Think chemistry is only about test tubes and Bunsen burners? Think again. Chemistry graduates have the skills, curiosity and education to tackle the planet’s toughest problems and even save lives.
Here are four reasons to choose a career in chemistry or biochemistry today and make a difference tomorrow.
Chemistry touches nearly every aspect of our existence in some way. It plays a role in the food we eat, the clothing we wear, the materials we use for shelter, the medicine we take – and even the air we breathe and water we drink. If you’re naturally curious and want to understand the risks and benefits of changes in the world and your community, it pays to know something about chemistry.
From corporate CEOs and astronauts to famous novelists and information technology experts, a chemistry or biochemistry degree can lead to a wide variety of career choices. And no wonder. Chemistry is known as a central science, meaning it’s at the heart of modern science and technology. Think genetics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, drug design, environmentally sustainable solutions and even disciplines like geology and astronomy.
When you study chemistry and biochemistry, you’ll not only gain knowledge and skills in those disciplines, but also develop a load of transferable skills that employers are looking for: excellent communication skills, math and computer skills, and problem-solving and time management skills.
Back in 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 sustainable development goals intended to bring peace and prosperity to our world’s people. Well over half of those goals directly involve chemists and biochemists.
Our planet needs people like you to create solutions that solve world hunger, increase clean water and sanitation, build affordable and clean energy, build sustainable cities and save our aquatic ocean wildlife. As oceans warm up, we need people with a chemistry or biochemistry background to measure chemical changes in the water, assess their effects on aquatic wildlife, and make informed decisions about how to tackle them.
Seriously – where would we be today without the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines and rapid antigen and PCR tests chemists and biochemists helped develop?
Here’s a bonus reason to choose a career in chemistry: it’s fun! Chemistry is very hands-on and experiential. Even as an undergraduate student just starting out, you’ll spend lots of time in teaching labs running experiments with other students and discovering new ideas. Maybe you’ll learn to generate rainbow colours using nano chemistry to change particle sizes. Or you’ll find out how to synthesize anticoagulants used in blood thinning medications.
When it comes to a career in chemistry or biochemistry, your degree will help you choose your own adventure. You in? Get started with a BSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
