Opportunities in Chemistry

Today and Tomorrow

Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications, Janice A. Coonrod, George C. Pimentel

Experts agree that the nation would benefit if more young people "turned on" to the sciences. This book is designed as a tool to do just that. It is based on Opportunities in Chemistry, a National Research Council publication that incorporated the contributions of 350 researchers working at the frontiers of the field. Chemistry educators Janice A. Coonrod and the late George C. Pimentel revised the material to capture the interest of today's student. A broad and highly readable survey, the volume explores: The role of chemistry in attacking major problems in environmental quality, food production, energy, health, and other important areas. Opportunities at the leading edge of chemistry, in controlling basic chemical reactions and working at the molecular level. Working with lasers, molecular beams, and other sophisticated measurement techniques and tools available to chemistry researchers. The book concludes with a discussion of chemistry's role in society's risk-benefit decisions and a review of career and educational opportunities.