Department or directly to appropriate staff members.
Degrees that require a background in Chemistry
Radiochemistry |
Human Nutrition |
Biochemistry |
Consumer & Applied Sciences |
Agriculture |
Biology |
Environmental Science |
Medicine |
Optometry |
Veterinary Science |
Pharmacy |
Technology |
Engineering |
Forestry |
Horticulture |