What does a chemist do?
A chemist does some explosive work in the laboratory. They conduct experiments to find out how elements perform in different conditions. They test how the elements mix and work out what the elements are made up of right down to the smallest particles. The results of a chemist’s work can be colourful, groundbreaking, or almost impossible to see.
The chemist will use his/her experiments and knowledge to develop certain foods, medicines, fabrics, and a host of other materials including neon lights and shatterproof glass. They will also use this knowledge to understand the environment around us – from discovering invisible pollutants in the air to knowing why leaves change colour. As a side point, you may be interested in seeing an assay development company.
Chemistry is everywhere!
Just pick up a can of soft drink and you will find chemistry. For example, from the metal, you are holding and the paint used on the can to the liquid inside the can – everything involves chemistry. When you breathe in and out also, you are performing a chemical reaction.
Chemistry is known as the “Central Science” since it connects physical sciences such as Math and physics with applied sciences such as medicine, biology, and engineering.
What skills will I get from studying chemistry?
Studying chemistry helps build a whole range of skills for your future. You will develop your research, problem-solving, and analytical skills with chemistry. You will also learn to challenge ideas and work things out through step by step reasoning and logic. It requires teamwork and communication skills too. All these skills are great for project management.
What careers in chemistry are good for?
You can move ahead in most STEM careers with chemistry. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and maths. On the other hand, chemistry is an important subject for careers in environmental science, medicine, toxicology, engineering, metallurgy or studying how metals behave, developing consumer products, developing perfumes & cosmetics, space exploration, teaching, energy, pharmaceuticals, software development, science writing, and research.
Here you can check out the interviews we had with people who studied chemistry at A-level or beyond and went on to have fantastically varied careers:
- Games Product Manager
- Surgeon
- Student Vet Sports Reporter
What subjects does chemistry go with?
Chemistry goes hand in hand with subjects like physics, math, engineering, biology, IT, geography, psychology, and geology. You can also study chemistry with a modern language or an essay subject such as history at A-level to have more options when selecting your future courses and careers.
What degrees and other qualifications do I need chemistry for?
For a degree in medicine or geology, you need to complete at least two out of these four subjects at your A-levels. In fact, chemistry is highly recommended if you plan to study life sciences including living organisms. On the other hand, chemistry is needed for degree courses in biochemistry, chemical engineering, dietetics, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Chemistry is most often required for medicine, biology, geography, environmental sciences, sports science, nursing, physiotherapy, material science, zoology, psychology, as well as veterinary science and more.
