NMU Department of Chemistry

NMU Department of Chemistry This is the official page of the Chemistry Department of the Nelson Mandela University.

Nelson Mandela University Department of Chemistry provide comprehensive, student-centred undergraduate and postgraduate programs of study that meets the changing needs of today's professional chemists in the scientific, health, industrial and education spaces.

Throwback Thursday #2 | Meet the man behind 1929Last week we went back to where one of our stories began -Russell Road,...
27/08/2026

Throwback Thursday #2 | Meet the man behind 1929

Last week we went back to where one of our stories began -Russell Road, 1929.

This week, let’s meet the man behind it: Alexander Gardner, the first Head of Chemistry at the Port Elizabeth Technical College.

Gardner established the Chemistry Department in 1929, initially providing chemistry teaching for Pharmacy students while also offering industrial and analytical chemistry courses.

What I find so fascinating about this story is that Gardner’s career went far beyond the classroom. He was a leather chemist by training and went on to make his mark in the South African leather industry after leaving the College in 1930.

And almost 100 years later, the legacy of that little Chemistry Department on Russell Road lives on in our department today!

Want to know more about the people and stories behind our history? Prof Peter Loyson has documented the story in The First Chemistry Department in Port Elizabeth and it is well worth a read!

📖 Read the book here:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv1nzg1fv

One person. One department. A legacy that continues almost 100 years later.

Throwback Thursday!!Did you know that the history of Chemistry in Port Elizabeth goes all the way back to 1929?One of th...
20/08/2026

Throwback Thursday!!

Did you know that the history of Chemistry in Port Elizabeth goes all the way back to 1929?

One of the stories that forms part of our department’s history began at the Port Elizabeth Technical College on Russell Road, where Alexander Gardner established a Chemistry Department and became its first Head of Chemistry.

From Russell Road, through CATE and the PE Technikon, to NMMU and eventually Nelson Mandela University, our department has changed, grown and evolved over the years - but the love for chemistry has remained. 🧪💛

It’s pretty special to think that the work happening in our department today is connected to a history that stretches back almost a century.

Almost 100 years of chemistry. One department. Many stories.

And this is just the beginning of our Throwback Thursday journey…

It’s MOLECULE MONDAY! 🩷⌬Meet Tamoxifen - a molecule that has made a big difference in the treatment of breast cancer. So...
17/08/2026

It’s MOLECULE MONDAY! 🩷⌬

Meet Tamoxifen - a molecule that has made a big difference in the treatment of breast cancer. So, what does it actually do?

Some breast cancer cells use the hormone oestrogen as a “go” signal to grow. Tamoxifen works by blocking that signal! It sits where oestrogen would normally attach, helping to stop oestrogen from telling these cancer cells to grow.

That’s chemistry in action! A carefully designed molecule helping to change the way cells behave.

One molecule. A remarkable impact. 🩷

12/08/2026

Preparing tomorrow's analytical chemists, one practical at a time! 🧪

Through extensive laboratory training, our students develop the technical skills, critical thinking and confidence needed for careers across a wide range of scientific industries.

Thank you .thandolwethu for sharing this with us 😃

🟡 ChemFact Friday 🟡🍟 Why are fries so addictive?That irresistible smell, golden-brown colour and delicious flavour of fr...
07/08/2026

🟡 ChemFact Friday 🟡

🍟 Why are fries so addictive?

That irresistible smell, golden-brown colour and delicious flavour of freshly cooked fries isn't just good cooking - it's chemistry!

When potatoes are cooked at high temperatures, their reducing sugars react with amino acids in a process called the Maillard reaction.

This reaction creates hundreds of different flavour and aroma compounds, giving fries their characteristic roasted flavour and mouth-watering smell.

The oil contributes to the crispy texture and rich mouthfeel, while salt enhances the flavours we perceive - making that "just one more fry" feeling even harder to resist!

So next time you're enjoying a hot portion of fries, remember: That golden deliciousness is chemistry in action!!

From the classroom to the laboratory!This week, our first-year Chemistry students are carrying out one of the most excit...
05/08/2026

From the classroom to the laboratory!

This week, our first-year Chemistry students are carrying out one of the most exciting organic chemistry reactions they'll remember from high school - esterification! 🌸🍍

At school, they learnt the theory behind how esters are formed and why they're responsible for many of the fruity fragrances and flavours we encounter every day. Now, at Nelson Mandela University, they're bringing that knowledge to life by performing the reaction themselves in a real chemistry laboratory.

There's nothing quite like the moment when theory becomes practice. Here's to developing confident, curious scientists - one practical at a time! ⚗️💙💛

This Women's Month, the Nelson Mandela University Department of Chemistry is proud to launch the Women Behind the Scienc...
03/08/2026

This Women's Month, the Nelson Mandela University Department of Chemistry is proud to launch the Women Behind the Science series. Throughout August, we will introduce a selection of the remarkable women who contribute to teaching, research and innovation within our Department. This marks the first chapter of what we hope will become an annual tradition, celebrating the women of Chemistry and sharing more of their stories in the years to come.

This week, we are delighted to introduce Prof. Benita Barton, Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry.

From her passion for organic synthesis to her dedication to educating the next generation of scientists, Prof. Barton reflects on her journey in chemistry, what she enjoys most about being a chemist, and the advice she has for young women considering a career in STEM.

➡️ Swipe through the carousel to get to know Prof. Benita Barton and learn more about her journey, her work and her passion for chemistry.

Happy Women's Month to all the women whose dedication to teaching, research and innovation continues to shape the future of science.

📚✨ Wishing all our students the very best in your exams! May your hard work, dedication, and late-night study sessions p...
29/05/2026

📚✨ Wishing all our students the very best in your exams! May your hard work, dedication, and late-night study sessions pay off. Believe in yourself, stay calm and focused, and give it your all; you've got this! 💪🎓

Future scientists in the making! 🧪🔬The Department of Chemistry recently welcomed Grade 9 learners from Curro Westbrook ...
18/05/2026

Future scientists in the making! 🧪🔬

The Department of Chemistry recently welcomed Grade 9 learners from Curro Westbrook High School for an exciting and educational laboratory tour. Learners had the opportunity to explore our facilities, witness practical demonstrations, and gain valuable insight into the exciting world of chemistry, scientific research and innovation.

Test and exam season is here!📚✨ Remember that success starts with preparation. Stay focused, stay consistent, and belie...
12/05/2026

Test and exam season is here!📚✨ Remember that success starts with preparation. Stay focused, stay consistent, and believe in yourself. Every small effort you make today brings you one step closer to achieving your goals tomorrow. 💪🎓

Address

NMU South Campus Building 13
Port Elizabeth
6000

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27415042286

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