Chemist

Chemists are involved in creating new compounds [molecules] for usage against diseases in humans, animals, and plants, as well as new materials for use in technologies like computers, clothes for astronauts, or for spaceships with advanced instruments. They are also involved in the analyses [determination of purity] of compounds in the food, mining, plastics, paint and pharmaceutical industries.

Task

• Study the reactions of certain compounds and the new production of new compounds;
• Investigate the fundamental aspects of chemical reactions;
• Determine which substances are present in a sample and in what quantities and also develop new methods of analysis;
• Attempt to refine existing theories and develop new theories.

Basic Educational Requirements

To become a chemist, one needs to have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, but many positions, especially those in research, require a Ph.D. Most undergraduate program emphasize mathematics and physics as well as chemistry, partly because chemistry is also known as the “central science.”

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports;
• Can communicate effectively;
• Ability to perform necessary math e-matical calculations:
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of physical and analytical chemistry;
• Updated in the sources of information and current literature in the field of analytical chemistry.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Can maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to assist in the development of the methods and procedures to be followed in the analysis of various substances and materials;
• Knowledge of the operation of laboratory equipment and apparatus such as balances, microscopes, hoods, pH meters, infra-red spectrometer, gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectrometer, and combustion furnaces.
  

Salary/Compensation

At the entry level, chemists receive salaries ranging from P15,000 - P17,000 per month and may even go up to P20,000 per month for those highly-trained and experienced and for those employed in relatively large. In the US, the median monthly pay is around US $3,458

Prospects for Career Advancement

A chemist interested in becoming a manager will have to take additional business management courses. Chemists can also work as teachers and lecturers in primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions.

Employment Opportunities

The three major employers of chemist are academic institutions; industry, especially the chemical industry and the pharmaceutical industry; and government laboratories.

Cost of Education *

A B.S. Chemistry course would cost around P25,000 to 40,000 per semester in private universities and approximately P7,000 to P10,000 per semester in public institutions.

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007 - 2008.