Introduction to Chemistry, Careers in Chemistry, and the Scientific Approach

Introduction to Chemistry 

Chemistry may be defined as the science that
is concerned with the composition, structure, properties and uses of matter, alongside the changes and reactions it undergoes. Consequently, the study of chemistry helps us acquire knowledge about matter.

The primary objective of chemistry as a science subject focuses on the determination of the nature and properties of the non-living and living matter, which surrounds us, and the preparation of new substances that are scientifically interesting, or generally useful from the materials which nature has provided.

Please read on the concept of matter here.

The focus of chemistry, however, is probably
on the chemical reaction matter undergoes.

There are lots of chemical activities and changes ongoing around us. These will include lighting a match, burning of wood, rusting of nails, ripening of fruits, rotting of leaves, fermentation of palm wine, manufacture of drugs, an so on. Also, most of the things we use in our everyday life are made through chemical processes. These will include soaps, detergents, hair cream, perfumes, cooking oil, margarine, plastics, etc

Please read on physical and chemical changes in chemistry here.

The three main branches of chemistry are:

1. Physical Chemistry

2. Inorganic Chemistry 

3. Organic Chemistry 

However, it is noteworthy to state that there are other branches of chemistry such as:

• Biochemistry, which deals with the effects of chemicals on living cells.

• Medicinal Chemistry which deals with the physiologically active compounds such as aspirin, chloroquine and so on.

• Industrial Chemistry, which considers the applications of chemistry in industries.

• Environmental Chemistry which investigates the possible adverse effects of chemistry on the environment.

Please read on the adverse effects of chemistry here.

Scientific approach to Chemistry 

Recall that chemistry is a science and an experimental subject. In this regard, we perform experiments, learn to observe, record and make intelligent inferences. This is made possible through the scientific approach.

The scientific approach, also known as the scientific method, is a systematic process used to investigate natural phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate previous knowledge.

The scientific approach is characterized by the following key steps:

• Observation

Chemistry, and other scientific fields, have developed through a series of discoveries. However, the first step towards this is the use our senses to observe what is happening around us. 

The process of observation typically begins by observing a phenomena or a specific question about the natural world. This involves gathering information about the subject of interest.

Through observation, scientists see a certain pattern which often leads to a problem. They attempt to solve this problem by asking a series of questions.

Please read on the uses of chemistry here.

• Question 

Based on initial observations, a specific question is formulated. This question should be focused and testable through a hypothesis, which serves as a potential answer to the question.

• Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon and question which serves  as the basis for a testable prediction before research is conducted. It is a tentative, educated guess based on existing knowledge and observations, which helps guide the scientific method.

A hypothesis should be specific and tested with an outcome that can potentially be false of true. In this regard, it is a testable prediction that can be confirmed or refuted through experimentation or observation.

Note: Scientists often put forward a reasonable guess and explanation "called hypothesis;" and will further carry out appropriate experiments to test it.

You can read on the physical properties of matter here.

• Experimentation

Experiments are designed and conducted to test the hypothesis. This involves creating a controlled environment to isolate variables and collect data. The experiments should be reproducible and controlled as much as possible.

An experiment is a structured procedure carried out to test a hypothesis, in an attempt  to potentially support or refute it.

• Data Collection and Analysis

Data is collected during the experiment, and various statistical tools and methods may be used to analyze the results. This helps determine whether the data support or contradict the hypothesis.

• Result (or Conclusion) from Data Analysis

Based on the analysis of the experimental result, a conclusion is drawn. If the data support the hypothesis, it may be accepted; if not, the hypothesis may be rejected or modified.

Please read on the chemical properties of matter explained with examples.

• Communication

The findings of the research should be communicated to the scientific community through publications, presentations, or discussions. This allows for peer review, critique, and further testing of the findings by other scientists.

• Replication

Other scientists may repeat the experiment to verify results, ensuring that findings are consistent and reliable.

• Theory

In the scientific approach, a theory is a conceptual framework built upon a large body of facts and hypotheses that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment.

Meanwhile, understand that a theory is a comprehensive, well-substantiated, and rigorously tested explanation for natural phenomena, not a mere guess. For this reason, theories serve as the foundation for new knowledge, technology, and further scientific research; and thus, may become modified or refined after a period of time.

Please read on the differences between physical and chemical change in chemistry here.

• Refinement

Based on feedback from the scientific community, new questions may arise, leading to further experimentation and investigation. This iterative process contributes to the expansion of scientific knowledge.

• Law

In a scientific approach, a law is a statement that describes an observable phenomenon in nature, often simplified into a mathematical equation or formula, that is consistently proven true under specific conditions.

Read explanations on Boyle's law and its calculations here

Unlike theory, a scientific law explains "how" something happens, not "why" it happens. In this regard, a law is developed from repeated observations and experiments, while being highly predictive, and remains valid as long as supporting evidence exists. 

Please read on examples of Charles law in real life.

Careers in Chemistry 

Chemistry opens door to a variety of exciting careers. It is sometimes called "the central science," because it lies between Biology and Physics.

Here are some careers where further studies in Chemistry will become highly advantageous, if not a requirement:

• Agricultural Scientist

• Animal technician

• Art restorer

• Bacteriologist

• Biochemist

• Brewer

• Chemical Engineer

• Chemist

• Civil Enginner

• Civil Service Science Oficer

• Conservationist

• Cosmetics Scientist

• Dental technician

• Dentist

• Doctor

• Electrical Engineer

• Environmental Health Oficer

• Food Scientist

• Forensic Scientist

• Geologist

• Horticulturalist

• Information Scientist

• Journalist (science)

• Laboratory technician

• Lecturer in science

• Manager in an industry

• Marine scientist

• Marketing.ome bocs sboon oY

• Materials Scientistteinols l)

• Medical technician

• Metallurgist

• Patent lawer

• Pathologist

• Personnel manager

• Pharmacist

• Photographer

• Pollution controller

• Production manager

• Quality controller

• Rescarch Scientist

• Safety Officer

• Sales person

• Scientific archaeologist

• Sports Scientist

• Teacher of science

• Technical support staff

• Technical writer

• Verterinary surgeon/assistant

• Waste disposal manager/scientist

• Water technologist

• Wine taster

• Zoologist

You can read on the characteristics of solids here.