A knowledge of chemistry is essential for the proper understanding of our material environment and all our life processes. As a subject, Chemistry is unrivalled for the development of an analytical mind and a future career. Typical industries and fields which require graduates trained in chemistry are those dealing with building materials, detergents, drinks, drugs, dyes, fabrics, fertilisers, foods, fuels, leather, metals, pain, paper, plastics, pollution, print, water and wood. A career in any of these areas may begin with the trading role of a chemist as a researcher, analyst and inventor of new products and then continue into management, production, marketing, sales, technical service, journalism and/or patent law.
Chemistry is a challenging and interesting academic study in itself. The principles and ideas of chemistry are applied in producing all manner of materials and consumer products. The diversity of examples are enormous, indeed life as we know it today would not, could not exist without a chemical industry. The contribution made by chemistry to the saving of lives and the relief suffering is immeasurable. Who amongst us has not used an antibiotic to cure an infection or used various drugs to alleviate the pain associated with dental work, accidents, or surgery? Modern medicine which rests firmly upon chemistry, has increased our life expectancy by about fifteen years since the 1920s.
One of the largest impacts on modern society has been the invention, developments and application of chemical polymers. About 50% of industrial chemists are involved in some way with the development of production of polymers. There is hardly an activity in your daily life that does not include some plastic product. Nylon, Formica, Tenon, Fluon, Hollow, Gore-Tex, silicone, polyester, polycarbonate and PVC have become household names. Chemistry also plays a major role in materials science, from the manufacture of computer chips based on silica to paper and other wood products to structural metals such as steel and lightweight alloys of titanium and aluminium.
The development of chemical fertilisers, insecticides and herbicides is also a major area of chemical industry and one which has profoundly affected agricultural production in both developed and undeveloped countries alike. The high standard of life, the quality of life and the extension of life itself achieved by chemical discovery and application has, in past decades extracted a price in regard to the pollution of our environment. However, it will only be, by the enlightened applications of chemical knowledge that our environment will be improved. It is essential that anyone entering the chemical profession now, as well as those actively engaged in it, have a basic understanding of environmental chemistry and its applications.
Regardless of the reasons for studying chemistry it is important to chose a course that has flexibility and a balanced content. Whether the course is of traditional pure or applied chemistry type of a combined course such as Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry or Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry it should provide the necessary core material - the foundations, both basic and advanced, as well as an element of choice, often referred to as optionals.
Most universities have now moved to modular type courses which provide syllabus material taught in discrete packages called modules. This type of course offers a degree of flexibility and capability to cope with and respond to the diversity of trends in the chemical world. This type of course coupled with the opportunity to gain industrial, professional experience (the sandwich course) offers students an excellent course in applied chemistry together with enhanced career opportunities.
A development in university courses currently is the Mchem, a Master degree of four years duration. The Mchem aims to satisfy the needs of students who see their future career with the practice of chemistry, either in research, in teaching or in management in a chemical or related environment and who need to extend their studies with advanced material and more advanced skills.
The Mchem will provide a high quality qualification at Masters level which will be widely recognised both in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and be readily acceptable to the Royal Society of Chemistry towards "Chartered Chemist" (Cchem) status.
