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Chemist

A chemist is concerned with the properties, transformation and uses of matter and energy. A chemist studies the composition, structure and properties of different materials, as well as the processes and changes they undergo.

Due to the great scope of chemistry several sub-divisions can be identified: Organic Chemistry (the study of carbon-containing compounds), Inorganic Chemistry (the study of compounds not formed by carbon), Biochemistry (the study of the chemistry-of-life processes), and Analytical Chemistry (the study of the separation, identification, and composition of all kinds of matter).

Job Characteristics

  • Synthesising and analysing substances and studying atoms and molecules intimately.


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  • Conducting experiments, tests and analyses to investigate chemical composition and energy and chemical changes in various natural, artificial and synthetic substances, materials and products.


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  • Developing or improving pharmaceutical and other industrial materials, products and processes.


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  • Developing quality-control procedures for manufacturers or users.

Requirements

Secondary Education
Possession of a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is necessary for admission to South African universities, whilst a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is required for admission to South African technikons.

Possession of an IGCSE or HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in at least five subjects as well as 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale, is needed to enrol at UNAM.

Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science at HIGCSE level (South Africa)
Mathematics with at least a C-symbol on IGCSE level (UNAM)

Tertiary Education
A B. Sc. degree with Chemistry as major subject can be followed at most South African universities. A four-year B. Sc. degree in Chemistry can be obtained from UNAM.
South African technikons offer diploma courses (N. Dip.) in Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Personality
The prospective chemist should have mathematical ability and must be able to work accurately and patiently.

Work Opportunities
Limited opportunities exist at tertiary training institutions and quality-control departments in the manufacturing sector. Some opportunities may exist in the public sector (i.e. research posts). Self-employment is also a possibility, i.e., as chemical consultant.

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