<p>Whats the difference? I see that Chemae takes more math where as chem takes more lab analysis.</p>
<p>What's the diff in careers? What makes s chemist different from a chemE?</p>
<p>If I wanted a PhD in Chemistry would it matter which I do for undergrad?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Chemistry takes more lab classes. Chem E takes more math and physics classes. There is overlap but they are different. The chemical engineer cares more about the reactors and pipes that make the chemicals, the chemist cares more about the things flowing in the pipes and reactors. Both need significant quantitative knowledge, and may work in the other’s role depending on company.</p>
<p>Both are equally good preparation for a PhD in Chemistry, depending on what you do. Biological or organic work is more towards Chemistry, physical and materials is more towards Chemical Engineering. Just look at the websites of chemistry and chemical engineering departments.</p>
<p>I’m going to talk to a few chem professors. I took chem 1 this semester, but I screwed myself over and had to drop it. While I was in it I enjoyed it greatly so I am retaking it in the spring. As well as starting calc 1… I know 100% that I love math, I know I liked and wish I hadn’t messed up with chem. So I’m going to do that and see if I can’t really get into chem. If I can then I will probably go with chemE since they take more math, but I’ll probably take some extra classes that you would otherwise take in a chem major. </p>
<p>If I find that I cannot get into chem, then I will probable go into physics. Particle physics is a fascinating area, but I think I can market a chem degree much easier than a physics one. Plus I like working with chemicals and enjoyed my lab other than the foggy goggles… =/</p>
<p>By the way! If anyone knows a great pair of goggles or a way to keep them from fogging up PLEASE tell me!!! LOL I really hate that part of lab and that makes me enjoy lab less than I would otherwise. </p>
<p>Thanks L3Y</p>
<p>NP. TBH… goggles fogging up is a major pain especially in LONG labs like organic. i’m unsafe and take off goggles while waiting and just do homework for other classes in lab at the bench, away from the hood and away from the toxic flammable stuff. Technically you should never take goggles off but it’s a pain, it’s long, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. there’s so much waiting and your partners have your back, when they take a break to do homework you get their back.</p>
<p>Talk to your professors and counselors, they are true professionals but also never trust them completely, not because they want to hurt you but because they may not know the “situation on the ground”. Passing Chem 1 is absolutely vital, as it sets the pace for chemistry later. What you learn in general chemistry will be used again and again, especially in Physical chemistry. TBH I just thought it was another general chemistry with some calculus thrown in, not the horrendous torture i thought it was going to be.</p>
<p>If you truly find that you hate chemistry, Physics is a valid choice. It is a very marketable degree. At my school physics majors have significant programming experience required. The programs you write for computing physical problems are frequently used in finance, and there are always programming and engineering jobs. It’s all in how you market yourself.</p>
<p>Post this in the engineering forum. There are actual engineers there, not just students who actually have only read about each. Completely different degrees.</p>
<p>As someone who has worked at a chemical plant, I respectfully disagree. The process engineer for our small plant was also the manager of the QC department who has a PhD in Physical Chemistry, not chemical engineering.</p>