荣誉科学学士学位（BSc（Hons））的特定目标是发展高级理论和研究技能，从而为高级专业或学术职业提供平台。自从古人将化学用于酿造，化妆品，陶器，冶金和防腐以来，化学家已经走了很长一段路，自从炼金术士试图使用化学来寻找生命的灵丹妙药或将铅变成金以来，化学已经走了很长一段路。今天，化学渗透到我们世界的各个方面。从生命本身到完整的地质结构，几乎所有事物都可以用化学术语表示，因为化学是物质科学。从元素和化合物以及原子和分子衍生的看似无限的物质构成了自然的基本框架，并解释了其不断变化的模式。
Chemistry is the science of matter; it’s so fundamental it’s been called the central science. Studying Chemistry will help you develop an understanding of how the universe works. You’ll learn how to synthesise new chemicals that could have a profound effect on people’s lives. You could assist with the discovery of new drugs, agrichemicals and sources of energy, and gain a highly transportable and internationally recognised qualification in Chemistry. Studying Chemistry at Otago means you’ll acquire problem-solving skills within a chemical framework.Careers involving chemistry are hugely varied and there’s been a shortage of chemistry graduates in New Zealand in recent years. Qualified chemists work in industries involving chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and timber. These positions include areas such as research and development, quality control, marketing, sales or management. Chemists also play leading roles in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, water quality control, and in chemical, biochemical or medical research units. They are also sought after in central and local government agencies, to work on projects such as pollution monitoring, water purification and forensic work solving criminal cases.