Chemists study the structure of molecules, the properties of materials, and the reactions that convert one material to another. More than half of the country's chemists are hired to work in research and development laboratories.
Chemists analyze the materials used, design new modifications, and develop new products.
Chemical engineering deals with unit operations. The commercial success of industries based on chemical or physical transformation of matter depends on these operations. Chemical engineers may work in the manufacture of inorganic or organic products, in the metallurgical industry, in the food processing industry, or in the fermentation industry for the production of chemicals including antibiotics and food supplements. They may also work to enhance environmental protection, combat forms of pollution or manage the disposal of industrial wastes. Bioengineers apply engineering methods, science, and technology to problems in medicine and biology.