Chemistry is the science of dealing with the composition and properties of substances, and with the reactions by which substances are produced. Chemists research these properties and reactions and put them to practical use.

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Some of these practical uses include the development of products such as pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives and lubricants, and processes that reduce pollution and create advances in medicine.

These scientists work in various aspects of chemistry, the most common being in research and development. Applied R&D scientists use their basic findings while developing the products and processes.

Much of their work is done in labs, with office time usually reserved for compiling research reports and planning. Those working to help prevent pollution, for example, do much of their work outdoors, taking samples of the soil, water and air.

Chemists also work in quality control, preparing instructions for production workers, monitoring automated processes and test samples of finished product to make sure they meet industry standards and/or government regulations.

There are many specific areas in which chemists work, as evidenced by the more than 30 divisions within the American Chemical Society. Among these are: agriculture and food chemistry, chemical health and safety, environmental, fertilizer and soil, medicinal, and nuclear chemistry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of the 91,000 chemists employed in 1996 worked for manufacturing companies, mostly in chemical manufacturing, producing plastics and other synthetic materials, drugs, paints, etc. Other job opportunities are found in a variety of government agencies and education.

At the very least, a bachelor's degree is needed for an entry-level chemist's job, with many research jobs requiring as much as a Ph.D. While taking graduate courses, students normally specialize in one of the particular areas. Continuing education to stay updated on the latest advances in these subfields is a must.

A 1997 survey from the ACS showed the median salary of its members with bachelor's degrees was $49,400 annually. ACS members with master's degrees made $56,200 and with a Ph.D, $71,000.

The Occupational Outlook guide published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts the growth in jobs for chemists over the next eight years to be between 10 and 20 percent.