Regarding the several specialized fields of chemistry, applied chemistry, chemical technology, chemical engineering, polymers, and fine chemicals

Organic compounds formed by thousands of atoms bonded to each other through covalent bonds, resulting in a very high relative molecular mass and containing repeating structural units. 　　It is a compound formed by the aggregation of molecules with a relatively high molecular weight, also known as polymers or macromolecules. Molecules with a relative molecular mass of over 10,000 are generally referred to as polymers. Polymers are usually composed of 103 to 105 atoms connected by covalent bonds. Since polymers are mostly produced by the polymerization of small molecules, they are also often referred to as polymers or polymeric substances; the small molecules used in polymerization are called “monomers”. 　　The vast majority of books published in China, including the authoritative Chinese Encyclopedia, provide an incomplete definition of polymers. In 1994, IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) recognized macromolecule and polymer molecule as synonyms (although there is still some controversy), and temporarily defined a polymer molecule as “a molecule with a relatively high molecular weight, whose structure is primarily composed of multiple repetitions of units that are derived, either in practice or conceptually, from molecules with relatively lower molecular weights.” ”As for what molecular weight is required for a substance to be considered a polymer, IUPAC does not provide a clear definition; the traditional view is that it lies between 10,000 and 100,000. Its original definition is “A molecule of high relative molecular mass, the structure of which essentially comprises the multiple repetitions of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of low relative molecular mass.”“

Chemical Engineering is an engineering discipline that studies the common principles of chemical and physical processes involved in production within the chemical industry and other process industries. These industries include the petroleum refining industry, metallurgy industry, building materials industry, food industry, papermaking industry, and others. Starting from basic raw materials such as oil, coal, natural gas, salt, limestone, other ores, as well as food, wood, water, and air, chemical or physical processes are used to alter the composition, properties, and state of these materials, thereby producing a variety of high-value products such as fertilizers, gasoline, lubricants, synthetic fibers, synthetic rubber, plastics, caustic soda, soda ash, cement, glass, steel, iron, aluminum, pulp, and so on. A chemical process refers to a reaction process in which substances undergo chemical changes; for example, the catalytic cracking of diesel to produce high-octane gasoline is a chemical reaction process. Physical processes refer to changes in the composition, properties, state, and energy of matter that occur without chemical reactions; for example, crude oil is separated through distillation to produce products such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. As for other fields such as ore smelting, fuel combustion, biological fermentation, leather manufacturing, seawater desalination, etc., although the forms of these processes vary, they can all be broken down into the aforementioned chemical and physical processes. In fact, chemical processes often occur simultaneously with physical processes. For example, catalytic cracking is a typical chemical process, but it is accompanied by heating, cooling, and separation; moreover, during the reaction, flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer also occur. All these processes can be studied through chemical engineering, so that their patterns can be understood and explained; they can then be applied to the development, design, and operation of production processes and equipment in order to optimize them and improve efficiency.

I’m majoring in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Huazhong University of Science and Technology... I don’t want to work in a design firm; I don’t want to endure years of hard work... I don’t want to be a low-ranking employee... So I switched to the field of pharmaceutical chemistry at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, as it gives me a sense of achievement... There’s not much excitement in chemical engineering... It would be great to be in a leadership position... But I’ve heard that that comes with reaching middle age, and how many times does one get to experience middle age in life? I don’t want to wait...

Stop talking so much about your feelings – your CRL, C CRL V, all that nonsense; what’s the point?

Applied Chemistry, Polymers, and Fine Chemistry – these majors seem to be purely theoretical chemistry, with some deceptive elements used to attract poor students. One should avoid choosing these majors unless one is committed to conducting research; the research environment in China is truly disheartening. The foundation of chemistry lies in the four core chemical disciplines; if one truly masters them, it will be easier to engage in any kind of research. As for process engineering and industrial engineering, it seems that chemical plants prefer to hire students from these fields

If you want to make a difference. Study chemical engineering and technology; if you want to get rich quickly, study fine chemicals and polymers. Of course, the latter scenario requires many additional conditions to be met. In the 1990s, many people in the south opened small factories, made a fortune, and then left, earning millions.

Chemistry is a fundamental science and falls within the category of natural sciences. The other few are engineering disciplines related to chemistry.

