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Chemistry
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is hailed as the central science, adistinction merited by the role it plays in understandingthe functioning of the natural world.Technological innovations spawned by advances inchemical science can either dramatically improveor negatively affect our quality of life and the environmentin which we live. Public policy and societalissues of enormous magnitude involving thepotential application of chemical knowledge areconstantly before us. A fundamental understandingof chemical concepts, the types of questions chemistryaddresses and the tools applied in pursuitof solutions positions one to productively informpublic debate and to be a responsible citizen.
The focus of the chemist is at the atomic andmolecular levels, on the structure and function ofmolecules, their interactions with other molecules,their transformation into new substances and thephysical laws that govern these processes. The chemistry department offers a program noted for close student-faculty collaboration in and out of class and at every level from general chemistry through the senior year research experience. The curriculum is bolstered by outstanding instrument and computer facilities that enable us to offer exciting laboratory experiences and provide wonderful support for faculty-student research projects.
While completing one of two possible major plans, students can prepare themselves for futureeducational opportunities including graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, the pharmaceutical sciences, forensics, oceanography, environmental science and geoscience, among others. An undergraduatechemistry degree is a prelude for many to medical, dental, veterinary, law and related professional schools. Alternatively, a degree in chemistry can be crafted in conjunction with the appropriate education courses to prepare for a career in secondary school science education. Bachelor-level chemistry graduates are employed in many areas of industry and commerce including research and development, marketing and sales, management, banking and patent law.
Working in Chemistry
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success
- Strong sense of curiosity
- Good mathematical and problem-solving skills
- Skills in model construction
- Good mechanical and analytic reasoning
- Ability to think creatively and logically
- Enjoy performing experiments and working in a laboratory
- Good communications skills, both verbal and written
Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment
Sample Job Titles
Biochemist
Chemist
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Laboratory Technician
Oceanographer
Organic Chemist
Pharmacologist
Perfumer
Quality Control Engineer
Teacher
Learning More About Chemistry
- Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library which includes:
- Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors
- Visit the SLU Chemistry Department website
- Check out Chemistry course descriptions in the Catalog
- Talk with a professor in Chemistry about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
- Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
- Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.
Additional Resources
Spotlight on Careers
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Chemical Society
Biochemistry Society
Chem Jobs
Chemical Week Magazine
Environmental Career Opportunities
HireRx.com
Journal of Biochemistry
Journal of Chemical Education
Science Careers
Related Majors and Minors at SLU
Biochemistry
Geology
Physics
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