Branches of chemistry
The
field of chemistry consists of five main branches. Many industrial or
research chemists specialize in a combination of these areas.
Undergraduates are encouraged to take foundational coursework in all of
these branches of chemistry, which students may do at Huntington
University.
Analytical
chemistry
is the study of ways to analyze samples. Examples of areas using
analytical chemistry include forensic
science, environmental science, and drug testing.
Biochemistry is
one of the fastest-changing fields of chemistry, with new
medically-related discoveries each year. Biochemists work with
proteins, DNA, the design and function of new drugs, and much more.
Inorganic
chemistry
focuses on elements and compounds other than carbon or hydrocarbons.
Compounds studied by inorganic chemists include crystal structures,
minerals, metals, catalysts, and some drugs.
Organic
chemistry
focuses on carbon-containing compounds such as fuels, plastics and
polymers, food additives, and drugs. Organic chemists are often the
ones who synthesize new materials.
Physical chemistry
is the study of the physical properties of molecules, and their relation
to the ways in which molecules and atoms are put together. Areas of
investigation include the generation of heat, the interaction of
molecules with radiation, and the calculation of structures and
properties.
Minors
Students majoring in
chemistry who are interested in industrial or research careers may
choose to minor in a related area such as
biology,
environmental
science,
mathematics, or
physics.
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