About Chemical Sciences

Chemical Sciences play a massive role in our everyday lives, with chemists devising medicines, technologies and other products that improve people’s quality of life. Chemical scientists, sometimes also called materials scientists, come up with new or improved products for medical, industrial or commercial use, using their knowledge of substances at their atomic and molecular levels to make innovations.

　　By studying Chemical Sciences, you could work in government, military, research, manufacturing, food, forensic or pharmaceutical settings, to name just a few relevant industries.

　　

Is Chemical Sciences right for me?

Chemical Sciences are an intensive field, meaning it takes a certain type of personality and mindset to succeed. Chemical scientists need to be detail-oriented and rigid, strictly following safety protocol and best practices for documenting their findings. Chemical scientists also need to work effectively with other scientists and engineers, which requires strong collaboration and communication skills.

　　Typically, you’ll work in a laboratory setting with computers and instruments. Depending on the industry you’re in, you may also need to do site visits and inspections to understand the needs of a given project.

　　

Chemical Sciences study options and costs

　　To work professionally within Chemical Sciences, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry is typically required. It’s also a good idea to choose Chemical Sciences as your major if you have the option to, instead of doing a generalist Science degree. In more competitive markets or for research jobs, a relevant Master’s degree or Doctorate might be needed to get your foot in the door.

　　If you’re planning on completing your Bachelor of Science in Australia, expect to pay around AUD$40,000 a year. Students in the UK, another hot spot for Chemical Science jobs, can expect to pay around £30,000 a year for a similar degree.

　　

Future outlook

As companies continue to innovate across all sectors, the demand for chemical scientists is set to remain strong. Within the next five years, jobs are expected to grow by 7%, which is higher than the average for all occupations. A Chemical Science education can also take you all around the world, from innovative manufacturing plants in East Asia to pharmaceutical companies in the United States - the possibilities are endless!

　　

Career pathways for Chemical science graduates

　　

Chemical Scientist

　　Chemical scientist is a generalist title for professionals that understand the interplay between chemicals and how best to apply these chemicals to a variety of purposes. In this role, you’ll lead research projects, devise new products and testing methods, and ensure safety and quality standards are met. Working as a generalist chemical scientist can open the door to opportunities in a variety of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or research.

　　

Food Chemist

　　Food chemists conduct research in order to develop new food and beverages or improve existing products. By performing tests that merge natural and synthetic food materials, food chemists help companies innovate their products and enhance the sensory experience for customers.

　　

Medicinal Chemist

　　Medicinal chemists are the frontline in medical innovations, helping pharmaceutical companies devise new products and methods of delivery to improve patient outcomes. Using a range of chemistry techniques, mainly synthetic organic chemistry and data analysis, medicinal chemists are able to develop more effective medicines by creating new pharmaceutically active molecules. In this way, medicinal chemists make a real difference in people’s lives, each and every day.

　　

Industrial Chemist

　　Industrial chemists study the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances, applying their findings to develop new substances and products across a range of industries. Working closely with chemical engineers and other professionals, industrial chemists take small-scale chemical discoveries and turn them into useful and innovative mass-produced goods.

　　

Research Chemists

　　Research chemists apply their knowledge of chemical compounds to improve processes and products. These professionals often work in cosmetics, electronics or pharmaceuticals, helping companies develop new products or improve their existing range of products. Through their work, research chemists also help to advance scientific developments and theories.