Which area should I do my fourth year in?

[Alvine]

I'm about to be choosing my final year project for my chemistry degree.

Basically, I love theoretical chemistry, but I don't want to work in academia and I can't find much about the industrial demand for theoreticians. I'm very interested in surface science too, so it's not a huge compromise if the money is that much better, but I wonder if any of you know of any lucrative opportunities for quantum chemists/statistical mechanics?

Naturally I'll be discussing this with the potential course supervisors too, but I hoped some of you might have a little insight?

 

[Aaron Bex]

One option is to look into the pharmaceutical industry, where many companies are looking for theoretical chemists to develop new drugs. Other industries such as materials science and food science can also benefit from the knowledge of theoretical chemistry. You could also look into alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power, as these industries need to understand the chemistry behind their processes. Finally, you could consider looking into the field of nanotechnology, which requires a strong knowledge of theoretical chemistry in order to design and build nanoscale structures.

 

[piercas]

I understand the importance of choosing a final year project that aligns with your interests and career goals. It is great to hear that you have a passion for theoretical chemistry and surface science. My advice would be to carefully consider your options and weigh your interests against potential job opportunities in the field.

While there may not be as many industrial positions for theoreticians as there are for experimentalists, there is still a demand for theoretical chemists in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and energy. Additionally, with the growing use of computational methods in research, there may be opportunities for quantum chemists and statistical mechanics in fields such as data science and artificial intelligence.

I would suggest discussing your career goals and interests with potential course supervisors and seeking advice from professionals in the field. They may be able to provide insights on potential job opportunities and offer guidance on how to tailor your final year project to make you a strong candidate for those positions.

Ultimately, it is important to choose a project that you are passionate about and will challenge you academically. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career in theoretical chemistry or surface science, whether in academia or industry. Best of luck in your decision-making process.