Chemical Forums
General Forums => Generic Discussion => Topic started by: oceane on June 17, 2007, 04:38:34 PM
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Hi,
I do a 4 year course in the UK and my 3rd year is spent working for a company. I think I have a fair idea of the roles of chemists involved in pharmaceutical jobs (organic synthesis, process chemists is what I've picked up on) and in analytical chem roles(e.g forensics/ environmental testing)
However, I'm vague on what kind of chemistry is involved for chemists working in the fields of:
- adhesives & paints (e.g ICI which is one of the placement options)
- petroleum/ lubricants (e.g Lubrizol, another placement option)
The companies' placement information is quite vague - has anyone worked for these types of companies? - and could tell me what's involved & also what kind of chemistry modules would be useful for these.
I'm quite good at organic chem & physical (kinetics) but don't know if there are jobs in kinetics (or is it just university lab research?)
Any ideas appreciated.
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- adhesives & paints (e.g ICI which is one of the placement options)
Polymer chemistry is what comes to mind first when I think of either of those.
As far as petroleum and lubricants, I have no clue.
Good luck.
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It would be polymer chemistry and formulation work followed by physical testing for both i should think
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Surface chemistry, surfactants etc.. as well for paints, adhesives and petrol/lubes. All the physical stuff.
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Thanks for all the replies so far - it's given me some topics I can read up on.
Any more thoughts welcomed.
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If your working with lubricants you might find yourself in several different areas, although its likely that as a chemist you'll be working on development; synthesis, design, characterization, things of that nature. Often most of the actually testing is done by engineers.