BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY

Agricultural Chemistry
- Agricultural chemistry is concerned with the substances and chemical reactions that are
involved with the production, protection and use of crops and livestock. It is a highly
interdisciplinary field that relies on ties to many other sciences. Agricultural chemists
may work with the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Food and Drug Administration or for private industry,. Agricultural chemists develop
fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides necessary for large-scale crop production. They
must also monitor how these products are used and their impacts on the environment.
Nutritional supplements are developed to increase the productivity of meat and dairy
herbs.

Analytical Chemistry
- Analytical chemistry involves the qualitative and quantitative determination of the
chemical components of substances

Biochemistry
- Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that take place in living things
Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental chemists study how chemicals interact with the natural environment.
Environmental chemistry is an interdisciplinary study that involves both analytical
chemistry and an understanding of environmental science. Environmental chemists must
first understand the chemicals and chemical reactions present in natural processes in soil,
water and air.

Food Chemistry
- Food science deals with the three biological components of food carbohydrates, lipids,
and proteins. Our bodies can synthesize some of the amino acids; however eight of them,
the essential amino acids, must be taken in as part of our food. Food scientist are also
concerned with the inorganic components of food such as its water content, minerals,
vitamins and enzymes.

Geochemistry
- Geochemist combine chemistry and geology to study the makeup and interaction between
substances found in the Earth. Geochemists may spend more time in field studies than
other types of chemists. They may travel to remote abandoned mines to collect samples
and perform rough field evaluations, and then follow a stream through its watershed to
evaluate how contaminants are moving through the system.

Inorganic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the properties and behaviour of inorganic compounds.
It covers all chemical compounds except organic compounds.

Organic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry involves the study of the structure, properties, and preparation of
chemical compounds that consist primarily of carbon and hydrogen.
Physical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry is the study of the effect of chemical structure on the physical
properties of a substance. Physical chemists typically study the rate of a chemical
reaction, the interaction of molecules with radiation, and the calculation of structures and
properties.

CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY
Careers in Industry
- Many industries are chemical-based like food, petroleum, cosmetic, pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, mining, etc. A chemist can work in research and development, production,
marketing, management, sales, etc.

Careers in Commerce
- A chemistry degree is a good training to acquire skills in mathematics, problem solving,
communication, research, self-management, etc.

Careers in Journalism
- Science journalists narrow the gap between science, technology, and the public. They
have the role of informing, and explaining scientific discoveries and technological
invention/innovations to the public through the different forms of media like televisions,
radio, newsprint, etc.

Careers in Law/Forensics
- Chemists have an important role in solving crimes that involves forgery, death, arson,
paternity, etc.

Careers in Teaching
- Chemists who have effective instructional skills are valuable in educating students about
the world of chemistry and its roles in improving life and environment.

Careers in Entrepreneurship
- Chemists with technical know-how on preparation, development, and quality assessment
may be able to establish small and medium industries.

Careers in Health/Science Related Profession

- Because of their intensive chemical/scientific background and skills, chemists can easily,
take on rigorous training to enter health/science-related professions like nursing,
dentistry, psychology, and nutrition.