Everything around us involves chemistry. Chemists recognise the major role science plays in supporting modern lifestyles. Chemistry is responsible for many aspects of our lives: the clothes we wear are made from synthetic fabrics produced by chemical processes; the drugs used for curing many illnesses are the result of intensive chemical research; a chemical process produces the paper we write on, and the ink we write with is a mixture of many chemicals. Chemistry assures the quality of the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Our body is a complex mixture of chemicals, and the principles of chemistry are fundamental to understanding the processes involved in the functioning of all living organisms and the development of new medications and materials. It is the interaction and collaboration of chemistry with the other sciences and engineering that meet the ever-increasing demands of a modern society.
Chemistry has been described as the central science as its impact on our lives and society is all-pervasive. Since 1901, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry has been awarded to 153 individuals for work covering all aspects of the chemical sciences. The concepts of sustainable growth, including the reduction of carbon emissions, renewable fuels, secure food and fresh water supplies, recycled materials, environmentally responsible manufacture and waste disposal are all firmly embedded in chemical expertise. Chemistry is also at the heart of cutting-edge research in biotechnology, nanotechnology and new materials required for faster computers and improved solar voltaic cells.
This programme focuses on the fundamental aspects of the discipline and aims to provide students with a thorough background in the chemical sciences. Undergraduate training in this programme provides an opportunity to combine chemistry with other fields of interest, such as physics, geology, mathematics and computer science, or subjects from the biological sciences, such as biochemistry, microbiology and botany. In the first year of study, students are introduced to chemistry. This is followed by a more in-depth study of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in the second and third years of study. All subjects have theoretical and practical components.
First-year modules in mathematics and physics are compulsory subjects for the BSc (Chemistry) degree. More advanced modules in mathematics and programming are recommended if students want to pursue postgraduate studies in the computer modelling of molecules, materials or processes.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
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Transferring students
Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final NSC or equivalent qualification examination and/or were previously registered at UP or another university, on grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Candidates previously registered at a FET college or a university of technology
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers the application of these candidates on the grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Qualifications from countries other than South Africa
University of Pretoria website: click here
Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
5 | C | 5 | C | 5 | C | 34 |
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BSc (Chemistry), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme – Physical Sciences. This programme takes a year longer than the normal programmes to complete.
BSc – Extended Programme – Physical Sciences Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
4 | D | 4 | D | 4 | D | 28 |
3 years, full-time.
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is a diverse faculty with 13 departments that is supported by more than 20 centres and institutes. More than 5 000 students register in this faculty annually of which 70% are undergraduate and 30% postgraduate students.
All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.
In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.
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