Studies & Degrees in Inorganic Chemistry

Choose where you would like to study Inorganic Chemistry:

Inorganic chemistry is the area of chemistry which studies the properties, characteristics, and behavior of inorganic compounds, that is, compounds that are generally considered to have mineral origins. It is a vast field that encompasses most chemical compounds that are not carbon-based and do not contain C-H bonds. Most of the work in inorganic chemistry is based on comprehending the behavior of inorganic elements and understanding how these elements can be modified and adapted into useful modern day purposes. It is very much like materials science and physics in this regard, but what separates inorganic chemistry from these two fields is the fact that inorganic chemistry tackles these properties very keenly on the molecular level.

Inorganic chemistry also involves other functions such as developing ways to get back most of the metals that are present in waste streams; analyzing ores that have been mined from different areas; and researching on methods for treating soil using inorganic chemicals.

Inorganic chemistry has many applications across many aspects of chemical commerce and industry. It has much to do with the production of catalysts, pigments, coatings, microchips, and medicine. It also finds various functions in the fields of materials science, petroleum or fuel, agriculture, education, mining, and environmental science.

Courses in inorganic chemistry can be found in many different colleges and universities. These programs focus on the scientific examination of inorganic elements and their derivative compounds not including the hydrocarbon elements. They also include studies on the characterization and amalgamation of molecules with non-carbon bases including their structure, their conductivity, and their bonding and reactive properties. Research techniques are also given emphasis with subjects such as x-ray diffraction, photo electron analysis, and spectroscopy. In most universities, some transition metals and other specific compounds with inorganic molecules are also given some attention.

Graduates of inorganic chemistry courses can expect to find employment in a variety of positions across different fields of commerce. In the mining industry alone, inorganic chemistry majors can be hired as analytical chemists who specialize in the evaluation of ores and other mining products; they can be hired as supervisors who will oversee the quality control and the productivity of the laboratories, and they can also be hired as research staff who will be responsible for exploring new processes that can make the mining industry a lot more positive for the environment.

Inorganic chemists can also work for government agencies that have an interest in environment oriented endeavors. With their knowledge in inorganic chemistry, they are very much needed in recommending ways on how to recycle products contaminated with chemicals in order to make the most out of these. Even industries such as transportation and agriculture have a great need for this kind of work.

Furthermore, inorganic chemists can find jobs in the manufacturing industry. Analytical coordinator positions are held by inorganic chemists who are responsible for monitoring the manufacturing processes. Inconsistencies in the materials used in the process, the means of measurements, and other variables are all analyzed by the inorganic chemist.