WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?

 Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate
to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.
 the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is
composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine,
and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.

WHAT ARE THE BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY?

There are five main branches of chemistry, each of which has many areas of study.

 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
 uses qualitative and quantitative observation to identify and measure the physical and chemical
properties of substances. In a sense, all chemistry is analytical.
 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
 combines chemistry with physics. Physical chemists study how matter and energy interact.
Thermodynamics and quantum mechanics are two of the important branches of physical
chemistry.
 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
 specifically studies compounds that contain the element carbon. Carbon has many unique
properties that allow it to form complex chemical bonds and very large molecules. Organic
chemistry is known as the “Chemistry of Life” because all of the molecules that make up living
tissue have carbon as part of their makeup.
 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
 studies materials such as metals and gases that do not have carbon as part of their makeup.
 BIOCHEMISTRY
 is the study of chemical processes that occur within living organisms.

RELATION OF CHEMISTRY TO TECHNOLOGY

 The innovative products of chemistry lead to cutting edge advancements—applied technology in

medical devices, aerospace, computing, cars, fuels and more. That’s what chemistry enables:
technological advancements that drive innovation, create jobs and enhance safety in our
everyday lives.
 In 2017, chemical companies invested $12 billion in research and development. We invest more
to innovate than the electronic, automobile, and healthcare industries. The business of
chemistry excels at continuously bringing new, imaginative and innovative ideas to market—and
tomorrow will be no different.

EXAMPLES:

Chemistry in Nanotechnology Breakthroughs:

 Nanotechnology is the science of extremely small structures and is leading to advanced

materials, devices and applications in energy, medicine and electronics that improve life, health
care, safety and the environment in groundbreaking ways.
 Nanotechnology has many diverse applications, some of which include delivering drugs to
specific cells, repairing damaged human tissue, improving efficiency of solar energy production
and enabling lighter, higher performance plastics for aer ospace, construction and vehicles.

Chemistry in Computing:

 Widespread use of touch screens, enabled by plastics, adhesives and other products of
chemistry are employed on cell phones, PDAs, computer screens and more.
 Thinner screens soon will be applied to windows, consumer products and public displays to
enable increased interactivity and commerce.

Chemistry in Transportation:

 Auto and aerospace designers are turning to strong, durable plastics that weigh much less than
traditional materials and help save energy.
 Modern plastics and composites already make up 50 percent of the volume of today’s
automobiles.
 Boeing is using lightweight carbon-plastic composites for its new 787 Dreamliner to reduce
weight and save energy.

Chemistry in the Space Age:

 The growth of American chemistry and the space age coincided for good reason, leading to the
creation of airbags for robotic landings on Mars and heat shields for atmospheric re-entry.
 Aerospace needs the products of chemistry such as plastic space suits that can withstand 600
degree (Fahrenheit) temperature ranges.

CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY
Studying chemistry opens doors to a range of sectors and opportunities, meaning your future career
isn't restricted to the lab.

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Analytical chemist - Analytical chemistry is the science of obtaining, processing, and communicating
information about the composition and structure of matter.

Biotechnologist - Biotechnologists modify or manipulate living organisms to develop new products,

such as pharmaceuticals or biofuels. They conduct experiments and develop materials in public and
private laboratories.

Chemical engineer - chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform and
transport materials — beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by
implementation of the technology in full-scale production.

Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry - sometimes known as clinical scientists - work at the
cutting edge of medicine, researching and developing new treatments and equipment. Most of their
work is done in laboratories, although some does involve patient care.
Forensic scientist - These include forensic professionals working in law enforcement, government, or
private forensic laboratories who are responsible for dealing with any number of specific tests and
analyses, such as toxicology, ballistics, trace evidence, etc.

Nanotechnologist - manipulate matter on the nanoscale (one billionth of a metre), developing new
materials and equipment as well as drugs and diagnostic tools.

Pharmacologist - is a scientist who conducts research experiments and tests drugs to study their
effects on animals and humans

Research scientist (physical sciences) - They plan and carry out experiments and investigations in a
range of areas, including geoscience, medical research, meteorology and pharmacology.

Scientific laboratory technician - carry out the work that allows scientists to concentrate on, and
perform, the more complex analytical processes in the laboratory.

-You'll be involved in a variety of laboratory-based investigations within

biological, chemical, physical and life science areas. This can include
sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results as part of
a scientific team. Your job is to provide all the required technical
support to enable the laboratory to function effectively, while adhering
to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Toxicologist - investigate toxic materials and how they can affect the environment and living
organisms. The majority of toxicologists’ work is laboratory-based.

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Civil service fast streamer - quickly develop in-depth knowledge of a particular subject or issue, to
the extent that you'll be consulted as a topic expert

Environmental consultant - provide expert assessment and advisory services for their clients on
matters pertaining to the management of environmental issues. In doing so, these guys play an
integral role in reducing the detrimental impact of industrial, commercial and government initiatives
on the environment.

Higher education lecturer - you'll teach academic or vocational subjects to undergraduate and
postgraduate students aged 18 and over. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials,
practical demonstrations, field work and e-learning. Multimedia technologies are becoming
increasingly used.

Management consultant - help organisations to solve issues, create value, maximise growth and
improve business performance. They use their business skills to provide objective advice and
expertise, and help an organisation to develop any specialist skills that it may be lacking.

Nuclear engineer

- research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from
nuclear energy and radiation.
Patent attorney - help inventors and companies navigate the tricky path to obtaining a patent, and
advise clients on patent infringement and other areas surrounding intellectual property rights.

Science writer - research, write and edit scientific news, articles and features. They write for
business, trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the
general media.

Secondary school teacher - Instruct students in secondary public or private schools in one or more
subjects at the secondary level, such as English, mathematics, or social studies. May be designated
according to subject matter specialty, such as typing instructors, commercial teachers, or English
teachers.