Chemistry – the Central Science

Chemistry is of course a hugely important and interesting subject in its own right. However, more than any other discipline, it is essential for the understanding and application of many other aspects of science.

Its dictionary definition is:

The study of the composition, properties, and reactions of matter, particularly at the level of atoms and molecules.

Considering that everything in this world (including us) is made up of atoms, molecules and ions, then Chemistry is – in a very real sense – the study of everything.

No matter what enthralling topic you may be interested in – how DNA is copied, how superconductors are made, why are antioxidants needed in our diet, the different properties of lava and limestone, how do antiviral drugs work, new processes to harvest the sun’s energy, the evidence for global warming, the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise – you will find that a sound grasp of the underlying chemistry is essential to a full understanding.

Chemistry – the Job Provider

There is virtually no such thing as an unemployed chemistry graduate. A degree in chemistry can lead you into a variety of great careers. They include research and teaching as a university academic, working as a researcher or technician in a Crown Research Institute or industrial company (perhaps involved in the petrochemical industry or in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals) and school-teaching. In addition, a chemistry degree gives a superb foundation in logical thinking and appreciation of the scientific method which fits graduates for many other jobs in which they will not be doing actual hands-on chemistry – such as company management, patent law, the stock exchange, even politics. (Margaret Thatcher, British PM, was a chemistry graduate!)

How do I become a chemist?

At school

You must take Chemistry to NCEA level 3 along with appropriate supporting subjects such as Physics, Biology and Maths with Calculus.

If you have not done Chemistry or Maths at school, you can prepare yourself over summer, by taking an introductory paper at Massey. On offer from November to February are

123.103 Introductory Chemistry
124.100 Foundations of Physics
160.103 Methods of Mathematics

Chemistry at Massey

The Institute of Fundamental Sciences offers either a BSc (3 years) or a BSc with Honours (4 years) in Chemistry. The degrees have the first three years in common. Naturally, the traditional subdivisions of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry are covered, but these days the boundaries are getting more and more diffuse. Graduates at Massey end up with a broad holistic appreciation of the whole discipline. Overlaid on this foundation is a focus on some particularly exciting modern developments. One of these is the study of novel materials, for example electrically conducting polymers, photovoltaic materials for ‘artificial photosynthesis,’ new battery technology, and the special properties of nanoparticles. Another is chemical biology, including the structure and function of enzymes, new methods of drug delivery, and how DNA can be chemically modified with a view to applications in cancer treatment.

Students who achieve a B⁺ average or better in their third year chemistry papers may be invited to continue for an extra year for a BSc (Hons) degree. In this, the fourth year includes a project in which students carry out their own research, which may be in one of the areas mentioned above or in some other exciting bit of ‘cutting-edge’ chemistry. At the Albany (Auckland) campus, for example, a very strong group is engaged in computational chemistry. As the power of computers grows exponentially it will inevitably become more commonplace for the properties and reactions of complex molecules to be calculated from first principles.

Bachelor of Science with a Chemistry Major

A BSc takes 3 years of full-time study. For full requirements for the BSc degree see the regulations.

First year

Three papers are required for this major:

123.101 Chemistry and Living Systems
123.102 Chemistry and the material World
160.101 Calculus 1
and to satisfy the degree requirements,
119.155 Communication in the Sciences

The remaining 4 first year papers can be chosen from other first year science papers to satisfy the overall degree requirements. (Students should choose papers that allow for at least one other major in case of change of plans.) The first-year chemistry papers are taught at both the Palmerston North and Auckland campuses; papers for subsequent years are presently offered only at Palmerston North.

Second year

Four papers are required for the major:

123.201 Chemical Energetics
123.202 Organic and Biological Chemistry
123.203 Inorganic and Nanomaterials Chemistry
123.204 Chemical and Biochemical Analysis

Third year

Four papers are required for the major:

123.311 Advanced Physical and Analytical Chemistry
123.312 Advanced Organic Chemistry
123.313 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

and one of:
123.325 Advanced Materials and Nanoscience
123.326 Advanced Chemical Biology

Note that many students choose to take both 123.325 and 123.326.

Who can help me decide?

Contact Trevor Kitson for more information on this major.

Other Degree Options for those with a love of chemistry:

If one of these is the degree for you, go to the enrolment page.

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