Chemistry

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the central science playing a key role in virtually all sciences, including biology, biomedical science, environmental science, geology and many others. At its most basic, chemistry is the manipulation of atoms and molecules at the molecular level. Routinely, chemists will manipulate the three dimensional shape and connections in compounds to manufacture a myriad of new compounds ranging from new alloys, plastics through to new drugs. Virtually everything you touch in the modern world will have a chemist's fingerprints on it at some stage, including forensic science.

Why study Chemistry?

Chemists solve problems and develop solutions to key questions affecting the world in which we live.

• Chemists design and synthesise new drugs, smart plastics, better energy storage materials, better catalysts …. 'Do you want to find out what something is made of?' Chemists can do that - think drug detection, think CSI.
• Chemists develop solutions to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Want to understand diseases - chemists develop the molecular tool to facilitate this working in collaboration with biologists and medical researchers.
• Chemists are involved in the development of the next generation of computing devices (organic electronics)
• Want a cleaner and greener industrial process - at some stage a chemist will play a pivotal role!
• Want a better drug - ask a chemist (not the pharmacist - they dispense and offer advice, the chemist makes the drug)
• Want to go SCUBA diving with your chemistry and discover new drugs?
• Looking for a better battery for you computer, PSP, iPod?

All chemists have chosen their profession because they enjoy working a the precise interface where atoms and molecules are transformed into real world applications, be it in medicine, materials, manufacturing or in nature and the environment. Chemistry is also in business, investment, banking and the law. If this sounds like you, you should consider studying chemistry for your first degree.