Chemistry is an overarching discipline with its primary focus on the study of matter. This involves an understanding of the composition, structure and properties of ALL matter. The entire universe is composed of matter and includes animate and inanimate material. The changes that matter undergoes is known as a chemical reaction.

Chemists study:

• The structure and properties of matter.
• How the components of matter are rearranged to form new matter with completely different properties
• Processes whereby molecules combine and react with each other and how fast these processes occur

Chemistry is regarded as the “central science” as many of the other scientific disciplines are dependent on chemistry. Qualified chemists require some degree of a working knowledge of several of the other scientific disciplines. Students following the chemistry programme, therefore must enroll for modules in mathematics and physics, with electives such biology or geo-environmental science. As chemists need to be computer literate, some compulsory modules in computer literacy are essential.

The Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science offers a BSc Chemistry degree programme comprising three streams, of which you choose one:

The Chemistry and Polymer Science stream combines all the mainstream modules with elective modules in applied chemistry (including polymer science), physics, mathematics, geology, and applied mathematics. This allows for a major in Chemistry and another subject of your choosing.

The Chemical Biological stream combines mainstream chemistry modules with biochemistry and microbiology. This allows for a major in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The Applied and Sustainable Chemistry stream combines the mainstream chemistry modules with applied chemistry modules, e.g. polymer science, medicinal chemistry and green chemistry.

In chemical biology, the emphasis is on the use of chemistry to understand biological problems. Essentially, in chemical biology we deal with the interaction of relatively small molecules with biological systems. Biochemistry on the other hand, is the study of chemical reactions within living systems. Most often these reactions involve large macromolecules such as DNA, proteins, enzymes etc.

Chemists tend to be concerned with studying fundamental chemical processes, which are normally conducted on lab-scale. Chemical Engineers on the other hand applies chemical knowledge to develop large-scale processes to produce chemicals and a range of materials. They design and operate large chemical plants to mass produce essential chemical products. A chemical engineer will use mathematical and physical concepts to operate and maintain large-scale reactors to produce large amounts of products. In designing new chemical processes, chemical engineers will collaborate closely with the chemists with the latter understanding the chemical reaction on a molecular level, while the engineer will use his / her knowledge to ensure that the production of the chemical product can be carried out optimally and safely.

Obtaining a BSc in Chemistry allows you to do a BScHons in Chemistry. The chemistry and polymer science department offers two Honours programmes: an Honours in Chemistry; or an Honours in Polymer Science. For both these programmes, the minimum entrance requirement is an average of 60 % in all four of the core models at third-year level, viz. Analytical, Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.

For advanced training, you can follow-up the Honours with an MSc and PhD degree. Many chemistry graduates with MSc and PhD degrees, who work in industry, have greater opportunities for career advancement and often end up in senior management or other upper echelons of the company.

Chemistry graduates are usually equipped with a variety of skills that are highly sought after in a wide range of sectors in a variety of different jobs.

Some jobs that can be done by chemistry graduates include:

• Analytical chemist
• Forensic scientist and toxicologist
• Mining technologist
• Metallurgist
• Pharmacologist
• Environmental consultant
• Water Treatment technologists
• Scientific writer for magazines and newspapers

It is advisable to do Mathematics 114, and not Mathematics (Bio), as the former is a prerequisite for 2^nd and 3^rd year Chemistry.

There are many students who start 1^st year BSc and are uncertain about the subject direction which they wish to follow, some of these have gone on to be leaders in Chemistry careers, having not started out wanting to study Chemistry. Here at Stellenbosch, your 1^st year curriculum is structured in such a manner that you could then continue with Chemistry, even if Chemistry was not your original choice. First-year students’ experience with practicals, tutorials, the lecture content and their lecturers get them so excited about Chemistry that they wish to continue studying in this direction. You would thus have lost no time on condition that you have followed Mathematics 114 and 144, since that is a requirement. However, you have to make a formal request to change streams. The Science Faculty’s Academic Committee will then have to approve your request.

Yes, the 1^st year is a general programme and essentially, in 2^nd year you are following your chosen stream. However, you have to make a formal request to change streams. The Science Faculty’s Academic Committee will then have to approve your request.