the difference between chemists and chemical engineers
When I talk about my work, I find a common problem that people don't understand the difference between chemists and chemical engineers.
These two areas are becoming more and more important and deserve more public recognition, but they are quite different.
Although I am now working as a chemical engineer, I learned chemistry first, so I think I should emphasize the key differences and eliminate common misunderstandings.
However, this list is not absolute. There is a great overlap between the work of chemists and chemical engineers.
Here are 10 differences between chemists and chemical engineers:
1. Identification
In my opinion, the most obvious difference between chemists and chemical engineers is recognition. The public generally knows what chemists do (because they studied chemistry at school), but little about chemical engineering.
Perhaps the highest recognition of chemists and chemical engineers is the Nobel Prize. Since 1901, the Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to 166 winners, but I can only think of six of them as chemical engineers; Koichi Tanaka, Jon Finn, Kurt wusslich, Linus Carl Pauling, William Francis giack and Robert H. grabs.
As a team, we chemical engineers need to be better ambassadors of our work.
2. History
Chemistry and its research is an ancient profession. Records show that ancient civilization accumulated practical knowledge of metallurgy, pottery and dyeing chemistry. The study of chemistry as a science began in the 17th century. Chemists like Robert Boyle devoted themselves to establishing Boyle's law.
3. Numbers
There are more chemists than chemical engineers, which may explain why chemistry is easier to understand. For example, in 2014, about 29800 people applied for chemistry and 19900 applied for chemical engineering in the UK.
4. Research areas of
The scientific background of chemical research, including aspects: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biochemical. Chemical engineering is more interdisciplinary in its methodology, including all previous topics, as well as physical and mathematical aspects, such as heat transfer, fluid mechanics, equipment design, etc.
Focus 5
Chemists tend to focus on developing new materials and processes, analyzing substances, measuring physical properties of substances and testing theories.
6. Wages
Chemical engineers are usually paid more than chemists. The starting salary for a chemical engineer is 29500 (about a $69000) and that of an analytical chemist is 22000. This will not change with career development; senior analytical chemists can earn more than 50000, while chartered chemical engineers can earn more than 70000.
7. Career
Chemistry and chemical engineering are good subjects, and the skills learned can be applied to a variety of jobs and roles. The work of a chemist or chemist, including a chemist or chemist. Learning chemistry skills can also be applied to becoming an accountant, environmental consultant, patent law, teacher, or science writer. Chemists can even become Chemical Engineers (like me!)
8. Place to work
Chemists often carry out analysis or research and development in the laboratory, but they can also work in offices, classrooms and the field. Chemical engineers often work in research plants, but also in laboratories, in the field, and on boards.
9. Scale
Chemists use relatively small amounts of materials on glassware or laboratory benches; develop new drugs. Chemical engineers use plant scale equipment for industrial scale reactions; for example, to expand drug production.
10. Diversity
Both chemistry and chemical engineering have been successful in promoting diversity in the field. This year, 42% of chemical applicants are women, which is a good sign of gender equality.
