Every element is valuable and unique due to the endless arrangements of sub-atomic particles, which fascinates me. This allows for a diversity of elemental properties, sparking innovation for chemists to develop new products from different tasting chocolates to materials used for rockets- shaping society and the environment of the modern world. The sheer range of applications where chemistry is involved inspires me to contribute, while learning, unlocking why everything behaves the way it does. With the hydrogen fusion project in construction and the recent use of hydraulic fracturing which has caused environmental and social dispute, I chose to undertake the extended project qualification related to this, energy, as chemistry leads these efforts. In my EPQ, I discuss whether hydrogen fuel cells are the future to generating electricity. The project has improved my primary and secondary research skills, beneficial for independent reports, and enhanced my chemistry vocabulary- new definitions such as Fenton’s reagents and super acids. Furthermore, for my A2 physics coursework, I look at the potential of antimatter being used as energy- though more sensational it’s exciting and extends the scope of energy which continuously intrigues me. Organic chemistry makes me most enthusiastic, particularly optical isomers. What I find interesting? These molecules can appear to behave in a certain way however behave oppositely, biologically, which highlights where chemistry is an importance and an influence to other sciences. It amalgamates physical sciences, hence why I took physics and biology at AS level to delve into topics where Chemistry is involved. Understanding the structure of these molecules, mechanisms upon reaction and tests to prov... ... middle of paper ... ... and people external to the company. To consolidate my IT skills, I obtained work experience at Oxford’s IT department where I did not only enhance IT skills, but obtain teamwork skills working in different areas within the department- managing, programming and maintenance of facilities. As in chemistry using NMR and IR machines, IT skills may be necessary with navigating through these programs. Bearing in mind, Nobel Prize winners this year involved developing software to generate models contributing to the understanding of how catalysts clean exhaust fumes. Through Chemistry may be challenging and sometimes require patience to obtain results, attempting to surpass and achieve answers to its challenges is greatly rewarding. It opens doors to a vast number of careers; I have an interest in a number of potential paths, working in oil, or perhaps carry on researching…
The present global economy is nearly entirely dependent on petroleum and crude oil imports from the Middle East. Where the current situation stands now, oil prices will continue to skyrocket and the environmental impact will continue becoming greater if no form of alternative energy is implemented to a greater extent within the coming years. However, to this effect, the industrial cost of producing such forms of alternative energy is in itself primarily composed of coal and petroleum. In this light, I will investigate the practicality of hydrogen fuel cells based upon hydrogen consumption and exploitation. Hydrogen holds enormous promise for the future regarding alternative energy sources. To this point, its ability to be used in cars, weapons, and as miniature batteries has been demonstrated by many companies. However, if this is the case, hydrogen should be the leading supplier of power around the world. What prevents it from being so?
Our presentation from a chemist comes from Tim Storr, who completed a B.Sc at the University of Victoria before moving on to a Ph.D at UBC, and then became a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford. He is currently an associate professor at SFU, and teaches courses such as 1st year chemistry. His main area of research is medicinal inorganic chemistry, which has him researching and classifying drugs and treatment methods that target metal ions. Dr. Storr’s research includes areas such as: determining the connection between diseases and certain peptides/proteins, identifying metal ions that effectively suppress cancerous growths, and studying radiopharmaceuticals which are radioactive compounds that, once injected into the body, allow an MRI machine
The possibility of studying a Chemistry and Chemical Biology degree at Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences department will guide me with the best path. A path enriched with ground breaking research and insightful information, coming not from the textbooks but from the writers, who have created many of the best engineering texts available anywhere. The Chemistry and Chemical Biology degree program at Cornell, I believe, truly captures the importance of the synergy between chemical analysis and principles with biological phenomena and thus, adds greater depth to this program. In this department every student can choose between the standard and alternative major curriculum with which each provide unique course program that better suits students’ needs and career goals. My chemistry teacher was a great mentor to me throughout my senior year in high school and had helped awakened my enthusiasm for science and moreover engineering. Desirous of becoming a chemical engineer himself, he provided my first prospective of what such program entails and what o...
This Alternative Energy STEM project was designed not only for our group to do in depth research in alternative energy, but to spark our interest in a new kind of science and to practice the important life skill of working in a group.
These are just 2, quite recent, examples of failures in the various different forms of alternate energy and shows that there is still a lot of work to be done to make these as safe as possible. However, despite these disasters, the research of these energy sources still goes on and it is very likely that they will be pivotal in the future.
During my freshman year, I remember encountering microorganisms in a microscope for the first time in my biology class. I examined the way different cells behaved and their overall structure. This was a turning point in the way I envisioned science around me since it gave me insight on living organisms and fostered my spark in biology. As my science curriculum advanced and my drive to learn biology in different interdisciplinary ways intensified, I developed a second passion for chemistry. Throughout my chemistry curriculum, my experience was enriched through experiments and substances reactions. I began to underline a connection between chemistry and biology which cultivates my desire for studying biochemistry.
