There are three main reasons why one should study chemistry (
kemija). First, chemistry has a great importance in society since it is applied in many different fields of industry and technology. For example, the development of life saving drugs is only one of the many things one could mention. Second, chemistry is also a whole intellectual enterprise on its own, a way of explaining our material world. And finally, chemistry is also important in many other fields, such as biology, medicine, nanotechnology, materials science and similar. In every field, chemistry is an useful intellectual tool for making important decisions and advancements.
The role of chemistry in the modern society is of enormeous benefit. Today we know much more about a very large number of chemicals, of which there was only relatively little information up until the last century. One of the many products we could mention, is chlorine, which has become an important commercial chemical. Chlorine and its compounds has turned into the basis of producing thousands of chlorine based products and compounds, which are of great importance in the chemical industra as well. As an example, we could mention the production of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) which is used in the production of pipes and many other things. Other chlorine based compounds are used as bleaching agents, disinfectants, pesticides, refrigerants, solvents, flame retardants and drugs.
There are many diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery which are dangerous, and are transmitted through impure drinking water. All such water transferred diseases can be eliminated with the help of chlorine which destroys various types of life forms which cause some of the mentioned diseases. Chemistry indeed plays an important role in the modern society. Food, synthetics, plastics, medicines, soap, detergents, cosmetics, explosives, glass and composite materials are just some of the many gifts that chemistry has given us.
The applications of chemistry are much like science itself, undergoing constant changes. Chemistry is an extremly practical science, providing us with everyday solutions regarding food, clothing, health and many other aspects. By using knowledge of chemistry, we have discovered many chemicals of pharmaceutical value, which can enhance our life in a positive manner. However, it is in our best interest as educated citizens and consumers to understand the profound effect, both positive and negative, which chemicals and chemistry (
kemija) have on our lives.
If one decides to study chemistry, there are many different subfields of chemistry one can choose. If one is more interested in the sole science of chemistry, than one should study pure scientific chemistry. If one is more interested in the chemistry applied in industry and technology, there are many different fields which could be interesting - chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry in the context of ecology, nuclear chemistry, analytical chemistry, even nuclear chemistry, and many other as well. Even if one does not immidiately know what is of greatest interest to him/her, one can always make changes later in the professional carrer as well by choosing the line of work which best suits ones interests.
