Chemistry deals with the composition, structure and behaviour of the atoms and molecules that make up all forms of matter. It contributes to medicine, geology, materials science, molecular physics, biology and astronomy. Its central role in science is emphasised by the fact that chemistry merges with the biological sciences (the field of biochemistry) at one extreme and with physics (physical chemistry and chemical physics) at the other.
Chemistry has an important role to play in solving the world's major problems: energy, food supply, health and the environment. Every day we utilise products developed by experimental chemists, such as paints, plastics, fabrics, petrol, dyes and pharmaceuticals. Practising chemists make important contributions to almost all fields of applied science. Indeed, chemists far outnumber all other types of scientists.
