Requirements To Study Chemistry In South Africa

What Is Chemistry

Chemistry is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a natural science that covers the elements that make up matter to the compounds composed of atoms, molecules and ions:

Entry Requirements To Study Chemistry In South Africa

Students should declare a major in chemistry as early in their academic career as possible. This will provide academic advisors with the information needed to provide for more effective advising and mentoring to meet the degree objectives of the student.

To graduate from the College, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.). Toward this total only 56 s.h. in chemistry courses (courses with numbers preceded by the department code, CHEM, or 004) can be counted.

B.S. Degree

Requirements for B.S. in Chemistry
Advanced Electives for B.S. in Chemistry
Typical Course Schedule for B.S. in Chemistry

B.A. Degree

Requirements for B.A. in Chemistry
Advanced Electives for B.A. in Chemistry
Typical Course Schedule for B.A. in Chemistry 

Environmental Chemical Sciences B.S. Degree

Environmental Sciences B.S. Degree Program
Foundation Courses
Chemical Sciences (Yellow) Track

For students who declared a BA in chemistry prior to Fall of 2014 and have questions about the degree requirements, please consult a recent degree audit, the archived 2013-2014 General Catalog, or meet with your chemistry advisor. 

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 69 s.h. of work for the major (20 s.h. in foundation chemistry courses, 27 s.h. in advanced chemistry, and 22 s.h. in supporting course work). B.S. students must earn at least 20 s.h. in advanced chemistry courses at The University of Iowa.

Foundation Courses
Advanced Chemistry Courses
Supporting Courses

Foundation Courses (B.S., 20 s.h.)

Principles of Chemistry I-II, CHEM:1110-1120, 8 s.h.

Fundamentals of Chemical Measurements, CHEM:2021, 3 s.h.

Organic I-II for Majors (preferred), CHEM:2230-2240 or Organic I-II, CHEM:2210-2220, 6 s.h.

Organic Chemistry Lab for Majors (preferred), CHEM:2420 or Organic Chemistry Lab, CHEM:2410, 3 s.h.

Advanced Chemistry Courses (B.S., 27 s.h.)

Analytical Chemistry I-II, CHEM:3110-3120, 6 s.h.

Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM:3250, 3 s.h.

Analytical Measurements, CHEM:3430, 3 s.h.

Physical  Measurements, CHEM:3440, 3 s.h.

Inorganic Chemistry Lab, CHEM:3530, 3 s.h.

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM:4270, 3 s.h.

Physical Chemistry I-II, CHEM:4431-4432, 3 s.h.

Supporting Courses (B.S., 22 s.h.)

Mathematics, 8 s.h.

Calculus I-II (preferred), MATH:1850-1860 (22M:025-026), or Engineer Math I-II, MATH:1550-1560 (22M:031-032)

Physics, 8 s.h.

Introductory Physics I-II (preferred), PHYS:1611-1612 (029:081-082), or College Physics I-II, PHYS:1511-1512 (029:011-012)

Science Electives and Research, 6 s.h.

Undergraduate Research, CHEM:3994 (004:162)

Advanced Science Electives

Biochemistry (B.S. students who want an ACS certified degree must complete one of these optional courses)

Biochemistry, BIOC:3110 (099:110), 3 s.h.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, BIOC:3120 (099:120), 3 s.h.

A partial list of courses satisfying the chemistry degree elective requirement is available. In general, advanced courses in related scientific disciplines beyond the introductory level, and math related courses that have at least Calculus II (or the equivalent) as a prerequisite, are acceptable. Consult with your chemistry advisor for more details or to seek approval for a course that is not on the list.

Students participating in undergraduate research with a Department of Chemistry faculty member will typically enroll in Undergraduate Research, CHEM:3994 (004:162), for a certain number of semester hours. Students can also consider enrolling in one of the Undergraduate Research Experiences units, URES:3992-3995, which are 0 credit hour courses that have no tuition or fees associated with the registration but allow students to have their research involvement noted on their transcript.

