study with us
First Year
Chemistry I consists of two semester credits (CHE101 and CHE102) and introduces the core principles of general, analytical, physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. It provides a solid foundation for further study in chemistry and supports applications across a range of other disciplines.
The second- and third-year programmes, each comprising two semester credits, adopt an innovative curriculum that highlights the interdisciplinary role and real-world relevance of chemistry, while maintaining strong academic rigour. As an experimental science, chemistry places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, and all undergraduate students complete a weekly practical component.
Please note:
These outlines are provided for information purposes only.
While every effort is made to keep them up to date, any changes will be communicated in class by the course coordinators or the relevant lecturer.
Second Year
CHE201 – First Semester
Modern Analytical Methods
Core principles and applications of analytical chemistry, including spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, ^1H and ^13C NMR, MS), atomic absorption and emission, electroanalytical methods, and chromatography.
The course also includes an Entrepreneurial Chemistry Project and chemical thermodynamics, with attention to environmental aspects.
CHE202 – Second Semester
Strategic Organic Resources
An exploration of fossil fuels and organic chemical resources, focusing on key feedstocks and reactions involving alkenes, alkynes, and cycloalkanes, with emphasis on stereochemistry and synthesis. Aromatic chemistry covers reaction mechanisms, orientation effects, and heterocycles.
The semester also includes polymer chemistry (natural and synthetic polymers and their physical properties), the kinetics of complex reactions including polymerisation, and inorganic chemistry with a focus on periodic trends.
Please note:
These outlines are provided for information purposes only.
While every effort is made to keep them up to date, any changes will be communicated in class by the course coordinators or the relevant lecturer.
Third Year
CHE301 – First Semester
Chemistry at the Biological Interface
This course explores the intersection of chemistry and biological systems, introducing organic synthesis and retrosynthesis, green chemistry principles, quantum mechanics and molecular modelling, bioinorganic chemistry, photochemistry and photodynamic therapy, and nanotechnology.
CHE302 – Second Semester
Physical Chemistry and Strategic Inorganic Resources
The second semester focuses on advanced concepts in physical and inorganic chemistry, including linear free energy relationships, advanced chromatographic techniques, transition metal and organometallic chemistry, chemical kinetics, crystallography, and energetics.
Please note:
These outlines are provided for information purposes only.
While every effort is made to keep them up to date, any changes will be communicated in class by the course coordinators or the relevant lecturer.
Post graduate studies
Master’s and PhD Enquiries
Please note the steps below must be completed before submitting an online application.
If you plan to register for a Master’s or PhD degree:
- Contact a member of the Department of Chemistry’s academic staff to discuss your proposed research project (see staff contact details below).
- Once you have contacted a potential supervisor, submit a short CV and your academic transcript.
- Submit a brief project proposal.
- Indicate your funding plans.
- Once the department approves your application, your details will be captured on the departmental student system.
- You will receive an email from the departmental administrator confirming that you may proceed with the online application.
Financial enquiries:
Postgraduate Funding Office – pgfunding@ru.ac.za
Medical aid enquiries:
Option 1: Momentum – Clinton van Boomen, clinton.vanboomen@momentum.co.za
Option 2: CompCare – correspondence@universal.co.za
Current Programmes and Supervisors
Professor R Klein
Synthesis and application of organolithium and organochromium compounds; heterocycles with medicinal potential
Email: r.klein@ru.ac.za
Professor T Nyokong
Development of sensors for pollutant and neurotransmitter analysis; photodynamic therapy of cancer; nanotechnology
Email: gail.cobus@ru.ac.za
Professor G Watkins
Spectroscopic and thermal studies of coordination and organometallic complexes; supramolecular chemistry and nanomaterial design; bioinorganic chemistry
Email: g.watkins@ru.ac.za
Mrs J Sewry
Chemical education; service learning and community engagement
Email: j.sewry@ru.ac.za
Professor P Kaye
Asymmetric synthesis of chiral molecules; design and synthesis of metal-selective ligands and catalysts; computational studies of organic reaction mechanisms; medicinal heterocycles (e.g. HIV-1 inhibitors, antimalarials)
Email: p.kaye@ru.ac.za
Dr K Lobb
Email: k.lobb@ru.ac.za
Dr P Mashazi
Email: p.mashazi@ru.ac.za
Dr T Tshiwawa
Molecular modelling and ethnochemistry
Email: t.tshiwawa@ru.ac.za
Dr N Molefe
Liquid crystals
Email: m.molefe@ru.ac.za
Dr K Ramollo
Email: k.ramollo@ru.ac.za
General Enquiries
General email: chemistry@ru.ac.za
or contact:
Mrs B Tarr – b.tarr@ru.ac.za
Ms B Magopeni – b.magopeni@ru.ac.za
NIC: Professor Nyokong / Dr Mack / Dr Britton