Jobs That Deal With Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of substances and how they interact together. Someone may study many different forms of chemistry such as organic chemistry or inorganic chemistry. There are lots of different jobs in which knowledge of this subject is vital in order to perform required duties. Such jobs include teaching jobs, medical science jobs and the field of engineering.

Chemistry Teacher

A chemistry teacher may teach in a junior high school, high school, college or graduate school. Chemistry teachers guide students as they perform experiments and investigate the properties of the physical world. In order to be hired as a chemistry teacher, it is necessary to complete at least a 4-year degree in the subject. Many academic institutions greatly prefer candidates who have also taken classes in education. Higher educational institutions prefer candidates who have completed at least a master's degree in the subject.

Doctors

Physicians treat patients who are ill as well as help healthy people achieve optimum wellness. Many physicians make great use of chemistry during their daily rounds. They must understand how drugs interact as well as how to prescribe effective treatments. Knowledge of biochemistry is a vital tool to help a doctor assess the effectiveness of a drug treatment.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists fill prescriptions and conduct original research. A pharmacist must have a thorough understanding of chemistry in order to understand how drugs work. Pharmacists act as medical gatekeepers. Part of their role is make sure any drugs a patient has been prescribed will not interact with each other and cause serious side effects. In order to become a pharmacist, you must study chemistry and pharmacy at an undergraduate level and then complete a master's degree or doctorate in pharmacy.

Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers design systems in which reactions happen. For example, a chemical engineer might design the plant that separates crude oil into petroleum and usable by-products. In order to become a chemical engineer, you should complete a college degree with a major in chemical engineering. Most chemical engineers complete at least two additional years of training and certification as a professional engineer.

Food Chemist

A food chemist helps design food that tastes better and lasts longer on the shelves. Food chemists perform research such as better ways to create nutritious food and how to create higher crop yields. A food scientist draws heavily on his knowledge of chemistry in the course of his research. In order to become a food scientist, you must attend college. Many food scientists have additional credentials such as a master's degree or doctorate in this field.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Pharmacists
• Chemical Engineering Career Information
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Food Scientists