1. Overview of the 5 Branches of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry - the study of carbon and its compounds; the study of the
chemistry of life.
Inorganic Chemistry - the study of compounds not-covered by organic
chemistry; the study of inorganic compounds or compounds which do not
contain a C-H bond. Many inorganic compounds are those which contain
metals.
Analytical Chemistry - the study of the chemistry of matter and the development
of tools used to measure properties of matter.
Physical Chemistry - the branch of chemistry that applies physics to the study of
chemistry. Commonly this includes the applications of thermodynamics and
quantum mechanics to chemistry.
Biohemistry - the study of chemical processes that occur inside of living
organisms.
TASKS OF A CHEMIST
A chemist has several tasks
1. Analyze organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical
properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions, utilizing
chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry techniques.
2. Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, and
chemical catalysts for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
3. Develop, improve, and customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, and
analytical methods.
4. Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating
efficiency and to diagnose malfunctions.
5. Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, and packaging on
composition and properties of foods.
6. Prepare test solutions, compounds, and reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct
test.
7. Confer with scientists and engineers to conduct analyses of research projects,
interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
8. Write technical papers and reports; and prepare standards and specifications for
processes, facilities, products, and tests.

2. 9. Direct, coordinate, and advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components
and physical properties of materials.
PROFFESSION/OCCUPATION NEEDS THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHEMISTRY
Chemistry
Teachers,
Postsecondary
Chemists
Materials
Scientists
Chemical
Engineers
Food Scientists
and
Technologists
Pharmacists
Chemical
Technicians
Molecular and
Cellular Biologists
Industrial Safety
and Health
Engineers
Embalmers
Nurse
Anesthetists
Medical and
Clinical
Laboratory
Technicians
Environmental
Science
Teachers,
Postsecondary
Materials
Engineers
Biomedical
Engineers
Soil and Plant
Scientists
Biologists
Biochemists and
Biophysicists
Nuclear
Engineers
Hazardous
Materials
Removal Workers
Hydrologists
Fire Investigators
Geological
Sample Test
Technicians
Biological
Science
Teachers,
Postsecondary
Geneticists
Medical
Scientists, Except
Epidemiologists
Environmental
Scientists and
Specialists,
Including Health
Environmental
Engineers
Occupational
Health and
Safety Specialists
Medical and
Clinical
Laboratory
Technologists