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Making Life More Comfortable With Chemistry
by Robyn Tellefsen
Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, and interactions with other matter and with energy. Often called the central science, chemistry is concerned with atoms as building blocks, with everything in the material world, and with all living things. Chemistry deals with the basic laws of the physical world; the application of these laws to specific areas has resulted in discoveries that make our lives more comfortable, healthy, and productive.
The chemistry major
A chemistry major provides broad and comprehensive training in all areas of modern chemistry. Branches of chemistry include analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; biochemistry; electrochemistry; and geochemistry. Chemical engineering, or applied chemistry, uses the theoretical and experimental information obtained in chemistry to build chemical plants and make useful products.
Chemistry curriculum
A chemistry major consists of courses in chemistry, calculus, physics, and more. These core courses develop analytical thinking, breadth of science knowledge, business orientation, communication and interpersonal skills, computer literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The chemistry major curriculum is designed to open up a wide range of career choices, including business, chemical physics, environmental science, law, medicine, and secondary school teaching.
Careers in chemistry
Those with a bachelor's degree in chemistry are prepared to enter the workforce in customer relations, marketing, or technical sales, and as technical writers and scientific editors. An undergraduate degree in chemistry prepares you for a career in industry and government as a lab technician or research assistant. A bachelor's degree in chemistry also prepares you for advanced degree programs in chemistry, business, law, and medicine, or to teach in junior and senior high school.
Advanced degrees in chemistry
Combining a degree in chemistry with one in another field, such as law, enhances career possibilities to include chemical engineering, environmental science, medical research, and patent law. A master's degree is sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching. A doctoral degree is required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in government, industry, and universities.
Chemistry career outlook
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry averaged $41,506 a year. Median annual earnings of chemists in 2006 were $59,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,310, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Explore chemistry, and discover the building blocks of the world we live in.
The chemistry major
A chemistry major provides broad and comprehensive training in all areas of modern chemistry. Branches of chemistry include analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; biochemistry; electrochemistry; and geochemistry. Chemical engineering, or applied chemistry, uses the theoretical and experimental information obtained in chemistry to build chemical plants and make useful products.
Chemistry curriculum
A chemistry major consists of courses in chemistry, calculus, physics, and more. These core courses develop analytical thinking, breadth of science knowledge, business orientation, communication and interpersonal skills, computer literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The chemistry major curriculum is designed to open up a wide range of career choices, including business, chemical physics, environmental science, law, medicine, and secondary school teaching.
Careers in chemistry
Those with a bachelor's degree in chemistry are prepared to enter the workforce in customer relations, marketing, or technical sales, and as technical writers and scientific editors. An undergraduate degree in chemistry prepares you for a career in industry and government as a lab technician or research assistant. A bachelor's degree in chemistry also prepares you for advanced degree programs in chemistry, business, law, and medicine, or to teach in junior and senior high school.
Advanced degrees in chemistry
Combining a degree in chemistry with one in another field, such as law, enhances career possibilities to include chemical engineering, environmental science, medical research, and patent law. A master's degree is sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching. A doctoral degree is required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in government, industry, and universities.
Chemistry career outlook
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry averaged $41,506 a year. Median annual earnings of chemists in 2006 were $59,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,310, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Explore chemistry, and discover the building blocks of the world we live in.
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