Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Chemistry

The University of Otago

Chemistry is so much a part of our lives, sometimes we don’t even notice it It’s at the heart of cooking and eating, breathing and seeing, the clothes we wear and the materials we use to construct our environment. While studying Chemistry at Otago, you’ll look at how chemicals interact with each other, with light, and with the environment how to synthesise novel materials and measure trace amounts of pollutants. Research interests in the Department of Chemistry include nanotechnology and marine chemistry, the development of smart polymers and anti-cancer drugs. Chemistry enables change in our world – in medicine, technology and the environment. Study Chemistry at Otago, and be part of itChemistry is the science of matter it’s so fundamental it’s been called the central science. Studying Chemistry will help you develop an understanding of how the universe works. You’ll learn how to synthesise new chemicals that could have a profound effect on people’s lives. You could assist with the discovery of new drugs, agrichemicals and sources of energy, and gain a highly transportable and internationally recognised qualification in Chemistry. Studying Chemistry at Otago means you’ll acquire problem-solving skills within a chemical framework.Careers involving chemistry are hugely varied and there’s been a shortage of chemistry graduates in New Zealand in recent years.Qualified chemists work in industries involving chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and timber. These positions include areas such as research and development, quality control, marketing, sales or management. Chemists also play leading roles in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, water quality control, and in chemical, biochemical or medical research units. They are also sought after in central and local government agencies, to work on projects such as pollution monitoring, water purification and forensic work solving criminal cases.Recent changes in environmental and occupational health and safety legislation have also resulted in jobs for chemistry graduates, both in the public sector and industry. Chemistry graduates are in continual demand for commerce-related positions, because employers recognise that people with a background in chemistry have been well trained to handle information and deal with complex concepts. These are qualities relevant throughout the workforce, in areas as diverse as finance, law, politics and sales. And there is ongoing demand for secondary science and chemistry teachers throughout New Zealand.

Division of Sciences