Chemistry University of Pretoria

Overview

Everything around us involves chemistry. Chemists recognise the major role science plays in supporting modern lifestyles. Chemistry is responsible for many aspects of our lives: the clothes we wear are made from synthetic fabrics produced by chemical processes; the drugs used for curing many illnesses are the result of intensive chemical research; a chemical process produces the paper we write on, and the ink we write with is a mixture of many chemicals. 

Chemistry assures the quality of the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Our bodies are a complex mixture of chemicals, and the principles of chemistry are fundamental to understanding the processes involved in the functioning of all living organisms and the development of new medications and materials. It is the interaction and collaboration of chemistry with the other sciences and engineering that meet the ever-increasing demands of a modern society. 

All the subjects taught in this programme have theoretical and practical components. First-year modules in mathematics and physics are compulsory for the BSc (Chemistry) degree. More advanced modules in mathematics and programming are recommended for students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in the computer modelling of molecules, materials or processes.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Chemistry programme from University of Pretoria are employed in most technology-based institutions and work in laboratory environments that form part of industrial, research or academic institutions. A chemist must be able to participate in teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment and in a wide variety of enterprises in both the private and public sectors. It is important to note that the type of work available to a graduate in chemistry depends on the level of the qualification obtained. Advanced qualifications will eventually lead to positions in research and / or production management and require management and financial planning skills. 

Many career opportunities exist in the fields of education, research, journalism, environmental protection, food and beverages, energy, water, health, sports, pharmaceutics and cosmetics, geology, mining and law enforcement. These include the well-known professions of synthetic chemist, materials scientist, chemical pathologist, forensic chemist, analytical chemist, drug analyst, patent lawyer, environmental chemist, geochemist, food chemist, polymer chemist and soil chemist.