Professor Kenneth Magnus, who joined the academic staff in 1962, served three terms as Head of Department. He established a postgraduate Diploma in Sugar Cane Processing in 1977. He was able to recognise the importance of the new thrust in Information Technology and assisted Professor Robert Lancashire in computerising aspects of the activities of the department. During the 1980s the first personal computers on campus were purchased. During Magnus’ tenure other aspects of organic research emerged, such as Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry and Industrial Organic Chemistry. Inorganic Research on Bauxite Chemistry was firmly established. In academic year 1982/1983 he initiated the teaching of Food Chemistry, increasing the emphasis towards food processing. He also served the campus as Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (1985-1993).