Bio...Chem..Biochem? Part 2 (yes, another series)

Chemisty!!! Let's just jump right in. 

When you think of Chemistry, what comes to mind? What came to my mind when I started thinking about it was probably "The Magic School Bus" with Ms. Frizzle!! I learned so much from that show when I was growing up!

It always covered information about chemicals and reactions; particles and molecules, ecosystems, astronomy, etc.

You may have had the same thoughts. Or maybe yours were a little like the picture to the left.

Whatever you thought chemistry was should center around the fact that chemistry is a science centrally concerned with the structure of atoms and elements and their reactions when combined or separated. Like biology, chemistry can focus on cells, and things that are microscopic.  Sometimes I like to think about biology and chemistry as one being a "bigger picture" and the other more detail oriented.Chemistry looks primarily at the properties of atoms and elements that make up biology. Chemistry is everywhere and is seen as the central science while it involves and overlaps all others.

With a chemistry major, you  will learn about molecules, and formulas; the periodic chart information.However, these are some of the transferable skills that you can use in this field of study or in others:

- utilize math and science rules to solve complex problems

- apply general rules to specific problems, form general rules or conclusions by combining pieces of information

-communicate effectively

-computer skills

-ability to see details at close range

-comprehension of research materials and written documents

Some basic interests that some students have that are interested in Chemistry should be the following:

Investigative- problem solving, discovery, asking the question "why" and "how"

Realistic- more practical, hands on labor that takes more of a simplistic vs. theoretical 

Conventional- more structured, routine work that consists of detailed precise measures

Education: Different parts/subcategories of chemistry require a different level of education. For research and development, a PhD is required. For quality control, analytical testing or assisting a senior chemist, a bachelors degree is the minimum. Medical school is another option for students who want to become doctors. As the market becomes more competitive its becoming more evident that the graduate level of either a masters or Ph.D level will help to give students a greater edge when it comes work placement.

 Lastly, when it comes to jobs, please don't believe that the only work for chemistry majors is lab work, although it is a common area.

Here's a list of other common careers:

Analytical Chemist
Chemist
Animal Nutritionist
Environmental Health Specialist
Chemical Reactor Operator
Food Chemist
Forensic Chemist
Pathologist
Physician
Pharmaceutical sales rep.

*Some of this list may require further education. Check this link out for more career options!

For more information, please check the links below. As always, enjoy! 
What is chemistry?
OU Chem Dept.