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Sherlock Holmes Investigates: Chemistry

Photo 6161Investigating the top majors, Sherlock Holmes is on the case. You can profile your picks and review the evidence to find the sure-fire academic answers you've been looking for...

 

Study Case #7
Chemistry

Faculty:
Arts, Science.

Most common associations:
Research facilities, laboratories, various companies.

Quick description:
Studying chemistry means studying matter- the structure, composition, and interaction of pretty much everything. You'll be studying the tiny tiny subatomic particles that are at the core of all matter, materials like metals and polymers used for various purposes, and so much more. Chemistry connects physics, the study of how universal mechanisms works, and biology, the study of life. Through research and learning, a degree in chemistry will lead you to many careers and allow you to develop useful skills.

What your major will do for you:
Chemistry is the science of matter, and matter means everything. You will understand what materials are composed of, how atoms interact to create things, how elements can create compounds, the different properties of different materials, and a lot more. From industrial metals to the bones in the human body, chemistry is always involved. You will experience active learning by experimenting or actual chemical reactions, and find answers for the underlying mechanisms of the world. Using your knowledge you will be able to conduct research and create developments for improving the world around you.

Careers:
The study of matter can lead you to any one of countless careers. You can become a clinical lab technician or a pharmaceutical manufacturer, get involved in medicines and drugs or use your knowledge to analyze bacterial and viral cultures in order to save human lives. There are many other options in academy and industry. You can become a teacher, or else expand on research in many ways- you can look for new elements or go into the tiniest particles in existence and try to understand what underlies all matter. Working in the industry, you can help develop machines, processes and products that utilize chemical reactions and properties. Fight pollution by being an environmental scientist or become a forensic scientist and fight crime The possibilities are endless.


Fun with Chemistry by jemsweb

Skills:
Successful chemistry graduates come out of school with many skills and lessons learned.
  • Understanding of nature and matter: You'll be learning so much about so many things, you will possess in-depth knowledge of the universe and what makes it up. You will develop awareness of diseases, pollution, and various other things. Understanding chemistry will help you not only learn about the underlying mechanisms of the world around you but also benefit society by allowing you to apply these lessons to real life scenarios and problems.
  • Communication and Presentation Skills: Chemistry majors are forced to develop communication skills through working in groups and conducting experiments and research in teams. You will also have to present your findings to the public. This will help a lot with personal communications throughout your life.
  • Research Skills: Learning chemistry involves a lot of research. You'll be able to locate and identify reliable sources, which will be important. You will be involved in many hands-on experiments which will teach you how to locate and interpret data. Research is an important aspect of chemistry and science in general. These skills are sure to serve you well in the future.
  • Critical Thinking: Taking theories, laws and experimental procedures and putting them into real world concepts. This means having the whole picture when coming to a decision. You will be able to incorporate so many aspects of nature into everyday life and that's a skill in itself.
  • Flexibility: Learning a variety of theories concerning the same subjects and a lot of material about almost all of the matter in the world will make you a highly flexible individual. You will learn that when it comes to scientific thoughts, you always have to keep questioning what you know and keep an open mind. You will also become flexible in terms of applying your skills and knowledge in environments ranging from academic institutions and labs to the industry, working on a large variety of things. Being flexible will be very attractive to potential employers.

How to Prepare:
Coming out of high school and not sure how to start your chemistry career? You should have a few courses under your belt. Maths and sciences are obvious picks- trig, algebra, geometry, physics, biology, and of course high school chemistry. But don't be shy about those other courses- English, writing, public speaking, etc. These will improve your writing abilities and help you later on when you have to write lab reports and scientific papers.

Many chemistry students benefit from participating in extra curricular activities that demonstrate things like communication and leadership skills. To expand your biological activities, compete in a science fair, join your science club in school, or volunteer at a hospital or research facility.

If you're thinking of doing a Master's Degree, you will first need to most likely have an undergraduate degree, and the desire to learn and do a lot more research in chemistry.

Chemistry Majors? It's elementary, my dear Watson. Till next time!



References

WorldWideLearn. "Science Major". Last Updated on October 17th, 2007. Accessed on August 1st, 2008. WorldWideLearn.com

Sherlock Holmes. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/cinema/features/photogallery/holmes_photogallery1.shtml>

Sherlock Holmes, <http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/03/16/sherlock-holmes-edgy.jpg>
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