4 Signs Chemical Sciences is Right for You

If you’ve been bitten by the research bug during your Masters, you might be looking at the options for progressing onto a PhD . . . but which area should you focus on? You might have studied Chemistry, Physics, Pharmaceuticals, Biochemistry or another science, but what should be your next step?

If you found that you are mostly interested in the properties and behaviour of matter, then a project in the Chemical Sciences could be for you. You’ll use your problem-solving and analytical skills to take on some of the world’s most pressing challenges in sectors such as engineering, nuclear power, and space travel!

Here are our four main signs that a PhD in Chemical Sciences is the right choice for you.

#1 You want to change the world with chemistry

If you’re passionate about solving global problems in areas such as the environment, health, energy and technology then Chemical Sciences will give you the opportunities to do it! You could be improving everyday lives with advances in medicine, food, packaging and cosmetics, or tackling questions around manufacturing processes, hygiene, fuel and sustainability.

#2 You’re solution driven

At its heart, Chemical Sciences is focused on using chemistry to find solutions to chemical problems. You’ll need to be a dedicated experimenter, spending lots of time in the labs with a laser focus on working towards finding a solution to a problem. If you have the motivation to keep trying and don’t get disheartened when things don’t work out experiment after experiment, then this PhD area could be for you.

#3 You’re creative

It may not be in the same category as Drama, Dance or Art, but Chemical Sciences is nonetheless a very creative industry. You’re constantly using different chemicals and formulas to try and solve complex issues. With every failed experiment, you have to think outside the box and try new compounds or chemical pairings based on your understanding of how they work. You’re constantly re-working and re-thinking your approach so having a creative brain is key!

#4 You like data, and lots of it

You may have done an MRes, or an MSc in one of the science subjects, but a PhD takes research and data to a whole new level, especially in Chemical Sciences. You’ll be dealing with lots of data from your experiments so if you’re after a subject that will develop your data handling, analysis and logical thinking skills, Chemical Sciences makes a great choice.

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