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Chemistry · Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry
Careers in Chemistry
Careers in chemistry in Pakistan: chemical engineer, pharmacist, food scientist, quality-control, forensic and textile chemist, with the study path after Matric.
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01Concept
Pakistan has large textile, fertiliser, cement, sugar, pharmaceutical, oil and food industries. Every one of them needs people who know chemistry. Here are the main careers.
| Career | What they do | Where they work |
|---|---|---|
| Chemist / researcher | Make and test new substances | Universities, PCSIR labs, HEJ Research Institute (Karachi) |
| Chemical engineer | Design and run plants that make chemicals in large amounts | Fertiliser, cement, sugar and oil refining plants |
| Pharmacist | Prepare and check medicines and advise patients | Hospitals, pharmacies, medicine factories |
| Food scientist / technologist | Keep food safe, tasty and long-lasting | Food and drink companies, food authorities |
| Analytical / quality-control chemist | Test raw materials and products | Every factory lab; water and soil testing labs |
| Forensic scientist | Analyse evidence such as drugs, fibres and blood | Forensic science agencies |
| Environmental chemist | Measure and reduce pollution of air and water | Environmental protection agencies, NGOs |
| Textile chemist | Develop dyes and treat fabrics | Textile mills in Faisalabad, Karachi and Lahore |
| Petroleum chemist | Refine crude oil and test fuels | Oil refineries and gas companies |
| Teacher / lecturer | Teach chemistry | Schools, colleges and universities |
How to get there
- Class 9–10 (Matric): choose the Science group.
- Class 11–12 (Intermediate): Pre-Engineering (for chemical engineering) or Pre-Medical (for pharmacy). Both keep chemistry.
- University: pass the entry test and choose a degree from the table below.
- After the degree: an MS/MPhil or PhD for research and university teaching.
| Degree | Length | Leads to |
|---|---|---|
| BS Chemistry | 4 years | Research, quality control, teaching, industry |
| BE / BS Chemical Engineering | 4 years | Engineer in fertiliser, cement, oil and sugar plants |
| Pharm-D (Doctor of Pharmacy) | 5 years | Pharmacist in hospitals and the medicine industry |
| BS Food Science and Technology | 4 years | Food industry and food safety |
| BS Biochemistry | 4 years | Medical labs, research, biotechnology |
In Sindh, chemistry and chemical engineering are taught at places such as the University of Karachi, NED University (Karachi), Mehran UET (Jamshoro) and the University of Sindh (Jamshoro).
02Real World Examples
Safe medicines
Before a batch of tablets leaves the factory, a quality-control chemist checks that each tablet has the right amount of medicine.
Pure milk
Food authority chemists test milk for added water, urea or detergent.
Clothes that keep their colour
Textile chemists choose dyes and fixing chemicals so colours don't run in the wash.
Evidence in court
Forensic chemists identify unknown powders and liquids found at crime scenes.
03Practice Questions
Try to answer in your own words first, then open the model answer.
Short questions
Q1.Name four careers related to chemistry.Show answer
Answer
- Chemical engineer
- Pharmacist
- Food scientist
- Forensic scientist
(Quality-control chemist, environmental chemist and textile chemist are also correct.)
Q2.What does a chemical engineer do?Show answer
Answer
A chemical engineer designs and runs plants that make chemicals in large amounts, for example fertiliser, cement, sugar and petrol.
Q3.What is the job of a pharmacist?Show answer
Answer
A pharmacist prepares and checks medicines and advises patients on how to use them safely.
Q4.Why does a textile industry need chemists?Show answer
Answer
Chemists develop and test dyes, bleach and treat fabrics, and make sure colours do not fade or run.
Long questions
Q5.Describe five careers in chemistry and the study path to one of them.Show answer
Answer
- Chemical engineer: runs fertiliser, cement and oil plants.
- Pharmacist: prepares and checks medicines.
- Food scientist: keeps food safe and long-lasting.
- Forensic scientist: analyses evidence for the police.
- Environmental chemist: measures and reduces pollution.
Path to pharmacist: Science group in Matric → Pre-Medical in Intermediate → university entry test → 5-year Pharm-D degree.