[oceane]

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.

[constant thinker]

 -  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.

[DrCMS]

It would be polymer chemistry and formulation work followed by physical testing for both i should think

[P]

Surface chemistry, surfactants etc.. as well for paints, adhesives and petrol/lubes.  All the physical stuff.

[oceane]

Thanks for all the replies so far - it's given me some topics I can read up on.

Any more thoughts welcomed.

[Ryan]

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.