passion for chemistry essay

July 16, 2012

Why I am a chemist

By ashutosh

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

The twentieth century was supposedly the century of physics and the twenty-first century is that of biology. Where does chemistry fit in? The answer is, in both. Chemistry was integral to both the physics and biology that dominate their respective centuries. It has played a major role in human existence for as long as civilization has existed. And it continues to be a central part of much of scientific progress. The reason why chemistry does not seem to conspicuously make its way into the lexicon of cartographers of science is the same reason why the people who do the lights, costumes, event management, casting, musical score, special effects and cinematography for a major motion picture don't figure on most people's radar. That's because their work is so ubiquitous and subtly pervasive that we take it for granted. And often enough chemistry surprises us by stepping into the shoes of the director, actors and writers.

Chemistry is a many splendored thing

I am a chemist. I am passionate about chemistry because of its central and tremendously diverse role in the entire scientific enterprise. Chemists can be doctors, inventing drugs and materials for medical implants. Chemists can be architects, designing materials that can confer resilience, strength and aesthetic shapes to building materials. Chemists can be physicists, calculating structures of molecules using quantum mechanics and shining lasers on them to interrogate their properties. Chemists can be astronomers, literally studying star stuff. Chemists can be climate and energy scientists, studying the impact of climate change on the carbon cycle and developing new materials for solar capture. Chemists can be biologists, probing the fundamental basis of life and its origins. Chemists can be chefs and perfumers, concocting uncanny approximations of natural fragrances and flavors for haute cuisine. Chemists can even be fashion designers, developing novel textiles and colors for the latest season. And chemists can be engineers in a very fundamental sense, building molecules atom by atom.

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There are chemists and there are chemists

Images of chemists inevitably conjure up slightly bug-eyed scientists with unkempt hair holding green frothing liquids. But as with some other portrayals of scientists in popular sources, this image is simplistic at best and a caricature at worst. Reality is more diverse. How would the scene look like if you collected chemists from all specialties, put them together in a room and asked them to practice their trade? Many chemists would appear in front of fume hoods, specialized enclosures that are designed to suck out noxious fumes and allow a chemist to organize his or her wherewithal. You would indeed see some of them holding colorful, bubbling liquids - and this visual aspect certainly contributes to the allure of chemistry - but you would see many others holding tiny vials with colorless liquids or solids. The contents of those vials could range from DNA to snail toxins to new materials for solar energy. You could also see chemists experimenting with lasers, electronics, x-ray machines and spectrometers and they would still be doing chemistry. Tucked away in a corner, you would then improbably find a few chemists wearing neither lab coats nor tinkering with any kind of chemical apparatus. Instead - and this happens to be my trade - they would be intently staring at a computer screen, watching and manipulating 3D images of small molecules and proteins, writing code and running calculations on the structure and properties of these molecules. These people are still doing chemistry. Finally, there's a small but significant group of chemists who you would not locate in this room; you would find them instead scattered thousands of miles away in rainforests, oceans and the arctic expanse. These chemists are digging deep into the soil, studying amphibians and scooping water in search of new drugs. Others would be testing water, soil and air samples for environmental pollutants.

Chemistry permeates our world

The foregoing discussion exemplifies the sheer diversity of chemical science and its practitioners. The heart of chemistry is the science and art of synthesis, a process that can make novel molecules which never existed before. The impact of this activity on human civilization is hard to overstate. Look around you. Every single bit of material entity that you see has either been synthesized in the flask of a chemist or is a natural compound that has been modified in the flask of a chemist. Even if it is not synthetic, it has probably undergone some kind of synthetic modification that has improved its color, flavor, smell, toughness, flexibility, softness, durability, conductivity, or aesthetic looks. Much of the modern world as we know it in the form of metals, plastics, fibers, drugs, detergents, pesticides, fuels, medical implants, food and drink is the direct result of chemistry. Pondering just one of chemistry's myriad creations like jet fuel or PVC or aspirin should convince us of its all-pervasive role in human civilization. It would not be a stretch to say that chemistry's influence on our modern way of life and the rise and fall of nations is equal to that of the development of the calculus.

Saying that chemistry has been influential in the rise and fall of nations is not an exaggeration. There is no other science whose basic entities have had such an impact on international and domestic geopolitics on an individual basis. Time and time again, single molecules have dictated the fate of nations. The central role of iron, bronze and aluminum in the shaping of ancient and modern cultures is well-documented but there's more. For many years and even now, the economic strength of a country has been judged by its production of sulfuric acid. Or consider morphine, that singular substance which is alluring and forbidden in equal parts. Morphine was responsible for the Opium Wars , a set of conflicts whose repercussions forever changed the geopolitical landscape and future of China. And in a classic case of very slightly altered chemical identity which we will often explore on this blog, morphine's cousin heroin continues to hold enormous sway on political calculations through the drug trade, leading to entire communities destroyed and billions of dollars spent. The pattern repeats throughout history; indigo, saltpeter, crude oil, rare earth metals, uranium, ambergris, gold, turmeric, silk, salt, all of them substances prized for the presence of one or a handful of molecules, sometimes prized enough to have encouraged trade, caused wars, brokered peace, killed millions, driven men to wealth, madness and despair.

