Science and Its Branches
Science is the systematic, orderly study of nature — the world around us — and a person who studies it is a scientist. Science has two main branches: pure science (also called natural science), which includes biology, chemistry, physics, geology and mathematics; and applied science, which uses the knowledge from pure science together with practical skills and techniques — in other words, technology. Agriculture, medicine, biochemistry, microbiology and pharmacology are all examples of applied science.
Defining Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter, its composition, and the changes matter undergoes. A person who studies chemistry is called a chemist.
Why Chemistry Matters
- Career choices: chemistry underpins many professions — petrochemical engineers work with refinery oils, doctors prescribe and pharmacists sell drugs, biochemists analyse and manufacture drugs, researchers make new discoveries, and textile manufacturers rely on chemically produced fabrics.
- Everyday needs: chemistry helps meet basic needs and improves agricultural yields through fertilizers and insecticides.
- Medicine: it underlies the production of medicines and drugs.
- Discovery: it drives new discoveries and inventions.
- Food and materials: food additives like salt and flavourings, and fabrics like nylon and polyester, are all products of chemistry.
