» What is chemistry?
Chemistry is, by definition, the study of the materials and material transformations. Substances are examined on their structure, their behavior and for alterations and researched laws. Here there are two large areas can be distinguished: organic and inorganic chemistry. Organic chemistry deals with carbon and its compounds. Amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates, for example, fall under the guise of organic chemistry.
As this branch of science dealing with the most important molecules for life, it is very important for the medicine and the medicine. Subject of inorganic chemistry are all elements except carbon in contrast. To include carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide to the compounds with which the inorganic chemistry group.
Besides the two main areas, there are other areas in which to mix organic and inorganic chemistry. These areas are, for example, analytical chemistry, physiological chemistry, forensic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, food chemistry, electrochemistry, polymer chemistry and agricultural chemistry. Chemistry is so important because it confronts us every day. So in baking and cooking always chemical reactions take place and also hair coloring, washing and mobile phone displays would be unthinkable without the chemicals.
» The study
A chemistry course lasts eight to ten semesters of the standard and is completed with a diploma. An alternative to this is the increasingly widespread bachelor's degree, which can be made after six semesters and follow a master's program. The course itself consists of lectures, seminars and the very important work placements.
Because scientific texts in the field of chemistry are almost exclusively published in English and chemists often do in their work with people from other countries, the mastery of the English language is a prerequisite for studying chemistry. Another component of such studies is the use of mathematics. Therefore should have good mathematical understanding of prospective chemistry students. Very good English and maths skills are of course not as important for student teachers. You should bring a high level of social skills. This means that you need to master the material, but in addition also provide good and able to deal with students.
» The professional fields
Chemistry has a very great importance in the economy. Basic chemicals in the chemical industry are prepared which are used for example for the production of fertilizers and plastics. In addition, produced with the help of chemical drugs. Typical careers for chemists are available in schools (as a chemistry teacher) in universities and private research institutions and industry in adhesive manufacturers, detergent manufacturers in the food and beverage, pulp and paper, glass and petroleum industries and in the manufacture of medicines.
The job prospects for chemists are now - after a low in the 90s - again better. As the number of graduates have since fallen sharply and set the company back more chemists, chances on the labor market are currently quite well. However, again taking more and more students to study chemistry, so there could be an abundance of chemists again. But such predictions, you should always be treated with caution and do not let it scare you too much.
In 2003, the salaries were in chemicals and pharmaceuticals, according to the Federal Employers' Association of Chemistry (BAVC) on average 43,703 euros a year. In July 2005, a collective agreement on the annual salaries for academic technical and scientific workers in the chemical industry was negotiated by several associations. Employees with diploma should therefore get 48,470 euros annual salary and employees with doctoral 56,480 euros a year. These salaries relate to chemists in the second year of employment.