The human science

As I noted in a past post , it's this intimate connection of chemistry with our world and history that makes it, more than any other discipline, the human science. This has led to a complicated relationship between molecules and our collective consciousness. It is not uncommon for the media to try to steer us clear of the dangers of "chemicals". What's usually missing is the context. Sometimes the belief that all chemicals are bad leads to nonsensical advertising, such as the enthusiastic marketing of products that apparently contain no "chemicals", a practical impossibility if chemicals are defined as molecules of one kind or another. One of the common refrains of those battling this chemophobia is that "the dose makes the poison", a universal principle that applies to everything from water to botulism toxin. Many well-intentioned studies which seek to warn the public of the dangers of chemicals ignore this basic fact and often miss details of exact doses, statistical significance and sample sizes.

Nonetheless, much of this chemophobia reflects the complicated relationship between humans and science that we have always lived with. In this sense chemistry presents us with a microcosm of the tussle between technological progress and its moral dilemmas; after all, while penicillin brings a person back from the brink of death, nobody can deny that it was also used to kill during World War 1, and it is true that wrong doses of chemicals in the wrong hands can cause much death and suffering. Seen this way chemicals are no different from human beings where the specific context can turn a saint into a sinner. But these facts present us with a challenge that's no different from that presented by the progression of science and technology since the industrial revolution. Remembering Joseph Rotblat's words that much of human suffering is related to the time lag between technological developments and our moral and human capacity to fully comprehend them, for better or worse we will continue to be confronted with chemicals, with fossil fuels, with radioactivity and with genetic engineering. In many of these cases however, it is hard to deny that their sum total has greatly contributed to economic and technological progress and has objectively alleviated suffering, at least in some cases like drug development and poverty eradication.

Chemistry@TheCuriousWavefunction

On this blog I will be discussing the nature of chemical science. I will be talking about the history of chemistry and will try to illustrate the incalculable impact that molecules have had on our way of life. Papers will be discussed and the power of basic chemical concepts will be illustrated. Along the way we will meet some of the giants of chemistry on whose shoulders we all stand. Another goal is to discuss the unique philosophy of chemistry, something that has traditionally been neglected by philosophers of science. The overall aim is to point out the central place that chemistry has in our world and to demonstrate that it is very much the human science.

This blog picks up the baton from my old blog with the same name which I have been writing for slightly more than eight years now. That blog has been an immensely rewarding endeavor and has been enriched with comments and criticism by readers, many of whom have paid more attention to it than it deserved. Here I will also be dwelling on my other interest, the history and philosophy of science as well as miscellaneous scientific topics that I am interested in. I am thankful to the organizers of the Scientific American blog network (especially Bora Zivkovic) for this opportunity and am very happy to be joining a first-rate group of bloggers who between them seem to cover almost every field of human inquiry. I hope I can make my own modest contribution to the sparkling dialogue that defines this site, and I greatly welcome and appreciate comments and criticism.

Science | Technology | Engineering | Mathematics

Stem student stories from king's college london, 5 reasons why i love chemistry.

January 23, 2020 Anjali Rajah Chemistry , Studying at Uni 2

Chemistry is all around us, and understanding chemical processes takes us one step closer to understanding the world. Personally, I believe that Chemistry is for everyone in some way, and studying it will develop you as a person as well as a scientist. Here are 5 reasons which explain why I love this subject so much:

1. It’s a perfect mix

Biology used to be my favourite subject in school, but I soon realised that my real interest lay in delving deeper into explanations underpinning biological processes. I also loved the intricacies of Physics, and how it tries to explain what seems impossible to comprehend. This all lead to me discovering a love for Chemistry, as it is a discipline which seems to combine bits and pieces from all the sciences, while adding its own theories.

2. It’s a common ground

Chemistry is a subject which brings people together from all around the world. You may have had various life experiences and grown up in different cultures, but the Chemistry you learn about is the same.

3. It pushes your thinking

Creativity is extremely important in Chemistry. You’ll need this skill when designing experiments or syntheses, or even just through drawing possible molecules. It’s a field where you have to constantly think creatively about how to overcome problems.

4. It strengthens your resilience

Overcoming problems and having to create new ways to achieve this also builds your resilience and patience. It makes you develop your critical thinking skills and improves how you act in certain situations. I believe that the study of Chemistry betters you as a person, and helps you become who you want to be.

5. It encourages you to keep on fighting! 

Finally, getting something wrong in Chemistry is seen as an opportunity, not a failure. As a chemist, we all have to go through failed experiments, but it’s all about how you pick yourself back up and carry on. It teaches you to never give up.

Read more…

Find out more from Olga on what studying Chemistry is like at King’s

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How to Write a Chemistry Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

Writing a personal statement is a very daunting task, it can seem like the be-all and end-all of your university application. In this post, Oxford PhD Chemistry researcher and 1st Class Oxford Chemistry graduate, Zoe, outlines how to structure your personal statement, as well as discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to a Chemistry personal statement. We have also provided an example Chemistry Personal Statement for those looking for inspiration.

