Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major)
Overview
The Bachelor of Science – Chemistry is offered from the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses. The Chemistry major develops graduates with a rigorous foundation in chemical principles, advanced laboratory skills and the capacity for critical and creative problem-solving. Graduates are equipped to apply chemistry innovatively and ethically to address scientific, industrial, and societal challenges, preparing them for leadership in research, industry, and further study.
SAQA
NQF LEVEL
DURATION
CAO CODE
KN-P-BG4
KN-W-BG4
CLOSING DATE
30 September
DSCIPLINE
Entry Requirements
- Applicants are eligible to apply to register for the Chemistry major, provided they have a NSC (Bachelor’s pass),
- an APS score of no fewer than 28 points;
- Mathematics at Level 4 and Physical Science, Life Science or Agricultural Science at Level 4.
Modules
Semester 1
Pietermaritzburg Campus
- General Principles of Chemistry – CHEM110 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Calculus – MATH130 (16 Credits)
OR
- Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH150 (16 Credits)
- Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture – PHYS131 (16 Credits)
ORÂ
- Mechanics, Optics and Thermal Physics – PHYS110 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Westville Campus
- General Principles of Chemistry – CHEM110 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Calculus – MATH130 (16 Credits)
OR
- Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH150 (16 Credits)
- Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture – PHYS131 (16 Credits)
OR
- Mechanics, Optics and Thermal Physics – PHYS110 (16 Credits)
- Electives (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
Pietermaritzburg Campus
- Chemical Reactivity – CHEM120 (16 Credits)
- Calculus and Linear Algebra – MATH140 (16 Credits)
OR
- Further Mathematics for Natural Sciences (Must be taken in conjunction with PHYS133) – MATH143 (8 Credits)
- Modern Physics for Life Sciences and Agric – PHYS133 (8 Credits)
OR
- Electromagnetism Waves and Modern Physics – PHYS120 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Westville Campus
- Chemical Reactivity – CHEM120 (16 Credits)
- Calculus and Linear Algebra – MATH140 (16 Credits)
OR
- Further Topics in Mathematics – MATH145 (16 Credits)
- Electromagnetism Waves and Modern Physics – PHYS120 (16 Credits)
OR
- Electromagnetism & Modern Phys for Life Science – PHYS132 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 1
- Inorganic Chemistry – CHEM210 (16 Credits)
- Organic Chemistry – CHEM220 (16 Credits)
- 32 Credits chosen from either the second major, recommended electives or a combination thereof (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Physical Chemistry – CHEM230 (16 Credits)
- 48 Credits chosen from either the second major, recommended electives or a combination thereof (48 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 1
- Physical Chemistry – CHEM330 (16 Credits)
- Instrumental Analysis – CHEM340 (16 Credits)
- 32 Level 3 credits chosen from the second major electives (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Inorganic Chemistry – CHEM310 (16 Credits)
- Organic Chemistry – CHEM320 (16 Credits)
- 32 Level 3 credits chosen from the second major (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
What do they actually do?
A Chemist is a scientist who studies the area of science known as chemistry, which focuses on chemical substances and how they interact with each other. A chemical substance is a form of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space.
All Chemists work with simple forms of matter to reach either a greater understanding of the chemical itself, uncover the elements of unfamiliar substances or create entirely new chemical compounds for use in a variety of ways to enhance life.
Areas of Employment
- Universities and Universities of Technology (faculties of medicine,
science and agriculture) - Industries that manufacture food, beverages, drugs, insecticides and cosmetics
- Municipalities
- Large hospitals
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Breweries and wine corporations
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.