Chemistry as a career
As Chemistry is the study of the nature, properties and composition of matter, and how these undergo changes, it is referred to as the Central Science. Chemistry is the science about basic structure of substances, i.e what they are made of, how they interact and what role they play in living things. Those working in this field are usually called chemists. These people study the numerous compositions of matter and its related properties. Chemists search for new information about matter and the ways this information can be applied.
It is vital to every aspect of ones life. Everything you hear, see, smell, taste, and touch involves chemistry and chemicals (matter). Chemistry plays a great role even in the air you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear. Chemistry is all around us. There is a saying that, the better we know chemistry, the better we know our world.
There are various branches/ specialisations in chemistry. Usually most of the chemists specialize in more than one area depending on the specialization they have chosen. Some of the specialisations are Agrochemistry, Analytical chemistry, Astrochemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental chemistry, Food chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Organic chemistry, Nuclear chemistry, Physical chemistry etc. Agrochemistry or agricultural chemistry deals with the application of chemistry for agricultural production, food processing, and environmental remediation as a result of agriculture. Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry involved with studying the properties of materials or developing tools to analyze materials. Astrochemistry is the study of the composition and reactions of the chemical elements and molecules found in the stars and in space. Biochemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical reactions that occur inside living organisms. Chemical engineering involves the practical application of chemistry to solve problems. Environmental chemistry is the chemistry associated with soil, air, and water and of human impact on natural systems. Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the structure and interactions between inorganic compounds, i.e compounds that aren't based in carbon-hydrogen bonds. Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry deals with the chemistry of carbon and living things. Nuclear chemistry is the branch of chemistry associated with nuclear reactions and isotopes. Physical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that applies physics to the study of chemistry. Examples of physical chemistry are Quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
Eligibility
Educational
A bachelors degree in chemistry is the primary requirement for any career in this field. Bachelor degree is of 3 years. For bachelor degree, one must have completed Plus two with science stream. After Bachelor course in Chemistry or chemical engineering one can opt for masters program. In this one can choose specialisations ie. either M.Sc. chemistry or M.Sc. chemistry in specialised areas. Masters degree is of 2 years duration. There is option for further advancement in the subject field i.e to go for Ph.D. Doctoral degree is required for teaching positions in universities and to do research in related areas.
Personal attributes
Aspirants must have logical thinking capacity, creativity, observation skills, computing and most essentially, analytical and numerical skills etc. As they are required to communicate their ideas, interpersonal skills and communication skills along with team management skills is essential. Accuracy, eye for detail and time management skills are other requisites.
Job Prospects & Career Options
There are a wide variety of Chemistry careers to choose from. From teaching to research and development, the field of chemistry is wide and diverse. However, your employment options depend on how far you have taken your education. With undergraduate degree one can enter into roles such as Product Testing or Analysis, Research Assistant and Laboratory Coordinator. Those with advanced degree, Post graduation and Ph.D enter into research fields, managerial level and teaching posts.
Some of the options available for chemistry graduates are that of Chemist, Research Scientist, Analytical Chemist, Technical Officer, Product Development Chemist, Process Development Scientist, Quality Control Scientist, Materials Analytical Chemist, Patent Agent, Laboratory Technician, Teacher, Technical Writer, Forensic Technician/chemist, Pharmaceutical Development and/or Sales, Product Testing and Analysis.
Chemistry graduates are employed by those in industrial sector, government departments, health sector, research institutes, laboratories and academia. Chemists can get jobs in pharmaceutical companies, petroleum companies, chemical industries, perfume industries, research organisations like ISRO, DRDO, Bhabha Atomic research centre etc. After clearing NET exam they can opt for teaching positions in top universities and colleges. In forensic science field, chemists work for law enforcement organizations in the analysis of crime scene evidence. Material chemists are employed by companies involved in polymers/plastics, semiconductors, ceramics, glasses, alloys, a new generation composite materials. Newspapers and magazines employ science/technical writers to present scientific topics at an understandable level for the general public. Many chemists are employed in government civilian and military research laboratories. Pharmaceutical companies employ chemists for development of products as well as in sales department to explain their products to pharmacies and physicians. Yet another option for chemistry graduates is that of patent lawyers or agents, those professionals who have a grounding in science and are trained in specialist areas of law can act in this position.
Institutes
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