Difference between industrial chemistry and Biochemistry…industrial chemistry and biochemistry which one is better? is industrial chemistry lucrative in Nigeria?
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, WHICH IS BETTER?
Industrial chemistry is the branch of science which applies physical and chemical processes towards the transformation of raw materials into products that are of benefit to humanity. Industrial chemistry is chemistry in its industrial applications especially to processes in manufacturing and to the commercial production of chemicals. Industrial chemistry is course under the Faculty of Physical Sciences which runs for 4 years in the university after which upon completion a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial chemistry is awarded (BSc. Industrial chemistry).
Biochemistry is a branch of science that deals with the chemical processes within and outside of living things. Biochemistry is a laboratory based science that combines biology and chemistry. It is a paramedical course which is under the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. It is the discipline that attempts to understand the workings of ourselves and our interactions with nature from the direction of both the physical sciences and biological sciences. You can study biochemistry in the university in two forms: (1) Medical Biochemistry (2) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry (BSc. Biochemistry). The course spans for 4 years.
JOB DESCRIPTION;
Industrial chemists work to improve product efficiency or to create better building materials, plastics, textiles or petroleum products. They may help to set new industry standards, optimize production techniques and increase the effectiveness of various chemical processes. They have aided in the discovery and development of thousands of new and improved synthetic fibres, paints, adhesives, drugs, cosmetics, electronic components, lubricants and other products as well as improved oil refining and petrochemical processes that save energy and reduce pollution. Industrial chemistry graduates can work as Analytical chemists, Biotechnologists, Nanotechnologists and Pharmacologists. They work in places such as Research and Development centres, Cement industries, Advanced materials manufacturing plants, Oil companies, and also in Academics.
Biochemists, on the other hand, run tests and carry out analysis on drug samples, active ingredients and determine composition. In hospitals and laboratories, they carry out analysis on body fluids like blood, urine and stool, Biochemists run analysis on food samples to check if food items and consumables produced are safe and not toxic to ensure product safety. They carry out composition analysis production, process optimization and proportion for production to avoid harmful side effects on consumers. They are also so very influential in the determination of the expiry date of products, Biochemists can work in quality control and regulation agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Administration and Drug Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) as analysts to determine the quality and safety of food items and consumer goods made by companies to ensure the safety of consumers. Biochemists also work in the Education sector, Oil companies and Biogas industries.
Biochemistry is a valuable degree commercially that will come in useful for a range of well paid jobs in an array of important industries if one is looking for a career at the junction of Biology and Medicine while Industrial chemistry usually deals with the making of compound for products. There is an meeting of industrial chemists and biochemists though in the Pharmaceutical industry where Industrial chemists face the non-biological aspect of Pharmacy which is the Formulation science involving the creation of compounds to be used as drugs while Biochemists test the effects of these formulated compounds on living cells and the body (Biological Sciences). Biochemistry is laboratory based while Industrial Chemistry is Industry based.
Shyllon Olayinka Enoch, Undergraduate student of Biochemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University
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