Graduate Careers Australia
Chemistry
Chemistry Career View
Chemists - not to be confused with Pharmacists - study and apply the physical and chemical properties of substances to determine their composition, to develop new substances, processes and products and to increase scientific knowledge.
Chemists perform a variety of tasks depending on their area of specialisation. Most chemists work in laboratories or chemical processing plants. They may work alone but more often than not work as part of a team of scientists.
- Analytical/Clinical chemists carry out tests and analyses to determine the composition of substances.
- Research chemists provide innovative solutions to chemical problems and may be involved in pure or applied research.
- Developmental chemists apply the findings of research chemists.
- Environmental chemists monitor pollutants, their products and natural chemicals, determine ways to reduce the deleterious effects of chemicals released into the environment and devise industrial processes which are environmentally friendly.
- Industrial/production chemists supervise the production of chemicals and materials on an industrial scale.
- Geochemists study the chemistry of earth materials.
Suitably qualified, trained chemists are in demand for positions in the research industry and education. However this does not restrict you to working at a laboratory bench. Chemists can be found in designing, optimising and controlling production facilities for petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers and foods. As chemistry effects the whole spectrum of natural activities, chemists find rewarding and interesting employment in conservation, agriculture, public health, medical research, patent law, materials science and engineering to name a few.
Further more when you study chemistry successfully you prove that you possess particular qualities:
- The ability to think logically and creatively
- Aptitude for accurate work
- Interest in laboratory or field work, process monitoring or research
- Patience, perseverance, a critical and inquiring mind
- Able to communicate well in order to describe complex scientific ideas in clear, concise and simple terms.
Such attributes are equally important for the non-scientific professions too. As a result, chemists may develop these as a stepping-stone to careers in computing, finance, law, marketing and publishing. There is really no 'typical' career path in science.
Combined courses enable students to gain two qualifications by satisfying the requirements of each simultaneously, thereby multiplying employment options.
Some combined courses offered with a Bachelor of Science in Australian Universities include a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Computing.
Universities typically require that students complete a range of units as part of a bachelor of Chemical Science (BSc) degree, covering the fundamental principles of the four major sub-disciplines of chemistry – analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The theoretical component should ideally be supported by a comprehensive practical program to develop the optimum skill-set.
The role of chemistry as the central science is reflected in a variety of outcomes available to Chemistry students, and the specialist BSc (Chemical Science) degree can lead to an honours program, which is the formal introduction to research. Alternatively, some Chemistry students can undertake a general Bachelor of Science degree with a major sequence in chemistry, which may lead to alternate graduate certificate and diploma programs.
Download information as a complete, printable booklet from the link directly below:
Chemistry Career View
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