Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is the science of matter. It is so fundamental it has been called the central science and it provides the foundation for atmospheric, biological, earth, ocean, and material sciences. Graduates in chemistry can go on to work in chemistry-focussed technical careers, but many also use their studies in ‘the central science’ as a platform for further study or careers in medical, legal and government roles.
The study of chemistry covers the properties, synthesis and transformations of substances. This includes understanding their applications to the way we live and how these substances modify our environment. Through chemistry, we begin to understand the material and biological world.
100 level papers
We strongly recommend that Chemistry majors take both CHEM 111 and CHEM 191, although only one is required. The study of Mathematics and/or Physics at 100-level (or at least to NCEA Level 3) is also recommended.
Chemistry beyond 100 level
The structure of the Chemistry programme is based on five major chemical subdisciplines: Analytical, Biological and Medicinal, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. Each of these subdisciplines offers two papers that help you gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in that area.
Chemistry majors will take at least three of these subdisciplines, although many students choose to take all five. Chemistry minors will take at least two subdisciplines. Whichever subdisciplines of chemistry you choose, the papers are taught by researchers who are experts in the subject and passionate about what they teach.
If you need help or guidance email: chemistry@otago.ac.nz
Analytical Chemistry 1 and 2 (CHEM 206 and CHEM 306)
CHEM 206 and CHEM 306 focus on the fundamentals and modern techniques of analytical chemistry, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry. In CHEM 206, you'll learn the theory behind these essential methods and develop your skills through hands-on laboratory sessions. CHEM 306 builds on this foundation with project-driven labs that encourage independent application of the techniques learned in CHEM 206. Both courses apply analytical methods to marine, forensic, environmental, and health-related fields.
Biological and Medicinal Chemistry 1 and 2 (CHEM 205 and CHEM 305)
CHEM 205 and CHEM 305 deal with understanding the molecular and chemical basis of biological systems. The CHEM 205 course examines metal ion coordination chemistry in biological systems, amino acids and peptides, nucleic acids and enzymes in the context of biological and medicinal chemistry. CHEM 305 covers more advanced topics such as the synthesis and applications of peptides, enzyme mechanisms, enzyme inhibitors, biological spectroscopy and some aspects of drug design and development from a medicinal chemistry perspective. While CHEM 305 builds on some aspects/topics of CHEM 205 it is suitable for students that have taken either CHEM 205 or CHEM 202 Organic chemistry Chemistry 1.
Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 203 and CHEM 303)
CHEM 203 and 303 deal with Inorganic Chemistry – the chemistry of all of the elements – from making silly-putty to catalysts to solar cells. Visiting the main areas (blocks) of the periodic table of elements and understanding their chemistry. CHEM 203 covers the main group elements (s and p blocks), the transition elements (the d block) and the lanthanides (the f block elements) and examines the properties of the elements and their compounds. It also examines the applications of these compounds in industry, biology and the environment. CHEM 303 continues the journey through the diverse field of inorganic chemistry with a focus on advanced methods in coordination chemistry, the organometallic chemistry which underpins catalysis, and solid-state materials. The Inorganic and Organic courses build on each other and give a really strong grounding in how to design, synthesise, purify, characterise and safely handle chemicals
Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 (CHEM 202 and CHEM 302)
CHEM 202 and 302 focus on fundamental organic chemistry, covering commonly used reactions from both a mechanistic and practical standpoint. This includes reaction design, purification and structural characterisation. These courses build on each other to provide a strong grounding in how to synthesise chemicals relevant to materials, medicinal and biological chemistry. CHEM 205 and 305 contain important sections of organic chemistry and CHEM 202/302 support these courses.
Physical Chemistry 1 and 2 (CHEM 201 and CHEM 301)
CHEM 201 and CHEM 301 are courses that explore the physical basis of chemical phenomena, from understanding how atoms, molecules and materials are structured to factors that govern chemical reactivity. CHEM 201 covers the basics of physical chemistry, including interaction of molecules with light, heat and energy transfer and the quantum mechanical basis of structure and bonding. CHEM 301 extends this knowledge further with applications to nanomaterials, as well as more detailed quantum mechanics and spectroscopy tuition.
CHEM 201 and CHEM 206 complement each other with principles of CHEM 201 being applied in CHEM 206 for analytical techniques. Physical chemistry also requires numeracy and courses in MATH are useful, although not required as prerequisites.
Introduction to Independent Research and Methods (CHEM390)
CHEM 390 is a project-based paper for students considering postgraduate study. As part of this full-year paper you will gain independent research experience by working in a research lab. CHEM 390 is for students who have done well in previous chemistry papers, have demonstrated good core knowledge, and are planning on postgraduate study.
Career opportunities
There continues to be strong demand for Chemistry graduates. Graduates work both in New Zealand and overseas in academic and, commercial positions in the chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, food, textile, timber, pulp and paper, and electrical industries. Graduates also work in plant and product control and management, in compliance/health and safety roles and in environmental management and climate change roles. Chemists play leading roles in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, water-quality control, chemical, biochemical and medical research units, in the legal profession and in state-owned enterprises. Graduates with a chemistry degree are also well-positioned to pursue further qualifications in medicine, law, education, management and policy development. Many employers and course programs value the technical and practical rigour of a chemistry background.
There is an ongoing shortage of Chemistry graduates in the teaching profession and numerous opportunities for chemists in the commercial environment. For such careers additional commerce papers or double degrees in Chemistry, Law or Commerce can be a distinct advantage