Most chemists are involved in either research and development (R&D) or production. In basic research, chemists investigate the properties, compositions, and the structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reactions of substances. In applied research and development, they create new products or improve existing ones, often using knowledge gained from basic research. In the environmental sciences, chemists provide vital knowledge that can be applied to virtually any investigation.
Chemists often specialize in a specific sub field. In fact, the field of chemistry has more than 24 branches and sub-branches. In the environmental sciences, the following specializations are particularly important. Organic chemists study the chemistry of the vast number of carbon compounds. Many commercial products, such as drugs, plastics, and fertilizers have been developed by organic chemists. Analytical chemists determine the structure, composition, and nature of substances and develop analytical techniques. They also identify the presence of chemical pollutants in air, water, and soil. Physical chemists study the physical characteristics of atoms and molecules and investigate how chemical reactions work. Their research often results in new and better energy sources. Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things. They try to understand the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. Biochemists are on the leading edge of the new and swiftly growing field of biotechnology. In this field, biologists are able to recombine genetic material of animals or plants, making organisms more productive or disease resistant. The first application of this technology has been in the medical and pharmaceutical area. For example, the human gene that codes for the production of insulin has been inserted into bacteria, causing them to produce human insulin. This insulin, used by diabetics, is much purer than insulin from animals, the only previous source. In the field of agriculture, biochemists routinely alter the genetic characteristics of food seeds to make them resistant to insects, more uniform in size and color, and better tasting.
Educational Requirements
The minimal educational requirement for a career in chemistry is a bachelor of science (BS) degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline. According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), there are 590 ACA certified bachelor-degree programs in chemistry in the United States. Approximately 46 percent of all working chemists hold a bachelor's degree; some 18 percent have a master's degree, and a full 35 percent possess a Ph.D.
Students planning careers as chemists should enjoy studying science and mathematics, and should like working with their hands, building scientific apparatus, and performing experiments. Perseverance, curiosity, and the ability to concentrate on detail and to work independently are essential. Students are required to complete the general academic requirements, including mathematics, English, physics, biology, and humanities courses. Typical required courses in chemistry programs include analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Computer courses are also important; chemists are increasingly using computers as a tool in their everyday work. Due to the diversity of career avenues open to undergraduate-level chemistry students, most programs stress flexibility instead of specialization, and many employers supply their entry-level chemists with additional training for specific job needs.
Related Professions
- Chemical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Agronomist
- Entomologist
- Biologist
- Geophysicist
- Toxicologist
- Oceanographer
Special Certification
The American Institute of Chemists (AIC) offers the title of Certified Professional Chemist to chemists and others in related professions. The AIC does not administer an examination but requires applicants to have ample work and continuing education experience. Experience is based upon four criteria; continuing education, publications, reports, and presentations. Those who do not meet the requirements for certification may receive a Certificate-in- Training designation.
Setting
Many chemists work in research and development (R&D) where much of the work is performed in the laboratory. There is a wide variation in the quality of laboratory facilities; some resemble bare-bones high school chemistry labs, while others, particularly corporate R&D and federal labs, are large and well-equipped facilities. Chemists routinely handle dangerous and toxic chemicals, but accidents and injuries are rare because of strict safety regulations. Some R&D chemists work primarily in offices conducting theoretical research and writing reports. Other chemists work in production plants and are required to monitor and make reports on production activities or work outdoors when, for example, gathering samples of pollutants or other compounds. Others work in an academic setting where classroom teaching and routine academic duties are required.
Chemists typically work a regular 40-hour week. They must occasionally work more when experiments that require constant monitoring are in progress. Some chemists working in production facilities may be required to work nights or weekend shifts.