Students in the University Honors Program may register for the Honors Practicum, HONR:3994 (143:100) or the Honors Thesis, HONR:4990 (143:199) for a specific number of semester hours.

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in chemistry requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 53-54 s.h. of work for the major (20 s.h. in foundation chemistry courses, 12 s.h. in advanced chemistry, and 21-22 s.h. in supporting course work). B.A. students must earn at least 11 s.h. in advanced chemistry at The University of Iowa.

Foundation Courses
Advanced Chemistry Courses
Supporting Courses

Foundation Courses (B.A., 20 s.h.)

Principles of Chemistry I-II, CHEM:1110-1120, 8 s.h.

Fundamentals of Chemical Measurements, CHEM:2021, 3 s.h.

Organic I-II for Majors (preferred), CHEM:2230-2240 or Organic I-II, CHEM:2210-2220, 6 s.h.

Organic Chemistry Lab for Majors (preferred), CHEM:2420 or Organic Chemistry Lab, CHEM:2410, 3 s.h.

Advanced Chemistry Courses (B.A., 12 s.h.)

Analytical Chemistry I or II (preferred), CHEM:3110 or 3120, 3 s.h.

Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM:3250, 3 s.h.

Principles of Physical Chemistry, CHEM:4430, 3 s.h.

Synthesis and Measurement, CHEM:4450, 3 s.h.

Supporting Courses (B.A. 21-22 s.h.)

Mathematics

Calculus for Biological Sciences (preferred), MATH:1460 (22M:016), Calculus I MATH:1850 (22M:025) or Engineering Math I, MATH:1550 (22M:031), 4 s.h.

Biostatistics (preferred), STAT:3510 (22S:101), 3 s.h., Statistical Methods and Computing, STAT:2010 (22S:030), 3 s.h., Calculus II, MATH:1860 (22M:06), 4 s.h., or Engineering Math II, MATH:1560 (22M:032), 4 s.h.

Physics

College Physics I-II (preferred), PHYS:1511-12 (029:011-012), or Introductory Physics I-II, PHYS:1611-1612 (029:081-082), 8 s.h.

Science Electives, 6 s.h.

A total of 6 s.h. chosen from a list of chemistry electives

Schools Offering Chemistry In South Africa

University of Johannesburg.

University of KwaZulu Natal.

University of Witwatersrand.

North West University – South Africa.

University of Cape Town.

University of Pretoria.

University of South Africa.

Stellenbosch University.

What subjects are needed to become a chemist in South Africa?

While the entrance requirements vary between different educational institutions typical requirements include a National Senior Certificate with English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences. Computer Literacy is recommended if you want to enrol for a pharmacy course.

What qualifications are needed for chemistry in South Africa ?

You need to complete a Bachelor of Science or Applied Science majoring in Chemistry to become a qualified Chemist.

Complete a Bachelor degree in Science or Applied Science majoring in Chemistry.

Look to secure a placement in an internship program while studying.

WHAT A levels are needed for a chemistry degree in South Africa ?

Students will need science-based A-levels to receive admission on to a chemistry degree course. All universities will want candidates to have A-levels in chemistry, as well as maths, or another science, which is why a degree like a chemistry with maths degree is so usefu.

How long does it take to study chemistry in South Africa?

Length of study

The BSc degree is 3 years full-time and is a double major qualification, meaning that in your final year you take Chemistry 3 with another subject at that level.

Do you need maths for a chemistry degree in South Africa ?

Maths is an extremely important part of nearly all chemistry degree courses. Although an A-level (or equivalent) in maths is not always an entry requirement, you will find some aspects of the course more difficult if you have not studied maths to this level.

What kind of math is used in chemistry in South Africa ?

Math skills are needed throughout a chemistry course. Algebra is used to solve equations by un-doing whatever is being done to an unknown variable. For example, if an equation has “x+2” then you would subtract “2” to solve for “x”.

Is chemistry a hard class in South Africa ?

Chemistry courses are typically more difficult than your average college course. Therefore, do not plan on taking 18 credits every semester. 12 credits of chemistry courses in one semester, for example, is going to be a more challenging semester than most college students ever take.