General Tips for a Successful Chemistry Personal Statement:

When applying to the top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge or other Russel Group universities, the personal statement is not going to be the single factor determining the success of your application. In that sense, there is no need to spend hours curating the ‘perfect’ personal statement - interview preparation and school grades will have a much stronger weighting in the eyes of the admissions office. That being said, a poorly written personal statement can negatively impact your chances and you’ll want to make sure you have avoided common pitfalls and checked all the boxes for a successful application.

Below I’ll discuss key things your personal statement should include, along with common mistakes people make when trying to impress.

1.      Convey your genuine interest for chemistry – this should be the first paragraph and indicate why you want to study chemistry

-          Don’t write clichés such as ‘I’ve wanted to be a chemist since I was 4 years old’ - they want to know what motivates you now

-          Do be yourself and talk about what you genuinely find interesting and what got you motivated to study Chemistry in the first place e.g. at A-level (you don’t gain points for having stated to like Chemistry at an earlier age). Demonstrate your enthusiasm for chemistry by discussing what motivated you to study the subject, such as a particular experiment or a fascinating discovery

2.      Demonstrate you have the skills and motivation required to pursue the subject at the highest-level – this should be paragraphs 2 and 3 and form the bulk of your personal statement. Don’t get carried away, focus on one or two key examples that demonstrate your commitment to the subject

-          Don’t lie – this may seem obvious, but don’t mention books you haven’t read or experiments you haven’t done just to sound clever; this is the easiest way to get caught out in an interview. Tutors are not expecting you to know the whole 1st year undergraduate course and they will be well aware if you pretend you have.

-          Do include any research or reading you have done which shows commitment to the subject. All they want is for you to show you have taken the time to go beyond the standard A-level syllabus, be that by reading books, keeping up with the literature or even attending talks or visiting an interesting exhibition at a museum. There is no right way to show interest in the subject! Highlight your academic achievements in chemistry, including any relevant coursework, research projects, or awards that showcase your skills and knowledge

3.      Highlight skills that make you suited for the course – This should the final paragraph and should be a couple of sentences at most. Showcase these skills, such as your ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and problem-solve, which are essential for success in the field of Chemistry.

-          Don’t mention extra-curriculars that are not directly relevant to the course. 4000 characters is not a lot and you do not want to waste space or things that tutors will not even consider

-          Do include any extra-curriculars that demonstrate either proficiency and commitment to the subject (e.g., Chemistry Olympiad) or extra-curriculars that will show you are suited to high-paced and demanding environments such as Oxford or Cambridge (e.g. sports or activities that required significant dedication and skills such as time-management)

4. Be concise and focused: Keep your personal statement concise and focused, with a clear structure and well-defined paragraphs. Finally, proofread your personal statement carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and flows smoothly. Consider asking someone else to read it and provide feedback before submitting your application.

Are You Looking For a Russell Group or Oxbridge Chemistry Personal Statement Tutor?

Our Chemistry tutors are brilliant at supporting students with the brainstorming and drafting process for their Chemistry personal statements. Visit our Personal Statement page or book a free consultation to discuss how we can support.

Ideas to Show Interest Beyond Your A-level Chemistry Curriculum:

You may feel overwhelmed when it comes to searching beyond the A-level course. Chemistry is a huge subject so how do you find the best, most interesting things to read and talk about?

The short answer is you can’t. There is not right or wrong book to read just as there is no right or wrong thing to be interested in. The breadth of most Chemistry courses highlights this very fact – you can be interested in whatever area of Chemistry you want, and its completely okay if this ends up being a different area to your interviewer! In fact, you are more likely to invest time into learning new content, and thus are more likely to effectively demonstrate your skills if you have chosen something you are genuinely interested in. So, don’t spend ages trying to find the ‘right’ area to research but do pursue your actual interests!

Below are just a few examples of ways in which you can engage with chemistry outside of the classroom, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. So, if you find something else that sparks your interest then by all means, go with that!

Books You Could Mention in Your Chemistry Personal Statement:

Why Chemical Reactions Happen – James Keeler*

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out – Richard Feynman

The Most Beautiful Molecule – Hugh Aldersey-Williams

Periodic Tales - Hugh Aldersey-Williams

The Disappearing Spoon – Sam Kean

Napoleon's Buttons – Jay Burreson and Penny Le Couteur

*A very good introduction to some 1st year undergraduate topics but also a pretty big cliché so I would avoid having this as the main book in your personal statement

Chemistry Podcasts:

Chemistry for your life : A podcast helping you understand the chemistry of your everyday life

Chemistry in its element : A weekly tour of the periodic table, from Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Chemistry Cayk

Distillations : Uncovering moments in science-related history

Extracurricular Activities For Success in Chemistry University Applications:

UK Chemistry Olympiad

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Year 12 only)

Giving a talk at your school’s Chemistry/ Science society

Seek out relevant work experience : If you have any relevant work experience, discuss it in your personal statement. This could include internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships

U2 Tuition’s co-curricular division, Minds Underground, host online specialised research projects, with many Chemistry-related options. Gaining research experience can be a valuable opportunity for school students, offering numerous benefits beyond what is typically learned in the classroom. Visit the Research Experience page for more information!

