Rhodes University Chemistry Department About Us
About Chemistry
Chemistry has a long tradition at Rhodes, beginning with the appointment of Professor George Cory in 1904 as one of the four founding professors of the University. Now, at the beginning of the 21st Century, Chemistry at Rhodes is a vibrant and productive department, committed to excellence in teaching and research, innovative in its programmes and sensitive to the challenges confronting its graduates.
Mission Statement
The Department of Chemistry is committed to:-
• promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship and research;
• developing the academic, technical and leadership potential of our students and staff; and
• responding to the educational, social, environmental and technological challenges of our society.
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry has been described as the ‘central science’. As such, it is not surprising that at least one year of Chemistry is required for students wishing to major in Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology & Geology. For those who go on to major in Chemistry, the discipline opens new horizons on the molecular basis of the natural world and opportunities for employment or postgraduate research.
Career opportunities for chemists
There are career opportunities for chemists in many sectors, including: Research and Development (for which an MSc or PhD is essential); Industrial Production and Technical Support in areas such as fuels, explosives, fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals and paints; Business Management: many chemists have risen to high positions in management and it is easier to add business and management qualifications to a scientific background than vice versa (Management can be taken as major subject, together with Chemistry, in a BSc degree at Rhodes); Education: enthusiastic and well-informed teachers and lecturers are crucial for the country’s development.
Building up a degree curriculum
Chemistry may be taken as a major subject with most Science subjects, and possibilities exist for combining Chemistry, as one major, with Arts, Commerce or Law subjects, such as Legal Theory (for a career in Patent or Environmental Law), or Journalism (for a career as a science journalist). To major in Chemistry, a candidate is required to obtain credits in CHE 1; CHE 2; CHE 3; and two semester credits, normally comprised of one full first year course in any of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics.