Chemistry is a subtle science for studying the matter. Every child must have dreamt of doing experiments in laboratories and saving the world by inventing a cure for a deadly virus.
But what is the definition of chemistry? The dictionary defines chemistry as a branch of science associated with knowing what the matter is composed of, the investigation of matter properties and reactions, and using such reactions to create new substances.
If we had to define what is chemistry in science, then it is the central science as it lays the foundation for understanding physics and biology. From the digestion process to feeling emotions in our minds, chemical reactions happen everywhere.
What is chemistry in simple words?
Chemistry, as a discipline of science, deals with concepts such as matter, chemical properties of substances, and chemical compounds. This discipline seeks to find the answer to; why chemical elements are distinct from each other and how they react in a particular situation. Chemistry offers a solution to our most modern issues, such as the purification of water resources, deriving solutions for reducing our carbon footprint, assisting industries in ensuring safety standards, and numerous other issues.
Chemistry is closely related to the science of biochemistry, chemical engineering, cheminformatics, and other sub-disciplines. A plethora of career options is available for students having specializations in advanced chemistry. Students with specialization in chemistry may find decent jobs in industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, power and energy, chemical industries, FMCG, etc., which are the potential fields that provide decent jobs for students.
Branches of Chemistry
Analytical chemistry:
As the name suggests, this branch of chemistry is concerned with the analysis of chemical compounds. Analysis can be qualitative as well as quantitative. The analysis process of chemical compounds includes identification, separation, and classification of material into chemical compounds and constituents of chemical compounds. Mass spectrometry is one of the techniques that helps in analyzing the composition of chemical substances.
Biochemistry:
Chemistry is related to the study of chemical reactions in substances, and biology is the science of living organisms. Biochemistry is the combined field of study of chemistry and biology. In biochemistry, we study the molecular changes in chemical compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, etc., within living organisms. Biochemistry seeks to bring innovation in the fields of genetics, forensics, and molecular biology, etc.
Inorganic chemistry:
In its simplest terms, inorganic chemistry refers to a branch of chemistry that studies inorganic and organometallic compounds. Inorganic compounds such as ammonia as fertilizer, chlorine as a purifier, calcium carbonate, food additives, etc., have multiple uses across different industries. Inorganic chemistry seeks to understand the nature of these inorganic compounds and their reactions so that they can be used to make products.
Organic Chemistry:
Organic chemistry, like inorganic chemistry, is only concerned with the research and study of organic compounds or carbon-containing compounds. However, the fields of organic and inorganic compounds overlap when it comes to organometallic compounds, which contain carbon atoms and metals. From your hair shampoo to perfume, most of our daily life products are made using organic chemistry. Organic chemistry studies the nature and chemical properties of these organic compounds to make them suitable for use.
Physical chemistry:
It is a branch of chemistry that uses the principles of physics as well. Physical chemistry offers a mathematical approach to studying the matter. Through quantitative attributes, physical chemistry seeks to understand the structure of atoms and molecules. Through this branch of chemistry, scientists also study the physical properties of atoms and molecules and their relationships to chemical properties.
Growth and opportunities for students
Chemistry has always been preferred as a career domain by academicians and researchers. But rapid growth in healthcare, power and energy, manufacturing, and other industries has opened a plethora of opportunities for students with a specialization in chemistry. According to modern science, chemistry has now become an interdisciplinary field of study, which has diversified the scope of chemistry. Physical chemistry and biochemistry, in particular, are two industries that have created tonnes of career opportunities for graduates and postgraduates.
A student can choose one among many subfields of chemistry to make a career in. Students can choose undergraduate courses that could land them a strong role in top industries. Also, students who want to do research and development in this field can go for a master’s or integrated program. There is a wide range of undergraduate courses available for students, as follows:
- Applied chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Biochemistry
All these courses are well rewarded in the fields of biotechnology firms, coal and petroleum industries, healthcare industries, cosmetics and dye industries, metallurgy firms, and pharma companies, etc.
Qualitative learning through chemistry projects
Students of today are tomorrow’s assets. Any effort to bring qualitative learning is an investment in those assets. For students to be better in their fields, it is imperative that learning be a fun process. Chemistry projects are the best way to inculcate a practical approach in the minds of students. Through the project’s work model, teachers and parents can ensure a comprehensive method of learning. There is a wide variety of project topics in chemistry that can help students better understand the subject.
Chemistry is a fascinating subject that holds the answers to the wonders of nature, but it can also be tricky and complex when students feel disconnected. Project work gives students hands-on experience and boosts their creativity. Through projects, students can understand the complex phenomena of chemistry practically. Projects offer a student-centric approach to learning where students assume a more active role.
Contributions of chemistry to humankind
Ever wondered what we would do if there was no refrigerator in our house? Or what would be the fate of the healthcare industry if no X-ray technology was available? Well, one does not have to go too far to know how crucial these things are for us. It is because of chemistry that these things are possible. Chemistry has opened up a world of inventions that have made human life so much easier and more bearable.
With the help of chemistry, humans have explored the world and found solutions to many of its problems. Chemistry has given humans huge gifts through the purification of water using inorganic compounds or growing food using fertilizers. In the modern world, it would be unwise to ignore the role of chemistry in offering sustainable sources of energy.
In recent centuries, chemistry has played a significant role in the establishment of human civilization. Be it the industrial revolution or the green revolution, chemistry is of vital importance. Our society has derived a plethora of benefits from the domain of chemistry. It is not in doubt that there can be more discoveries made in the field of chemistry and that this branch of science holds a lot of wonder for our coming generations.
