Its central role in science is emphasised by the fact that Chemistry merges with Biological Sciences (the field of biochemistry) at one extreme and with Physics (physical chemistry and chemical physics) at the other.

Chemistry propels advances in modern society and has an important role to play in solving major global challenges such as energy sustainability, food supply, health and the environment. Every day we utilise products developed by experimental chemists such as plastics, fabrics, petrol and pharmaceuticals.

• The Department of Chemistry at UC carries out research, teaching and scholarship in all of the traditional areas of the discipline ? inorganic, organic, physical, theoretical, environmental and analytical chemistry. The department is also involved with the teaching of Biochemistry and provides service courses for engineers, biologists and foresters.