Science, Challenges, Investigation

Our world is completely composed of chemicals, and chemists study the basic structures necessary to such fields as medicine, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and many others. Chemists may study how to make materials stronger, more long lasting, or more effective.

Chemists must understand the building blocks of nature and how elements combine and react to each other. Chemists use a variety of laboratory instruments and tools, often building complex actual and computer models to test theories. Chemists often work in production and quality control in chemical manufacturing plants. In such work, they develop specifications for ingredients and mixing times and temperatures in making both finished products and raw materials for other products. Chemists must keep detailed records of their work and be able to explain findings to people who are not experts in chemistry

Chemists often specialize. Analytical chemists determine the structure, composition, and nature of substances by examining and identifying the various elements or compounds that make up a substance. Organic chemists study the chemistry of the vast number of carbon compounds that make up all living things. Inorganic chemists study compounds consisting mainly of elements other than carbon, such as those in electronic components. Physical and theoretical chemists study the physical characteristics of atoms and molecules and the theoretical properties of matter, and investigate how chemical reactions work. Their research may result in new and better energy sources. Macromolecular chemists study the behavior of atoms and molecules. Medicinal chemists study the structural properties of compounds intended for applications to human medicine. Materials chemists study and develop new materials to improve existing products or make new ones. Biochemists perform work that deals with both biology and chemistry.

If chemistry is for you, visit our program at:
http://www.etsu.edu/chemists/.

This information came from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook at: http://bls.gov/oco/ocos049.htm. (Retrieved April 17, 2005)

For more information, visit our website at: Chemistry.

Laboratory, Field Study, Research