Chemistry Department
Chemistry
Pronunciation: /ˈkɛmɪstri
Chemistry is......
“The branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances”. (Oxford Dictionary)
Chemistry helps us to understand the world around us
Chemistry enables us to understand the properties of different materials and to transform materials into new and useful substances. Through chemistry, we can understand changes that we observe in the natural and physical world. Chemistry gives us understandings on which to base educated choices about consumer products and management of resources.
Chemistry solves problems
Chemistry enables us to develop a range of useful materials such as pharmaceuticals for curing and treating diseases, substances that protect the environment, technologically advanced structures for building, and materials that can be used as alternative energy sources. Chemistry is fundamental to understanding climate change and wise use of the world’s energy and water resources.
Learning in chemistry opens up career opportunities
Some chemists work in laboratories designing new materials that are used in products such as medicines, food and beverage flavourings, superconductors, and vaccines. Studying chemistry also provides excellent training for a wide range of careers including marketing and project management, environmental science and forensic science. Employers value the skills of numeracy, problem solving, and communication that are integral to all study in chemistry.
Chemistry Courses
Level One
The aim of the level one course is to:
Identify patterns and trends in the properties of a range of groups of substances, for example, acids and bases, metals, metal compounds, and hydrocarbons; Explore factors that affect chemical processes.
Distinguish between atoms, molecules, and ions (includes covalent and ionic bonding); Link atomic structure to the organisation of the periodic table; Use particle theory to explain factors that affect chemical processes.
This course provides an introduction to the basics of chemistry. Students will gain a good understanding of the material world.
Course information booklet here.
Level Two
The aims of the level 2 course are to:
This course focuses on Investigate and measure the chemical and physical properties of a range of groups of substances, for example, acids and bases, oxidants and reductants, and selected organic and inorganic compounds.
Relate properties of matter to structure and bonding; Develop an understanding of and use the fundamental concepts of chemistry (for example, equilibrium and thermochemical principles) to interpret observations.
Apply knowledge of chemistry to explain aspects of the natural world and how chemistry is used in society to meet needs, resolve issues, and develop new technologies.
Course information booklet here.
Level Three
The aims of the level 3 course are to:
Investigate and measure the chemical and physical properties of a range of groups of substances, for example, acids and bases, oxidants and reductants, and selected organic and inorganic compounds.
Relate properties of matter to structure and bonding; Develop an understanding of and use the fundamental concepts of chemistry (for example, equilibrium and thermochemical principles) to interpret observations.
Apply knowledge of chemistry to explain aspects of the natural world and how chemistry is used in society to meet needs, resolve issues, and develop new technologies.
Course information booklet here.
Scholarship & Massey Chemistry
The aim of the Scholarship & Massey Chemistry course is to:
- Review the level 3 Chemistry Achievement Standards to Scholarship level.
- Complete in the second half of the year the Massey University Chemistry in the Material World (123.102)
Timeline for this course is here.
Massey University’s College of Sciences is offering Workshops for Science, Calculus and Statistics students (teachers welcome) who are considering sitting a Scholarship Exam in one of these subjects. The students should currently be taking the Level 3 subject.
The purpose of each workshop is to assist students in:
· understanding the demands of scholarship and how these differ from NCEA exams (e.g. content, levels of analysis, higher level thinking)
· investigating practical strategies to use at the scholarship level
· exploring core topics from all levels of the curriculum in a scholarship context
The workshops are an opportunity for students to get expert subject guidance from our academic staff as well as to meet and work with other scholarship candidates.
Registration: https://masseyuni.wufoo.eu/
forms/kjyvjsd1sddh4o/ Or to enrol a group of students email Colleen Blair (C.P.Blair@massey.ac.nz) with the school name, scholarship subject and list of teachers and students attending.
Registrations close Friday 4 August
For further information:
Please contact Anne Lawrence by email a.lawrence@massey.ac.nz