Chemistry University of Canterbury

Overview

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.

Many of the students at the Chemistry programme at University of Canterbury get to travel to undertake collaborative research in other laboratories worldwide, providing a broad exposure to innovative research methods and techniques.

Career opportunities

Aotearoa New Zealand's unique mix of primary and secondary industries provides a wide choice of careers in chemistry. Expanding industries in Aotearoa, for example those related to new sources of energy and to the development of forestry and dairy resources, are further increasing the demand for qualified chemists.

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.

• A degree in Chemistry 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.

Chemists are well trained in problem solving and skilled at handling information, which leads naturally into a wide diversity of job opportunities, including sales and management.