Although the department has a long history of outreach activities the recent appointment of a qualified teacher and the establishment of a group specialising in these activities has allowed us to develop materials that link directly to the curriculum. We have active programs running with both primary and secondary schools and look to develop further links with schools in the Southland/Otago region. The job opportunities available to graduates with a degree in chemistry are as far-reaching as the subject itself. In industries involving chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and timber, there are many opportunities for employment, working in areas such as research and development, quality control, marketing, sales or management. In addition, chemists play a leading role in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, water quality control, in chemical, biochemical, and medical research units, and in the public sector, covering such areas as pollution monitoring, water purification and forensic work solving criminal cases. Recent changes in environmental, occupational health and safety legislation have resulted in increased employment opportunities in both the public sector and industry. Additionally, the shortage of chemistry teachers is a perennial one, and chemistry graduates are in continual demand for commerce-related positions. Chemistry trains you to handle information and to deal with complex concepts. These are qualities sought after by many different employers and chemists can be found in areas as diverse as finance, law, politics and retailing. The University's Careers Advisory Service can be a very useful course of information when looking to apply for jobs. For more information about studying chemistry at the University of Otago:
http://neon.otago.ac.nz/outreach/otago.html