Applying to Oxford for Chemistry? Here Is What You Should Also Do

If Oxford is your dream destination for studying this fascinating subject, there are some crucial tips to consider. Here's a breakdown of key elements to enhance your chemistry personal statement, especially tailored for Oxford:

1. Embrace Depth and Breadth:

Oxford values not just your depth of understanding in chemistry but also your ability to appreciate its broad applications. Showcase both your passion for specific areas of chemistry and your awareness of its interdisciplinary nature.

2. Highlight Research Awareness:

Demonstrate your awareness of cutting-edge research in chemistry. Mention specific projects, studies, or advancements that have caught your attention, showcasing a keen interest in staying updated on the latest developments in the field.

3. Demonstrate Critical Thinking:

Oxford places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Showcase instances where you've applied these skills in problem-solving, especially in chemistry-related scenarios.

4. Exhibit Your Intellectual Curiosity:

Oxford seeks students who are not only knowledgeable but also intellectually curious. Share instances where you've gone beyond the standard curriculum to explore your interest in chemistry, such as engaging with advanced books, attending seminars, or participating in relevant extracurricular activities.

5. Discuss Your Future Contribution:

Convey a sense of your long-term vision in the field of chemistry. Whether it's contributing to ground-breaking research, advancing technology, or inspiring future generations, Oxford wants to see your commitment to making a meaningful impact.

6. Make Sure You Personal Statement Is An Exciting Springboard For Discussion At Interview

Oxford places significant importance on the interview process, and your personal statement can serve as a crucial catalyst for engaging discussions during this stage. Craft your statement in a way that prompts curiosity, inviting interviewers to delve deeper into your experiences and viewpoints. Incorporate thought-provoking questions or reflections on your experiences, leaving room for insightful conversations. Showcasing your ability to articulate complex ideas and engage in dynamic discussions will not only demonstrate your readiness for the Oxford environment but also set the stage for a compelling interview experience.

Tailoring your statement with these specific considerations for Oxford will help you showcase your suitability for the challenging and enriching academic environment at the University.

Chemistry Personal Statement Example

Below, we have shared a personal statement example for a chemistry degree application. This is a succinct and focused piece, highlighting experiences from engaging with captivating books and podcasts to participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad. From sugar plastics to sustainability, each facet contributes to a narrative showcasing the dynamic nature of chemistry and the student’s commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Chemistry captivates me as a subject that blends curiosity and practical understanding. My journey began with Hugh Aldersey-Williams' 'The Most Beautiful Molecule,' a book that provided a captivating exploration of molecular structures. What fascinated me most was the author's ability to unravel the complexities of these structures in a way that felt accessible and intriguing. Aldersey-Williams seamlessly blended scientific detail with a narrative that made me appreciate the elegance hidden within the microscopic world of molecules. This narrative approach to scientific storytelling resonated with me, creating a bridge between the abstract concepts of chemistry and their real-world implications. I enjoy listening to Chemistry podcasts and found the ChemTalk podcast episode featuring Dr. Karen Wooley discussing Sugar Plastics and Sustainability particularly fascinating. Unlike conventional plastics, which contribute to pollution and resource depletion, sugar plastics offer a renewable and biodegradable alternative. Her insights into sustainability, sugars, and their applications in industry resonated with me. This podcast demonstrated the bridge between theory and real-world challenges, showcasing the versatility of chemistry in creating alternative materials and emphasising the practical role of chemistry in addressing global issues. Inspired by Dr. Wooley's work, I undertook a project focused on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics using sugars. Collaborating with peers, we explored the synthesis and properties of sugar-based plastics, aiming to contribute to environmentally friendly solutions. This hands-on project allowed me to witness the tangible applications of chemistry in addressing contemporary issues, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices within the field. Attending a lecture on sustainability in chemistry further deepened my appreciation for the discipline's potential impact on global challenges. The lecture illuminated innovative approaches and advancements in sustainable chemistry, emphasising the role of environmentally friendly practices in research and industry. What fascinated me was the integration of green chemistry principles, showcasing how the field is evolving to minimise environmental impact and enhance efficiency. This experience broadened my perspective on the practical applications of sustainable practices within the realm of chemistry, reaffirming my commitment to contributing to solutions that align with the principles of environmental responsibility. Participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad further deepened my understanding of the versatile nature of chemistry, challenging me to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Being a passionate debater, I have also honed my communication and critical thinking skills, learning to articulate complex ideas effectively. Additionally, running my school's Chemistry Society has provided a platform to share my enthusiasm for the subject with peers, organising events and discussions that foster a collaborative and interactive learning environment. These activities showcase my commitment to both academic excellence and fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for chemistry beyond the classroom. These experiences have solidified my passion for chemistry and its real-world applications. Eager to delve deeper, I am motivated to pursue a chemistry degree, driven by a genuine curiosity and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to this impactful discipline.

In conclusion, writing a strong Chemistry degree personal statement requires careful planning, organisation, and attention to detail. A successful Chemistry personal statement should demonstrate your passion for the subject, showcase your academic achievements, highlight your relevant experiences, and emphasise your skills. By following these guidelines and taking the time to craft a well-written and compelling personal statement, you can increase your chances of being accepted into the Chemistry degree of your choice. Remember to proofread your statement carefully, seek feedback from others, and let your unique voice and personality shine through. Good luck with your application!

