Studying Chemistry
Listed below are the details of all the courses and qualifications offered by the Department of Chemistry. If you have any further enquiries please contact the departmental course advisor.
Blackboard
Blackboard is the university's flexible e-learning software platform. A number of papers taught by the Department of Chemistry offer resources to students via the Blackboard platform. Access to this material is available to all students enrolled in these papers.
Chemistry catch-up
We offer two courses for students considering entry to undergraduate chemistry papers whose chemistry background is weak.
We offer Bridging Chemistry as part of the university's summer school, as an intensive three-week programme in January/February. The course provides the necessary framework for the successful completion of a 100-level University course in Chemistry at the University of Otago. This course is intended for students who have gained fewer than 14 credits in chemistry at level 3 in NCEA.
An alternative course is Introductory Chemistry. This paper is distance-taught. The format of this course has proven popular and is considered a successful and convenient means of independent learning. The material covered is based on senior-school Chemistry. You may enrol for this course at any time during the year.
Papers offered by the department
- 100 Level
- CHEM111 - Molecular Architecture
- CHEM191 - The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health
- CHEM191-SS - The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health (Summer school)
- 200 Level
- CHEM201 - Environmental Physical Chemistry
- CHEM202 - Organic Synthesis
- CHEM203 - Main Group and Coordination Chemistry
- CHEM205 - Biological Chemistry
- 300 Level
- CHEM301 - Physical Chemistry
- CHEM302 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM303 - Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry
- CHEM304 - Environmental Chemistry
- CHEM305 - Biological Chemistry
- CHEM306 - Forensic Chemistry
- CHEM371 - Special Topics
- CHEM390 - Critical Readings in Chemistry
- 400 Level
- CHEM461-463 - Topics in Advanced Chemistry
- CHEM464 - Topics in Advanced Chemistry
- CHEM468 - Topics in Advanced Chemistry
- CHEM469 - Topics in Advanced Chemistry
- CHEM480 - Research Project
- CHEM490 - Research Project
- HAZX401 - Management of Chemical Hazards
- HAZX404 - Environmental Risk Assessment & Management
BSc in Chemistry
Normally three years of study to accumulate a total of 360 points of which at least 180 must be above 100 level and 72 above 200 level. Up to 90 points from other Divisions may be credited to the degree. You require a total of 90 points from 100- and 200-level chemistry papers to proceed to the final year of the BSc degree. To complete a BSc degree with a major in Chemistry, at least 72 points must be obtained from 300-level chemistry papers.
More information on the Bachelor of Science(BSc) can be found on the University of Otago website
BSc(Hons) in Chemistry
The Honours degree (Chemistry) is a postgraduate degree, requiring an additional one year of study after completion of a three-year Bachelor of Science degree majoring in chemistry. A total of five 300-level papers must have been passed, including at least four CHEM 300-level papers with an average grade of at least B+. A fifth 300-level paper in Chemistry (or related subject) is strongly advised for students planning to enrol in an Honours degree in Chemistry.
Students who have completed a BSc majoring in chemistry at another NZ university (with at least a B+ average in 300-level chemistry papers) are encouraged to apply for admission to an Honours degree at The University of Otago.
The BSc(Hons) degree consists of three 20-point papers covering 12 lecture modules of the student's choice (CHEM 461-463), combined with a 60-point research component (CHEM 490) comprising a written research report and an oral presentation. Allocation of research projects is based on student preferences as indicated at the beginning of the year. The class of Honours awarded is determined by combining the assessment of the coursework and research components.
More information on the Bachelor of Science with Honours, BSc(Hons) can be found on the University of Otago website.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
The PGDipSci is a one-year course for students who have a BSc degree and wish to have an introduction to research. Students perform a research project (CHEM 480). In addition to the papers that are available to BSc(Hons) students (CHEM 461-463), PGDipSci students may also select papers from HAZX 401, HAZX 404 and HAZX 411, to a total of 96 points. Students can also take up to 36 points of approved 300-level chemistry papers (not CHEM371 or CHEM390)
More information on the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) can be found on the University of Otago website
MSc in Chemistry
An MSc in Chemistry can be obtained in two ways:
- A 12-15 month research project, for candidates who have already completed a BSc(Hons) or PGDipSci. Results are based entirely on the thesis report of the research.
- A 24-27 month course, for candidates who have completed a BSc. The first year involves written papers. A research project is undertaken throughout, culminating in a thesis. The papers component (50%) consists of courses totalling 84 points chosen from CHEM 461-463, HAZX 401, HAZX 404, HAZX 411, CHEM 468 and CHEM 469. Students can also take up to 36 points of approved 300-level chemistry papers (not CHEM371 or CHEM390). The thesis contributes a further 50% to the overall assessment.
All students undertaking an Masters degree by papers and thesis must enrol for CHEM 495 Masters Thesis Preparation in their first year of MSc study.
How to Proceed:
There are two steps to take to gain admission to our MSc programme which require to be carried out at the same time:
(International Students) Contact the University's International Office OR (Domestic Students) contact the Science Divisional Office to obtain the required forms for admission.
More information on the Master of Science can be found on the University of Otago homepage
PhD in Chemistry
The PhD is the internationally recognized research degree in the scientific community, and the Department of Chemistry is committed to the provision of facilities and intellectual stimulation that allow the student to achieve a research training comparable to that received in overseas universities. Assessment by means of a thesis is the only formal University requirement, but the progress reports and seminars are required during the course. Students must have a BSc(Hons), MSc, or equivalent, to be admitted to the PhD programme.
More information on the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is available from the University of Otago Website
The Application Process (MSc & PhD)
To gain admission to the MSc or PhD programmes
International Students:
It is important at an early stage to contact the University's International Office. This site has an interactive form for inquiries about post-graduate study for international students.
The university also has approved agents overseas for intending international students
Information about the English language requirements for intending international students is available from the University of Otago website
Domestic Students:
You should contact the PhD Office who will guide you through the enrolment process.
Scholarship information
Scholarships currently available within the chemistry department
- PhD studentship - solar cell materials
- PhD position in Polymer/Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- PhD Scholarship in the Controlled Self-assembly of Arrays of Communicating Metal Ions: Potential Nanocomponents
- Ph.D. Scholarship - magnetic nanoparticle synthesis
Subscribe to be alerted about new scholarships
More information on available scholarships are available on the University of Otago website
Information about Academic Staff
For further information about Academic Staff and the range of research activities that the Chemistry Department has visit the staff listing page.
If you identify a particular staff member whose research interests you contact them by email for further information. If you have any queries about potential MSc or PhD research topics or would like suggestions on suitable supervisors please email your questions to:
- Professor Lyall R. Hanton
- Tel: +64 3 479 7918
- Location: Science II, Gc7
- lhanton@chemistry.otago.ac.nz