Chemistry is a vital part of the modern world. From DNA to space flight, virtually all parts of science and technology have a chemistry component.
Studying chemistry will help you to understand the building blocks of all matter in the universe, including how substances interact with each other and form everything we encounter day-to-day. For example, knowledge of chemistry will allow you to:
predict how an acid will react when you add a base and save your cakes in food technology
keep your cleaning products active in industrial chemistry; or
get the pH of your plant fertiliser just right.
Chemistry in context – fertilisers in agriculture
Modern agriculture and farming could not exist without chemistry. All plants need sunlight and water; today, we know that plants also need a mix of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus to grow. This understanding is vital to creating large farms that can feed today's populations.
We provide plants with compounds containing these elements through mixtures called fertilisers. We also need to know where to find natural sources of these elements, or how to synthesise the fertilisers that supply them. Modern life depends heavily on fertilisers to grow the plants we need to feed ourselves – not just the fruits and vegetables we enjoy, but also the feed for dairy, chickens, and other farm animals.
Careers in chemistry
Atoms and elements are the foundations of chemistry. Since everything we can see and touch is made of chemicals, it’s not surprising that chemistry is important in many careers. A sound understanding of chemistry is essential for success in disciplines of health and medicine, all the different fields of engineering, food technology, textiles, construction, architecture, geology, aeronautics, design, archaeology and so much more. It is vital to many science subjects and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers.