Are You Looking For an Chemistry Personal Statement Tutor or Support with Your Wider Oxbridge Chemistry Application?

U2 Tuition specialises in Top UK University/ Oxbridge preparation, with a team of 700+ Oxbridge-educated tutors. We offer personal statement preparation with our Oxbridge Chemistry tutors, who host live sessions brainstorming ideas, helping with drafts etc. We also offer offline personal statement reviews for those with a full draft already complete.

Our experienced Oxbridge-educated tutors are experts in their field and have a proven track record of success in helping students achieve their goals and gain admission to some of the top universities in the UK. We also offer admissions test and interview preparation for those applying to Oxbridge and also top Russell Group Universities who interview such as Imperial.

Visit our Personal Statement page for more detail on how we can support.

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Chemistry personal statement example 10.

From the smallest molecule to the most important issues of the modern world, chemistry is fundamental. The burgeoning world energy crisis, for example, will only be solved with the help of Chemistry, and the possibility to be involved in this is an ambition of mine. Studying Chemistry has helped me to further understand this problem and to ask questions like why is hydrogen fuel expensive to produce? And it has helped to answer such questions, i.e. due to the high amount of energy required for the electrolysis of water. Chemistry is also crucial in industry, and new developments can have large economic impacts. This evident vitality, augmented by the deeper understanding of real-world issues gained by further study, is a major incentive to study degree level Chemistry.

My interest in Chemistry was consolidated by my work experience at Durham University Chemistry Department. The more advanced Chemistry I was exposed to - in textbooks, discussions and practical work - ensured me that I would be interested in degree level Chemistry. My work mainly consisted of brominating an aromatic, which would produce an intermediate for stem-cell research. This taught me valuable practical skills, such as the use of Schlenk apparatus, column separation and rotary evaporation. Working with a research team made me particularly attracted to courses offering an opportunity to take part in research. Using analytical machinery, such as NMR, on compounds that I had produced excitingly brought what had been theory in a textbook into practical reality. The desire for more of these moments is one of my main motivations for studying Chemistry. In addition, I regularly engage in further reading online, e.g. the Oxford pre-University Chemistry Course. This has expanded my interest in Chemistry beyond the A2 syllabus.

At school, I won the prize for AS Chemistry and represented the school in a regional Chemistry competition at Newcastle University, coming runner up. This has added to my confidence with, and commitment to, Chemistry. I also won the prize for AS Mathematics, a subject I enjoy almost as much as Chemistry. My study of Mathematics has increased my understanding and interest in the quantified aspects of Chemistry. I chose to continue History to A2 to develop my analytical and essay writing skills, which would prove especially useful in any broader optional modules taken and with general scientific writing.

Cafe Scientifique has given me the opportunity to engage in scientific debate, and being a member of the committee has allowed me to choose topics, such as artificial intelligence and evolution, and run the debates themselves. In addition to this, I have participated in the school's Debating Society and represented the school in the Cambridge Schools Debating Competition. Expanding on this in a university debating society is something I look forward to. The LINK listening course I completed allowed me to become a school counsellor, and I would welcome an opportunity to become involved in counselling at university. Assembling personal computers is a hobby of mine, and the use of IT in Chemistry intrigues me; so far, I have used applications such as ChemOffice to present homework and view molecules in 3D.

My passion for Chemistry stems from an appetite to understand the physical world around me, and I eagerly anticipate the enhancement of understanding that degree level Chemistry will bring.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Alxy for application in 2007.

Alxy's Comments

Got an offer from Oxford for Chemistry at AAA. Also got an offer for Natural Sciences at Durham.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Mon, 10/09/2007 - 03:41

Fri, 21/09/2007 - 12:31

thats amazing

why is chemistry capitalized?

Sun, 18/11/2007 - 04:31

In response to the 3rd

Wed, 05/12/2007 - 12:22

In response to the 3rd comment: your assumption that I am rich and from a socially privileged background is unfounded. Both my parents are nurses, and neither have been pushy. I've pushed myself, I do have a life, and I've never been to a Startrek convention. It may interest you that I turned down Oxford, went to Durham, left there, and I'm now at Newcastle, doing an MMath. This was done mainly to, as you said, 'have a life'.

I used this personal statement as an expedient to gain entry into top universities. They want stuff like this. It's not my personality in a page.

you truly are........ an epic

Sat, 15/12/2007 - 18:00

you truly are........ an epic personal statement writer but also an obvious star trek fan.

Wow... Thanks for this

Thu, 28/08/2008 - 19:28

Wow... Thanks for this personal statement, it's really helped me! Especially the openeing which I think is the hardest part.

Comments to comments

Sat, 13/09/2008 - 20:13

"Jesus, you are surely the result of pushy parenting and the typical social prowess that comes with "private schooling" for a teenager you need to get real and live not spend your free time going to star trek conventions. The bane of society are the rich, as you are a "richer" you should know this and hang your head in shame."

