Why does chemistry matter

Discuss hypotheses and the components of a scientific experiment as part of the scientific method. Biologists study the living world by posing questions about it and seeking science -based responses. This approach is common to other sciences as well and is often referred to as the scientific method. The scientific method can be applied to almost all fields of study as a logical, rational, problem-solving method. Sir Francis Bacon : Sir Francis Bacon — is credited with being the first to define the scientific method.

The scientific process typically starts with an observation often a problem to be solved that leads to a question. A teenager notices that his friend is really tall and wonders why. The Scientific Method : The scientific method consists of a series of well-defined steps.

If a hypothesis is not supported by experimental data, a new hypothesis can be proposed. Recall that a hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested. Hypotheses often also include an explanation for the educated guess. To solve one problem, several hypotheses may be proposed. For example, the student might believe that his friend is tall because he drinks a lot of milk. Once a hypothesis has been selected, the student can make a prediction.

A prediction is similar to a hypothesis but it is truly a guess. For instance, they might predict that their friend is tall because he drinks a lot of milk. A valid hypothesis must be testable.

It should also be falsifiable, meaning that it can be disproven by experimental results. This step—openness to disproving ideas—is what distinguishes sciences from non-sciences. I think scientists sometimes have a barrier to communicating with the public for two reasons.

First, pretty much all scientists are fascinated and enthusiastic about the research they do. To the scientist, jargon is helpful because it efficiently relays ideas. In the end, budding scientists and the broad public have to remember that research is messy. Answers to questions, especially the big questions, take a while to become clear. Sometimes in an attempt to understand results you go down the wrong conceptual path. The best science communicators relay complex ideas in simple terms that are accessible to most people.

In the past, you have run salon-like sessions at places like Starbucks just to get the conversation going on various topics. Are you still doing this? What are some of the hottest topics? There have been two incarnations of these informal science gatherings. The topics included stem cell research, renewable energy technologies, drug discovery, and science policy. They blend entertainment and education in the tradition of the early 20th century Chautauqua essentially adult education assemblies.

There is definitely a segment of the population interested in this activity. It has been said that inorganic chemistry is the hardest course at any college, yet it is essential for most would-be scientists and engineers. Do you think it scares students away? Do you have any advice on how to get through it? I am an organic chemist. Elements such as hydrogen, chlorine, silver, and copper are part of our everyday knowledge.

Far fewer people have heard of selenium or rubidium or hassium. Nevertheless, all matter is composed of various combinations of these basic elements. The wonder of chemistry is that when these basic particles are combined, they make something new and unique. Consider the element sodium.

It is a soft, silvery metal. It reacts violently with water, giving off hydrogen gas and enough heat to make the hydrogen explode. Also consider chlorine, a green gas when at room temperature. It is very caustic and choking, and is nasty enough that it was used as a horrible chemical gas weapon in the last century.

So what kind of horrible mess is produced when sodium and chlorine are combined? The behavior of atoms, molecules, and ions determines the sort of world we live in, our shapes and sizes, and even how we feel on a given day. Chemists who understand these phenomena are very well equipped to tackle problems faced by our modern society. On any given day, a chemist may be studying the mechanism of the recombination of DNA molecules, measuring the amount of insecticide in drinking water, comparing the protein content of meats, developing a new antibiotic, or analyzing a moon rock.

To design a synthetic fiber, a life-saving drug, or a space capsule requires a knowledge of chemistry. To understand why an autumn leaf turns red, or why a diamond is hard, or why soap gets us clean, requires, first, a basic understanding of chemistry. It may be obvious to you that a chemistry background is important if you plan to teach chemistry or to work in the chemical industry developing chemical commodities such as polymeric materials, pharmaceuticals, flavorings, preservatives, dyestuffs, or fragrances.

You may also be aware that chemists are frequently employed as environmental scientists, chemical oceanographers, chemical information specialists, chemical engineers, and chemical salespersons. However, it may be less obvious to you that a significant knowledge of chemistry is often required in a number of related professions including medicine, pharmacy, medical technology, nuclear medicine, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, toxicology, paper science, pharmaceutical science, hazardous waste management, art conservation, forensic science and patent law.

Thus, a chemistry degree can be effectively combined with advanced work in other fields which may lead, for example, to work in higher management sometimes with an M.

It is often observed that today's graduate, unlike the graduate of a generation ago, should anticipate not a single position with one employer or in one industry, but rather many careers.