Our school offers all these majors. I think Chemical Engineering and Technology provides the best employment prospects; followed by Applied Chemistry. Majors such as Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry tend to be more science-oriented, so their employment opportunities are not as good

I think it’s difficult for women to find jobs no matter what field they study. For men, studying chemical engineering or chemical technology makes it easier to find employment. Fields related to polymers and fine chemicals often involve organic synthesis, which can be toxic and harmful to health. Additionally, those with a degree in applied chemistry are often hired by pharmaceutical companies. In any case, chemical engineering isn’t really a good major – the pay is low and the working conditions are poor. Unless you work in a research institute, you might have to become a chemistry teacher or something similar

I’m also from the Chemical Engineering program at East China University of Science and Technology; not all graduates end up working in design institutes

Engineering and technology are pretty much the same; my undergraduate degree was in Chemical Engineering and Technology. At the graduate level, it depends mainly on the supervisor one works under. In terms of employment, having a graduate degree certainly gives an advantage, but actually, graduates in chemical engineering are not as in demand as those in chemical machinery (process control). . . Fields that are not popular at the time of enrollment see many students being assigned to them as a result of adjustment; who would have thought that they would become the most sought-after areas when it comes to finding a job? . . . . It would be good if I had scored a few points less on the college entrance exam. . . . . :'(

Actually, for the same major, there are significant differences among different schools. Let me give an example I’m familiar with! The Chemical Engineering and Technology program at our university (Petroleum University) is essentially related to petroleum processing. Qingdao University of Science and Technology focuses on rubber technology, while Shandong University of Science and Technology offers three different specializations: petroleum refining, fine chemicals, and one more that I can’t remember. So it’s not possible to make generalizations

I majored in Chemical Engineering and Technology at East China University of Science and Technology; currently, I work as a process engineer

Regarding LZ’s topic, here are some personal opinions: Chemistry – focuses on theory and falls under the category of basic sciences; it is suitable for those who want to become teachers. Applied Chemistry – emphasizes practical applications and has a strong connection to real-world situations; it is suitable for those working in the field of chemical trading. Chemical Engineering (also known as process engineering) – focuses on the manufacturing processes; most graduates work in production-oriented companies. Chemical Engineering Technology – also relates to engineering aspects, including design and construction; graduates typically work in engineering firms or design institutes. Polymer Science – focuses on the study of organic substances (chemicals); graduates usually work in research institutions or the R&D departments of production companies. Fine Chemicals – focuses on formulating chemicals with high added value, produced in small quantities but in various varieties; graduates can work in research departments or small and medium-sized chemical companies. Overall, I feel that the current division of majors in universities is too detailed, which is not conducive to employment nor to personal development. Wellscome to report!

Personal understanding: Chemistry focuses on fundamental theories, the four core courses (inorganic, organic, analytical, physical chemistry)； Applied chemistry is originally a secondary discipline under chemical engineering and technology, but in practice it may be closer to chemistry ； Chemical engineering is the science that studies the production processes of specific products (their specifics), involving the selection of process routes and the optimization of conditions ； Chemical engineering focuses on the common aspects in chemical manufacturing, particularly some engineering factors related to scale-up of production ； Polymers are the synthesis of organic macromolecules, primarily in the field of materials ； Fine chemicals should be products with high added value, small production scales, and special uses.

The field of chemistry seems to be an empirical science. There is chemical research that is purely theoretical; therefore, what is learned in school is rarely useful in actual production – in other words, it serves only to lay a foundation. When working, one almost has to start from scratch and rely on accumulating experience, so I find it not very interesting!

It’s my personal understanding that the chemistry field should be based on theory, focusing on theoretical synthesis and analysis. Applied chemistry, on the other hand, should start from practical applications and take chemical theories to the stage of producing products in the laboratory. Chemical engineering is about scaling up these laboratory-produced products for industrial use. Chemical technology involves studying the entire process of converting raw materials into chemical products, as well as the equipment used in this process, including equipment analysis and design. Process and engineering are sometimes referred to as large-scale chemical engineering. Fine chemical engineering seems to focus on the development of cosmetics; it’s a field aimed at making money. Materials science, according to my classmates, is about studying the properties of materials and their production methods – in other words, it’s like studying wheels. The above are just my personal opinions, for reference only

In my opinion, the various fields mentioned by the original poster all have their own advantages and disadvantages! The skills we learn in our major may not be useful in our work! Often, one needs to study various courses on their own in order to enrich themselves! So, regardless of the specific major in school, as long as it is in the field of chemical engineering, many students are generalists rather than specialists! Self-study at work is very important!

I had the same major as you at undergraduate level, but I didn’t pursue that field further in my studies. . . I’m really looking forward to the process design; it’s definitely going to be exciting