What is a chemistry major? Students of chemistry consider the fundamental building blocks of life and nature. They study the fundamental components of the atom and learn how those atoms are bonded together to create materials that make up everyday life. Chemistry is often called the “central science” as one learns about atomic and sub-atomic particles from Physics, while also learning about fundamental organic processes of nature from Biology. The study of chemistry is split into four general areas:
- Organic Chemistry: The study of the natural processes in life that focuses on the carbon atom. (examples: how the body breaks down sugar, steroids, citric acid cycle)
- Inorganic Chemistry :The study of all non-carbon materials and their properties. (examples: metal alloys, salt formation, superconductivity)
- Analytical Chemistry: The study and techniques used to determine how much of a substance (an ‘analyte’) there is in a given sample. (examples: how much glucose there is in blood, how acidic is acid rain)
- Physical Chemistry: The study of the physical structure of atoms and how they are bonded. (examples: what is the geometry of methane, what is the bond distance between two hydrogen atoms in H2)
What kinds of classes are chemistry majors required to take? Chemistry majors are normally required to take two semesters of an introductory (general) chemistry course which introduces the four basic areas of chemistry mentioned above. After that, one or two semester courses in organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, usually with labs. In addition to the normal chemistry coursework, calculus (in most cases), a year of general physics and some biology are required. Most of those courses may also require labs.
Advantages and disadvantages of a chemistry major? A disadvantage of chemistry coursework is that most courses require a lab section that is longer than the average daily course (“I can’t, I have lab!” is a common chemistry undergraduate mantra). Another is that the courses and assignments are academically rigorous. However, the advantages of this major are a true sense of accomplishment after successful completion of the chemistry degree and a wide range of financially, intellectually rewarding, and exciting careers that await upon graduation.
What careers are available to chemistry majors? A popular career choice for the chemistry graduate is pursuit in a medical school program to become a doctor or a nurse. Others decide to pursue a career in forensic chemistry, working closely with legal officials to solve crimes. A large percentage of chemistry undergrads choose to continue their education in graduate school to get their PhD in chemistry so that they might be college professors. Others choose to be drug-discovery chemists who work in pharmaceutical companies, or government scientists who work in national laboratories to research defense projects. There are many, many jobs for chemists of all education levels; far too many choices to list here!
Next: Read about other college majors, such as mechanical engineering, or read about some tips for academic success.
