The Wits School of Chemistry consists of over 60 permanent academic and technical staff, a number of honorary staff, and around 100 Postgraduate students and Post-Doctoral Fellows.
Chemistry plays a vital part in our understanding of the structure and the interactions of matter. It is crucial for a thorough understanding of disciplines as diverse as geology, molecular biology, biotechnology, medicine, materials science and environmental studies.
Alumni
Chemistry is one of only six categories in which Nobel prizes are awarded. One of the recipients, Sir Aaron Klug (the 1982 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), had studied Chemistry at Wits. Another Wits Chemistry graduate, Sir David King, was Chief Scientific Advisor to Her Majesty’s Government between 2000 and 2007. Numerous other Wits PhD graduates and former staff members hold eminent academic posts both in South Africa and abroad.
The Molecular Sciences Institute (MSI)
The Institute represents the research activities of the School in conjunction with over 65 national and international collaborators, including colleagues from industry and academia. The Institute is internationally regarded for its graduates and publications.
Welcome to our School. We as chemists are practitioners of a branch of science that has its roots in the late seventeenth century and was born out of alchemy, itself a mixture of natural philosophy, astrology, magic and mysticism. Chemistry has changed a lot since then and has become a rigorous science. But it still retains the elements of magic and mystery that fuelled the alchemists.
As we unlock nature’s secrets we gain the knowledge and understanding that enables us to create new compounds; and that act of creation, of achieving insight and understanding, is what excites chemists and makes our professions both rewarding and pleasurable.
Chemistry is often called the central science. It draws on the language of mathematics and the laws of physics to describe the world around us from a chemical, biological and physical point of view.
The study of a subject like chemistry certainly prepares you for entry into many careers in the chemical industry, from the invention of new products and materials, to the control of the processes that lead to their production, to the work that assures their quality. But perhaps more important, the study of chemistry at university level gives you a broad education.
You live in a fast-changing world. The subject knowledge you gain in your first degree may be directly applicable to your first job, but science and technology change at a rapid pace. The job that you are likely to be doing in twenty years' time probably hasn't yet been invented yet. Your ability to be a creative and critical thinker, to be flexible, to be self-disciplined, to have a strong work ethic and to be an imaginative problem solver are the skills that you will acquire and which will prepare you for a lifetime of learning and a fulfilling career.
Chemistry qualifications are important in jobs involving Physics, Biochemistry, Zoology and Botany, Geology, Pharmacology and Medicine.
A large number of company CEOs started out with a degree in Chemistry, and there is no limit to what you can achieve. Angela Merkel (the German Chancellor), Chaim Weizmann (Israeli President), Pope Francis and Margret Thatcher (British Prime Minster) all studied Chemistry.
The Wits Chemistry Society (CHEMSOC) annually hosts a day for students to meet industry representatives.
Jobs related to a Chemistry degree include:
- Research scientist
- Analytical chemist
- Chemical engineer
- Forensic scientist and toxicologist
- Mining
- Metallurgist
- Teacher or Lecturer
- Pharmacologist
- Environmental consultant and Water Treatment
- Patent attorney
- Science journalist
Companies that hire chemists include chemical manufacturers, cosmetics and fragrance producers, pulp and paper manufacturers, the sugar and starch industries, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage producers, mining and metallurgy companies, oil and gas companies, plastic manufacturers, and engineering firms.
Opportunities also exist at universities, colleges and schools, government agencies, hospitals and medical organisations, environment and pollution control bodies, consulting firms and national scientific research and development councils.
Useful links
The South African Chemical Institute (SACI) is the only body in South Africa which is concerned solely with the promotion of the interests of chemistry and chemists. This involves representation on SACNASP, NSTF/SETAG, CHIETA and other government and non-government organisations.
SACI has both a geographical (Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and a discipline-based structure. The sections include analytical, chromatography, environmental, industrial, green, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical education, ChromSA, SAAMS and ThermSA.
Membership is open to all those with qualifications in chemistry or have an interest in chemistry.
- SACI holds a Convention every three years. Many of the sections also hold regular biennial specialist conferences.
- Reduced registration fees apply for SACI members to SACI-sponsored conferences and workshops.
- Membership of SACI entitles chemists to join IUPAC, and enjoy access to IUPAC publications and services.
- SACI publishes an electronic research journal, the South African Journal of Chemistry.
- SACI makes annual awards recognising outstanding achievements by chemists.
- SACI fosters and encourages student participation in events of interest to chemists, such as Young Chemists' Events, research colloquia, postgraduate symposia etc.
- SACI publishes a monthly newsletter, which reports news and events of interest to chemists.
- SACI has links with other related institutions and associations, for example the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Chemical and Allied Industries Association and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
For more information vist the SACI website
