Focus on chemistry as a career
by Nilma DOLE
“People should be interested in knowing what they breathe, consume
and apply on their bodies, because a majority of them don’t understand
the importance of chemistry,” said President of the Institute of
Chemistry Sri Lanka, Prof. M. De Costa. It is the chemist’s job to
ensure that consumers get the right information about chemical elements
that they may be taking in when it comes to food, cosmetics or even tap
water.
The Professor said chemists have ample job opportunities because of
the importance of the sector, especially in chemical industries and
power projects. “For instance, the Kerawalapitiya power plant has five
full-time chemists to check the quality of the water that is used in the
boilers because they need to generate the right amount of steam,” he
said.
The latest development in chemistry is Computation Chemistry that
uses principles of computer science to assist in solving chemical
problems.
“Chemists are ideal for this field as analytical thinking and
technical knowledge makes them flexible learners,” he said.
Little has been done to highlight the important role of chemists, and
in a bid to boost public interest in chemistry, the Institute plans to
hold an exhibition and convention themed ‘Chemex 2011’ from January 27
to 30 at the BMICH.
“A special feature of the exhibition is to provide students from
schools that don’t have chemistry practicals, the facilities to carry
out the chance to do their exercises for free,” said Chairman of the
Organising Committee of the exhibition, M. Hettigedera. He described the
event as a one-of-a-kind exhibition that is bound to inspire the youth
to take to chemistry as a lucrative career.
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