Is the youth of today limited to using accusations of being a star trek fan (note the lack of capitalization) and vilely attacking someone for the achievements? It was disgusting to see an accusation of being 'privately schooled' used at all. Some of the top notch minds come from state schools, just as much as those from private ones.

Look, you dastard, your own failures came out more strongly in your vile calumnious words than any faults of this person. Does technical jargon scare you? It's evident that the third poster from the top has but a fraction of a fraction the ability of our (fantastic;)) author of the statement here. I won't attack you for being poor, but I can easily throw accusations of you having communist sympathies that can have no grounds at all.

Furthermore, the very arrogance you make the assumptions towards Alxy is the true bane of society. Society is afflicted by a plethora of factors, yet every society on this earth has scum like you that lay blame and hatred towards people of talent; scum blasting at the world from their own state of (perhaps financial in your case) misery. I doubt you'd ever read these words, but I'm not addressing you alone of course. The people I am address are those who are holding society back.

I didn't make it into Oxford, I got offered BBC at Durham, and I turned that down for Imperial College. Alxy doesn't need anyone to speak up, but I felt an incessant need to lambast at this coward that hides behind the name of 'guest' (although I quite hypocritically hide behind a pseudonym myself:) ) and the fool who asks why 'chemistry' is capitalized.

Great statement, although I can deal it a hefty share of criticism (whose statement is immune to that?) but nevertheless a well contained piece of writing.

the above poster is I

Sat, 13/09/2008 - 20:14

login timed out, i write too much apparently.

very impressive chemistry

Tue, 23/09/2008 - 08:49

very impressive chemistry practical/work experience... although when talking about energy crisis and hydrogen fuel cells, I'm surprised you don't shed any light on the steam methane method of producing hydrogen. this is the most efficient and cheapest way of producing hydrogen.

Wed, 22/10/2008 - 18:29

wanna go on a date?

Thu, 30/10/2008 - 21:31

This was an great personal

Sun, 26/07/2009 - 22:13

This was an great personal statement and has really inspired me to go and write mine, i was finding it so hard before, so thanks.

Also some people who judge before asking should watch it, just because you are jealous that this guy is clearly awesome doesnt mean u should put him down or jump to conclusions. Most ppl have to work to achieve what grades and stuff they get and those that dont are a select few in the population and hey, those few deserve place like Oxford. Others work hard and get nothing and thats shit, but thats just the way the world works.

Coming from a rich family with pushy parents can sometimes help, but more often than not it doesnt, it works in the opposite way. After all who takes the exams u or ur parents? Many rich kids dont fucking work and dont get into uni and with the current situation as it is, it seems that going to a private school limits where you can apply for courses, rather than providing more options.

I respect the fact that this guy went out and worked hard for himself and no one else. So dont judge him. My ethos has always been to work hard and achieve that way, there is no quick way about it. So next time keep those comments to urself and think before acting.

Alxy Iz A Douche!!!

Thu, 25/03/2010 - 16:54

Yo Douche, Get A Lyf,!!

Tue, 28/09/2010 - 16:21

omg why did i even write my personal statement i should have gone to cafe scientifique am furrrcked i am looking at this with 3 days to apply xD oh well

Great statement! It's sad to

Mon, 12/09/2011 - 22:20

Great statement! It's sad to see so many jealous people leave nasty absurd comments. I feel somehow let down that Alxy even responded to those comments justifying himself.

In the first line, you spelt

Thu, 03/11/2011 - 09:55

In the first line, you spelt chemistry with a small case 'c' then like 'Chemistry' all the way through, which one is it? Fuck I don't even know now. You disgust me.

Really great personal

Sat, 12/07/2014 - 13:10

Really great personal statement! thank you so much for posting it. How did you prepare for your interview?

Add new comment

'keen interest in chemistry' - University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign

Technology development and chemistry.

hazel94 2 / 3   Sep 1, 2012   #2 This is a really good essay! It's well written, well executed and definitely shows your passion for chemistry. "Though my love for chemistry persisted, it was now alloyed with a love for business." ^ I love that! :P Could you check mine out too? Its under the undergraduate admissions section- for psychology in UIUC, so I don't think we'll be competition ;)

• Academics / Featured

I LOVE chemistry! (7 reasons why you could too.)

by Kate · August 5, 2016

Whenever I tell someone that my major is chemistry I am always met with the same reaction: a momentary flash of surprise in the eyes and some garbled, mixed statement of “Oh wow! Good for you!” or “Ugh, you poor soul…”

Regularly, I am witness to the fact that the very mention of the word “chemistry” can fill people with dread – but it doesn’t have to! Give chemistry a chance and you’ll understand the beauty and wonder that it can have. To be perfectly honest, in high school I hated chemistry too. Then my hands-on experience with chemistry at UVic changed my mind, and consequently, my life.

I love my degree, and for those of you who need further convincing that chemistry is not some sort of cruel and unusual punishment, here are my reasons why:

1. Chemistry is the connecting science. As you learn more about chemistry, you’ll begin to find it is the perfect balance between the more conceptual sciences like physics and math, and the more palpable sciences like biology and geology. Chemistry nestles perfectly between the other science subjects and connects interdisciplinary ideas, such as how quantum mechanics relates to how cells work in the body.