In my high school days, I found chemistry to be the most intriguing subject. I liked Organic Chemistry, particularly the mechanisms of chemical reactions. As time progressed, I understood that chemistry and physics formed the basis of science and technology, and mathematics is a tool required to model these sciences. My love for chemistry and physics greatly influenced my decision to choose Chemical Engineering as my major for undergraduate studies. When it became clear that I wanted to pursue Chemical Engineering, I wanted to do so at the number one institute in the country and I achieved my goal by getting admission in the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT, formerly UDCT).
The electric car has been around since the 1830s, eventually transitioning to a practical transportation choice in the late 1800s after improvements in the storage capacity of batteries. The electric car was at the peak of its popularity in the early 1990s. However, its popularity was short-lived; by 1935 the electric car had become a rarity, being replaced by the gas-powered vehicles. Reasons for the change being that the electric car could not travel long distances without recharging due to the limited storage capacities of batteries, it was faster to fuel a gas car than recharge an electric car, and finally, the mass production of the gas car lowered its price significantly compared to the electric car. Present day, the conventional gas powered vehicle is still preferred over electric cars, but advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology are making the option of owning a hydrogen fuel cell powered car more of a possibility as well as highlighting the benefits of other electric cars. In the following paragraphs the operation of the Ballard fuel cell is explained, the challenges with implementing a fuel cell system is discussed and lastly, the possible social and environmental effects of electric cars are explored.
Hydrogen fuel cells are a source of alternative energy. With no negative effects on the environment, they could become extremely popular. A hydrogen fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to create water and energy. These simple energy source’s only drawback is how explosive the hydrogen gas inside is. Discussing with corporate manager, Andrew Dicks, we look into possible solutions and benefits for hydrogen fuel cells.
I developed a keen interest in Chemical Engineering at the time I was pursuing my undergraduate degree program in Chemical Engineering at Ghana’s premier science university, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). At KNUST I had the greatest opportunity to study a wide range of subject areas, inside and outside the field of chemical engineering, such as reaction engineering, mass transfer, heat transfer and fluid transport. Prior to completing my undergraduate studies, it was the field of energy and sustainability that attracted my interest. At that juncture I had already made up my mind to continue my studies in that field of chemical engineering.
Ever since I began studying science and mathematics at all levels of educations I have always had an interest in the production of useful materials. In the growing turmoil of today; a world full of global warming and diminishing resources, questions often arise in my mind such as, "can we make a more efficient, more durable and a renewable resource that will overshadow fossil fuels? and have less of an impact on our environment?" Up to now, I have not found a solution to these questions and answering these questions is a personal aspiration of mine which I aim to fulfil by achieving a degree in Chemical engineering and eventually I will contribute to the field in my own unique way. The debate surrounding sustainable energy fascinates me, having recently learned from personal research I have understood what an authoritative role chemists and chemical engineers play in the industry at the present time and how, by working as a team, they contribute to an improved future for the whole world. However, one of the main reasons that has single-mindedly driven me this far to want to study chemical engineering is a book I have read, “Beyond the Molecular Frontier: Challenges for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering” While reading this book, I had solidified my understandings of what chemical engineering is all about. Also, one of the main processes mentioned was polymerisation and is something I already study in A-level chemistry, it is something that not only interests me, but is a personal career aspiration of mine. Reading this book gave me a determination to be the person who helps improve the future of the industry and provide an answer to the questions I always ask myself by studying this degree.
Chemical engineering consolidates maths and chemistry, which is one of the main reasons I was first attracted to studying it. Mathematics has helped me approach problems in an analytical and rigorous way, formulating theories and applying them to solve problems. I particularly...
Though many people fail to realize it, chemistry is a subject essential to everyday life, due to the fact that it is the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed. But what we must understand is that everything in the universe is composed of matter, hence chemistry is necessary in learning more about the world and universe that we live in. There are many careers and fields affiliated with chemistry that people pursue to learn more about the composition of the universe, but for now, let us examine the logistics of three of these careers. These three careers involving chemistry are geochemistry, environmental chemistry, and chemical engineering.
As time passes by, I’ve realized many things such as chemistry isn’t easy subject to learn because sometimes intelligence doesn’t matter the most. Intelligence must be mixed with some hardwork and dedication. In our Grade 7 & 8, we’ve tackled about the basic properties of common elements but now we are studying it in more complicated way than before so I think it is kind of challenge for me. I must admit that I’m not good at chemistry, like those studying of elements and memorizing such atomic masses and other stuffs. For me, mastering any topic in Chemistry is one of the biggest achievements in life. This module
The growing relevance of Chemical Engineering in today’s world, from energy & oil industries to pharmaceuticals & biotechnology, and a keen desire for applying this knowledge in interrelated spheres motivates me to pursue a Master’s degree in this field. My interest in science goes back to the time when I was in school. We had a young and enthusiastic teacher who took us on field trips and visits to science fairs and museums. This nascent interest has only burgeoned through my years in school and high school, as I have learnt more about the subject. In the long run, I see myself as a part of a leading research group, either as a faculty member or in the R&D department of an organisation contributing my bit to the field of Chemical Engineering. As a research scientist, I hope to make a difference in this field and learn more through the innovative challenges.