BSc in Chemistry: Textile and Polymer Sciences

Aims of the programme
Imagine
• A tassel on your couch with which you can dim the lights
• A soft keyboard that you can roll up and put in you pocket
• A medical textile that does not only cover a wound, but also inhibits microbial growth and delivers drugs by a “controlled release” mechanism
• Underwear that smells nice when you rub it
• An army uniform that changes colour if it detects poisonous gases
• Curtains that change colour if the temperature rises or falls………………!

“Textiles” today imply much more than just the use of fabrics for clothes or the fashion industry. It includes “technical textiles” (e.g. industrial products), “functional textiles” like medical products, automotive parts (airbags, tyres), aeronautical applications (parachutes, kite surfing kites, etc.) and sport and outdoor equipment and now even smart or intelligent textiles. Innovative textile companies have to re-vamp themselves to be able to make these new generation textiles in order to stay globally competitive. For this they need smart people with the necessary scientific background to understand the new technology.

The purpose of this stream is to give creative students the chance to develop their problem solving and analytical skills while studying their core subject modules by focusing on an applied field (in this case textile science). Students get to understand textiles by studying subjects such as fibre science, fibre modification, textile properties and colouration and finishing of textile products. Subjects like chemistry, physics and polymer science give an excellent background for the development of textile products and research in textile science. Students also have the opportunity to take modules in business science in the 2nd and 3rd years.

Career opportunities
This new approach to textile studies leads to exciting opportunities for graduates to find a niche for themselves in any environment where textiles are used, sold or developed and to turn this into a career. As a result of the highly technical nature of the new generation textiles there are many opportunities for young upstarts to “do their own thing” - people who are keen to use their scientific background and thinking skills to develop smart new products. Postgraduate students at the University of Stellenbosch are already doing groundbreaking work in the development and modification of new textile fibres and fibre forming techniques. (e.g. electrospinning of nanofibres).

Programme length
This is a three-year programme. It is expected of students in their second and third years to gain at least two weeks’ practical experience in the textile industry during holidays. Students who complete this degree will have access to a BSc Hons degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science or Textile and Polymer Science.

Admission requirements
Certificate of exemption from the Matriculation Board
50% average
Mathematics HG: D or SG: B AND
Physical Science HG: D or SG: C


What will your subjects be?
First year:
The 1st year curriculum 3, 4, 5 or 6 must be followed.
Compulsory: Chemistry 114 & 154, Physics 114 & 144, Mathematics 114 & 144, Computer Literacy 172, and Scientific Communication Skills 172

Second year:
Compulsory: Textile Science 254, Chemistry 214, 224, 244 & 254 and Computer Literacy 272
Elective modules: Biochemistry 214 & 244, Microbiology 214 & 244, Genetics 214 & 244, Physics 224, Mathematics 214 & 244, Applied Mathematics 214 & 244, Computer Science 214, 242 & 252, or (Economics 178 AND Business Management 113)

Third year:
Compulsory: Textile Science 314 & 344, Chemistry 344 & 354, Applied Chemistry 324 & 344 and Computer Literacy 372
Elective modules: Chemistry 324, 334 & 354, Microbiology 314 & 344, Physics 334, Applied Mathematics 314 & 344, Computer Science 314, 344 & 354, Logistics Management 214 or Financial Management 214

For more information on this programme, contact:
Ms Adine Gericke
Tel: +27 (0)21 808-3341 | E-mail


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