3. It’s very hands-on. Not many other undergraduate disciplines have you plan out your own experiments, test them in the lab, and report your findings as a part of the regular curriculum. At UVic, students learn through interesting lab experiences that engage critical thinking and relate to current real-world applications.

4. Learn about the world around you.  The more you learn about chemistry, the better you’ll be able to draw your own conclusions and interpretations about the natural and synthetic processes that have been around you all along.

While your friends spend their days reading books in the library, you’ll get to isolate the substances that give spices their distinct smell; make silly putty that changes colour with heat as you play with it; change a solution from lime green to bright orange in seconds; and test the true alcohol content of local beers!

6. The professors and lab instructors are amazing! While amazing professors are not exclusive to the Chemistry Department, we have them none-the-less. You’ll find the UVic chemistry professors and lab instructors to be passionate about what they do, helpful and supportive, and excited to share their love of chemistry with the world.

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Awesome!! I want to take this class!!!!

Hello Kate. I once taught Chemistry at U. Vic. and at Camosun College. In school it was the only subject, along with Math. that I was interested in. When Rachael Carson’s famous book came out….CHEMISTRY became very unfashionable, and the 50’s T-shirts “Better living through Chemistry ” went the way of the dodo. It is great to hear you speaking of it the way you do. Thank-you. My life’s work is vindicated !

If you or anyone else reading this has not read Oliver Sack’s book, “Uncle Tungsten” I can highly recommend it for it’s clarity and for it’s passion. It is his story of how as a child he was fascinated by Chemical Elements and spent many hours of his young life seeking out, and studying them. Yes, his family had money….which helped! He used to go out and by a sample…. I got to read it for the first time last year. I have not been so excited by a book for a long time…..but I think that ever since I was quite young, thanks to my father, Chemistry has been one of my passions. Thanks again so much for your initiating this.

Waoooo, I like chemistry

Hi good morning. Pls I will like to feature this article of yours in my newsletter. Do I have the permission?

Hi Amusa, thanks for your comment. I would be honored to have you feature this article! 🙂 Please just be sure to cite myself and the MyUVic Life Blog when you do.

Omg chemistry seems to be so interesting, I have to study a lot of chemistry for my admission exam but I just can’t understand what are my teachers saying. I used to be really good at chemistry 2 years ago, I don’t know how I became a bad student at this subject. Do you have any recommendations? I feel I understand better something if I read it, so do you have book recommendations to get into chemistry?

Honestly speaking, something relatable happened to me too…but when you study chemistry by relating it with your real on going life it will definitely help you to cope up with your this problem even YouTube videos are best to grasp the concepts.

I love chemistry.It is one of my favourite subjects.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Academic Interests — My Inspiration to Continue Studying Chemistry at University

My Inspiration to Continue Studying Chemistry at University

• Categories: Academic Interests My Aspirations Study

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Published: Jun 10, 2020

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12 Chemistry Research and Passion Project Ideas For High School Students

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

8 minute read

Chemistry is much more than just a subject taught in classrooms, it's also the science that explains the world at the molecular level. For students with an interest in experimentation, the elements that make up our universe, and a desire to dive deeper into careers like nutrition, medicine, environmental science, or energy, creating a chemistry passion project can be a valuable journey. A unique aspect of a chemistry passion project is that it has the flexibility to be more research oriented, or more hands-on and experimental.

In this article, we’ll dive into chemistry research and passion project ideas that you can either try to execute on your own or use as inspiration for a project you design. We’ll also cover how you can decide which project or topic to focus on, and navigate the diverse range of ideas within the field of chemistry.

Finding Your Chemistry Passion Project Focus

There are many different directions you can take with your chemistry passion project, so first it’s important to sit down and think through what specific topics within chemistry you’re interested in. Maybe you’re more interested in the medical side of chemistry, or perhaps you’re intrigued by the environmental science applications of chemistry. If you find yourself in that position, great! You can choose to dive deeper into any of those interests. 

After you’ve found some initial passion project ideas , the easiest step from there is just to Google or YouTube those topics and start learning more about them. You’ll find that as you start to conduct preliminary research into a few ideas, one will start to stand out to you more.

12 Chemistry Passion Project Ideas

1. what's in my water .

Most water contains heavy metal ions such as copper, iron, and zinc. Not all metal ions are bad but at high concentrations they can be unsafe. In this project you could collect water samples within your community and measure the metal ion levels such as ferric and ferrous water. Research techniques for how to accurately measure metal ion levels in water. In this project, you’ll learn more analytical chemistry techniques and explore a question relevant to public health.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Grace

2. Ocean acidification 

As the world moves towards global warming, we are seeing increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This constantly shifts the equilibrium of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the ocean, forming an acidic compound that results in lowering the pH of the ocean gradually. This can have detrimental effects on organisms that live there. This project could be used to do a deeper dive into the acidification rate of the ocean and examine potential impacts to specific organisms living in the ocean.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Janson

3. Metals for life 

If asked about metals important to life, chances are iron and calcium would first come to mind, as they are important parts of our blood and bones. There are many more metals that are needed for essential biological functions, however. In this project you will dive into scientific literature to learn about different life metals, find out what their roles are in biology, and learn what kind of life forms need them. You will also learn about the newest addition to the life metals - the lanthanides. Then, choose one life metal and review two recent scientific articles involving your metal of choice. Finally, generate a description of the metal's function in biology. Your creativity is the limit as to how you show the importance of metals for life.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Nathan

4. Sustainable chemical production 

Most chemicals in our world today are produced with petrochemical feedstocks (e.g., oil, natural gas). Research and discuss the possibility for replacing the petrochemical feedstock with a renewable one, such as biomass. What are the current realistic options? Which chemicals can be (and are already) produced with renewable feedstocks and which chemicals will be more difficult or require more research to produce sustainably?

