Career Talk: Industrial Chemistry
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Author: Ms Diana
Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Hi. I'm now currently studying Industrial Chemistry in University Malaysia Sabah. Well, many students set their mind that industrial chemistry only gain job opportunity in factories. I say you guys are wrong.Whether in the research laboratory, engineering office or industrial plant, chemical analysts and chemical process technologists are in great demand. Their skills find challenges on many fronts, from improving industrial processes to solving environmental pollution problems. Chemical principles form the basis for most industrial processes and products, and graduates of the Chemical Sciences program find employment in almost every major industrial and research activity.
This industrial chemistry degree program offers the student a solid background in technology and skills that can be applied to many industries. The first-year curriculum is common to all options and emphasizes fundamentals of science, applied chemistry, such as organic, inorganic, laboratory techniques and safety. The student is also introduced to environmental science, materials technology and a wide range of industrial chemical processes.
In the second year, every Chemical Sciences student takes a common core of technology courses plus a few courses of more detailed study related to one of three subject options.
In the Industrial Chemistry Option, students are introduced to operation and control of industrial processes to ensure a productive, clean and safe working environment. They gain insight to a wide range of activities form chemical analysis of raw materials such as mineral ores to operation and modification of actual chemical, biochemical or physical processes.
The core second-year subjects for all options include several courses in advanced analytical
techniques and applications, physical and organic chemistry, introductory chemical engineering and statistics that will prepare students for employment in a broad range of industries and technical occupations.
Students may participate in an industry-sponsored project (practicum or directed studies) in the second year of the program. This may involve work experience activities at the industry sponsor's regular place of business.
Every Chemical Sciences student receives exposure to topics from each of the options. Enrolment into each second-year option may be limited to ensure optimal class sizes. Regardless of the option chosen, all graduates will possess sufficient knowledge and skills to pursue career opportunities over the wide range of industries covered by Chemical Sciences
Broad set of skills allows graduates to pursue employment from a wide array of opportunities in
many industries. Typical examples include:
1)Chemical/Environmental analysts in commercial, industrial and research labs;
2)Research technologists for fuel cell and energy storage companies;
3)Specialists in air/water quality monitoring for government and consulting firms;
4)Production supervisor trainees in production or recycling plants;
5) Quality assurance officers for pharmaceutical and process industries;
6)Engineering technologists or materials testing specialists for engineering firms;
7)Process technologists for producers of chemical, metallurgical, paper or pharmaceutical products;
8)Techinical services representives for chemical equipment supply companies
For students who wants to further their studies, this course is a good start!
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At the outset, I must admit that I am not formally qualified in this subject. But I am sure I know enough to ask this question.
What I know is that unlike engineers, Industrial Chemists examine and change the chemistry of any underlying process.
Industrial Chemists are involved throughout the process of producing important chemicals and materials, from the design and modification of the actual process, the analysis of raw materials, the application of advanced computers to the simulation and control of the plant, verification of the quality of product and offering technical advice.
Thus, one of the major roles of any Industrial Chemistry course would be to exercise a questioning, scientific approach to the fundamental chemistry of industrial processes.
I wonder if students are really being prepared enough with this profile in mind.
Note to admin:
If my question should sound outrageous or absurd, kindly ignore it.