Chemistry and chemical engineering are two closely related fields that often intersect, but they have distinct focuses, objectives and applications. If you’re trying to choose the career path that’s best for you, it’s important to understand the differences between these disciplines.
Chemistry is the study of matter
Chemistry is fundamentally the study of matter, including its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.
Chemists seek to understand the fundamental principles that govern the behaviour of atoms and molecules, and they do so through the various branches of chemistry such as organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. They are interested in why and how chemical phenomena occur, and their work is primarily focused on experimentation and theoretical analysis, often conducted in laboratory settings.
Chemical engineering applies principles from chemistry to solve problems
Chemical Engineering applies principles from chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to design and optimize large-scale processes that produce, transform and transport materials to solve real-world problems.
Chemical engineers are responsible for taking useful chemical reactions developed in a laboratory and figuring out how to scale them up so they can be used to benefit society. Their focus is on creating efficient, safe and cost-effective processes for manufacturing products like renewable fuels, biomaterials, green chemicals and pharmaceuticals. They also develop processes that provide essential services, such as those needed to capture and sequester carbon , treat and provide clean and safe water, recover resources from waste streams or support overall environmental management.
Education paths
From an education perspective, chemists typically earn degrees in chemistry or related fields, with coursework that includes organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, as well as advanced laboratory techniques. Their skill set is geared toward analytical thinking, detailed observation and experimental design.
On the other hand, chemical engineers generally pursue degrees in chemical engineering, which includes a blend of chemistry, engineering principles and applied mathematics. Their education covers process design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and materials science. They are trained to solve large-scale, practical problems and to optimize industrial processes.
Career opportunities for chemists and chemical engineers
From a career perspective, chemists often work in research and development, quality control and teaching. They may be employed by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, environmental agencies and industries requiring new materials or chemical formulations.
Chemical engineers are typically found in industries such as chemical production, pharmaceuticals, food processing and manufacturing. They design and oversee the construction of chemical plants, develop new chemical processes, improve existing processes and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Related but distinct disciplines
While both chemists and chemical engineers work with chemicals, their roles and focuses are distinct. Again, chemists are primarily concerned with understanding and discovering new substances, while chemical engineers focus on applying this knowledge to create and optimize industrial processes. Both disciplines are essential to the development and production of countless products that are integral to modern life.
For more detailed information on the difference between engineering and science, take a look at the UBC Engineering article Engineering or Science: What’s the Best Path for You?.
You might also want check out the Chemical Institute of Canada, which runs the Canadian Society for Chemistry and the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering. You can become a student member of either or both of these societies, which gives you access to student events and mentorship opportunities. The American Chemical Society has resources for students interested in chemistry and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers has some great resources for undergraduate students interested in chemical engineering.