Idea by chemistry research mentor James

5. Sleep medication: a bottle of lies or a bottle of dreams? 

There are many drugs and other substances (such as melatonin) that are prescribed to people that have issues sleeping. However many of these medications have mixed efficacy and it is unknown exactly what they do. This project could revolve around investigating a currently known drug/ substance (e.g., Ambien, melatonin), and researching how the drug affects the brain and its efficacy. You could also investigate potential future sleep therapies that could have better results than the current sleep drug market. Another potential route is developing a survey to determine how well these drugs are helping people sleep.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Sean

6. All about rubber

Polymers are some of the most relevant and impactful materials for everyday life, and the basis of all polymer science lies in understanding the structure-property relationships present in these macromolecules. In this project, you will gain a better understanding of the chemical and mechanical properties of rubber, an extremely familiar yet remarkably unique polymeric material. Through either hands-on experimentation or an in-depth literature review, you will research the chemical structure of rubber in order to understand the effect of temperature and vulcanization on its mechanical behavior. 

Idea by chemistry research mentor Sarah

7. Battery storage 

Batteries are proving to be a great way to store large amounts of energy from intermittent renewable sources. This project could involve researching current battery technologies and showing through graphs or some other visual representation of how much battery storage a city (or state/province) would need to run 100% off of renewable sources.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Landon

8. Designing a chemical production process 

In this project, a student will work on designing a chemical production process for a chemical. They would research the chemical reaction, learn about the critical research and engineering decisions that go into engineering a process, and propose a design for a more efficient manufacturing route.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Lucas

9. Water absorbent polymers for home gardening 

You'll conduct experiments and/or conduct surveys to determine what commercially-available water absorbent polymers are useful and cost-effective for home gardeners and write a research paper summarizing your results. You'll dive into polymer and agriculture science while also learning core research skills.

10. Why do some people respond differently to diabetes treatments?

Approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes . However, the response to diabetes treatment can be variable as a result of the many mutations. Using published literature and online databases, identify the most common type 2 diabetes medications and the genetic mutations that cause differential responses to these medications.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Geralle

11. Understanding novel non-opioid pain therapies 

Opioids, though very effective in managing specific pain states, are extremely dangerous and can often lead to overdose. The dual chronic pain and opioid epidemic outline the need for novel, non-opioid therapies to treat pain. In this project, you can look to understand more about current opioid shortcomings, the landscape of emerging pain therapies, and the future of pain management in the United States.

Idea by chemistry research mentor David

12. Is nuclear energy worth pursuing? 

The world faces a climate crisis, one in which immediate and drastic action is needed. Promising technologies such as nuclear power have faced public opposition and regulatory hurdles for years. Explore whether it is technically viable (i.e., is it better than other energy generation techniques?) and practically acceptable (i.e., is it safe and what are the long-term consequences?) to pursue nuclear energy.

Idea by chemistry research mentor Uday

How to Showcase Your Chemistry Passion Project

After you’ve put in all the hard work of researching and learning new skills, it’s also equally important to decide how you want to showcase your project . You can see that in many of the project ideas above, there is a clear topic of focus but the final product of the project is open-ended. You could try to publish a research paper, create a podcast or video, or even create an informative blog or website. You’ll find that although many project ideas may feel like they should culminate in a paper, many actually lend themselves well to another form of showcasing. Try to be creative and showcase your work in a way that feels authentic to you!

Examples of Chemistry Passion Projects Completed by Polygence Students

There are several chemistry passion projects created by Polygence students that we want to highlight and show for inspiration! 

Nicolette was able to explore how diseases like typhoid, malaria, and COVID-19 are cured using African herbal remedies and why the field is declining, culminating in a research paper and blog post. 

Natasha’s project explored how the inclusion of specific enzymes in sunscreen can help people with UV-induced skin diseases. Natasha’s project was presented in the form of a review paper.

Want to start a project of your own?

Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors who can help take your project off the ground!

In this article, we covered how to find a chemistry passion project that interests you and shared 12 different research and passion project ideas from our extensive network of research mentors. Of course, these are just a few of many different potential chemistry project ideas, and we encourage you to be curious and explore chemistry project ideas beyond this list.

If you’re interested in pursuing a chemistry passion project, Polygence’s programs are a great place to start and learn from excellent mentors.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / About Myself / My Passion for Science: Introducing Myself and My Interests

My Passion for Science: Introducing Myself and My Interests

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