CAREER PROSPECTS IN CHEMISTRY AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY.

CAREER PROSPECTS IN CHEMISTRY AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY Chemistry is a part of science that involves the composition, structure, properties and change of matter. Chemist is one who is trained in the study of chemistry. Chemistry is the backbone of all science subjects. The study of chemistry can be branched into industrial chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry. Industrial chemistry is a branch of chemistry that applies physical and chemical applications towards the transformation of raw materials into product that are beneficial to human life. Inorganic chemistry is the study of properties and behaviour of inorganic compounds. Inorganic chemists study areas like crystal structures, minerals, metals, and elements in the periodic table. Branches of inorganic chemistry include bioinorganic chemistry, geochemistry, and solid-sate chemistry e.t.c. Organic chemistry pertains to a systematic study of compounds of carbon, organic compounds were initially considered to be derived from animal and vegetable sources. All organic compounds contain carbon, most of them hydrogen, many contain oxygen, some contain nitrogen while a few contain elements such as sulphur, nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, chlorine, bromine, iodine, e.t.c. Organic chemistry can be sub-divided into organometallic chemistry, natural products, polymer chemistry, physical organic chemistry, stereochemistry e.t.c. Analytical chemistry is a branch of chemistry which deals specifically with the various techniques and laboratory methods used to determine the composition of materials. Qualitative and quantitative analysis are the most basic methods used in analytical chemistry. Physical chemistry involves the studies of the physical properties of chemical compounds using laws, theories and concepts of physics. Using mathematical models and formulas, physical chemists are able to quantify the physical properties of chemical substances, and are also able to determine the effect certain phenomena would have on the physical properties of chemical substances. Quantum, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, catalysis, corrosion, surface and colloid chemistry are sub-division of physical chemistry. In Nigeria, to be eligible to study Bsc. Chemistry or Industrial chemistry in any of the higher institutions, the applicant must have at least six credit in O’level examinations (either WAEC, NECO or NABTEC) in Mathematics, English language, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Geography or Economics with a Jamb score of 170 and above (though the jamb score might be lower for private universities). Note that: English language, chemistry, physics, mathematics or biology are the subjects for Jamb examination. The duration of B.sc degree in chemistry is 4 years which includes 6 months industrial training and industrial excursions. A degree in chemistry opens door to so many opportunities. In chemistry, there are thousands of wide range of careers opportunities one can choose from. Some examples of careers in chemistry include: scientist, teaching/ lecturing (high schools, institutions), research scientist/ analyst, laboratory technologist, quality control manager, industrial safety personnel, industrial technologist, material scientist, crystallography, cheminformatics, polymer chemist, environmental analyst and can work in academics, private sectors, government agencies (government regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, FDA, SON, FBI e.t.c), security firm (forensic and pathology),research and development institutes, consultancy, waste management, industries such as petrochemical, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textile, chemicals, paints, glass, cement, oil/gas refineries, engineering, packaging, automobiles, ceramics, plastics, electronics, agriculture, pulp and paper production, beverages, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, toiletries, water treatment plant, hydrological and metallurgical industries e.t.c. The knowledge of chemistry helps entrepreneurs with low capital to venture into businesses such as productions of fragrance (air fresheners, incense, and perfumes), soaps, and detergents, candles, paints and cosmetics products at low scale without having to wait for government jobs. So far, it reduces the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria. Also, it offers opportunity for further studies and career development into master’s and doctorate degree.