Electrochemists study reactions between charged particles in conductive solutions, with applications in metal plating, renewable energy, and medicine. Education requirements vary, with most professionals holding a master’s degree and some a doctorate. Undergraduates can gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs, and advanced students focus on independent research projects. Junior chemist positions provide on-the-job training, while postdoctoral fellowships offer opportunities for further research and career advancement.
Electrochemists are scientists who specialize in the study of chemical and physical reactions between charged particles when they are introduced into conductive solutions. His work has many important practical applications, from developing new metal plating materials to generating renewable energy and creating new medicines. The education and training requirements for becoming an electrochemist can vary based on the type of work a future professional hopes to do. Most electrochemists in factories and pharmaceutical companies hold a master’s degree in their specialty and spend several years as assistants or junior chemists. To become an electrochemist in academia or in a private laboratory, a person typically needs to earn a doctorate and participate in a two- to three-year postdoctoral research fellowship.
The first step to becoming an electrochemist is to enroll in an accredited four-year university. Most prospective scientists have degrees in chemistry, although a degree program in physics or mathematics with a specialization in chemistry can also be beneficial. At graduation, the student has the chance to learn the fundamentals of chemical reactions, electricity and magnetism. Among other important topics, a student is introduced to the types of reduction and oxidation reactions he will work with extensively as an electrochemist. Science lab courses can provide hands-on experience with sophisticated equipment and research techniques.
Many undergraduate students apply for internships or entry-level jobs in the field while pursuing their degree. A position at a university laboratory or local chemical engineering plant can provide valuable experience that looks great on a professional resume. Toward the end of a bachelor’s degree program, an individual may apply to undergraduate or doctoral schools that offer degrees specifically in electrochemistry. Most master’s programs take about two years to complete, while a doctoral program can take three to four years.
Advanced-level students typically divide their time between classroom study, lab courses, and independent research projects. They learn about cutting-edge innovations in the fields of electrochemistry, mathematics and nuclear physics. Earning a degree usually involves completing a thesis or dissertation based on at least two years of original experimental research. With a degree, a person can begin applying to become an electrochemist at a variety of industrial and academic institutions.
People who go to work in factories, chemical engineering laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals often start their careers as junior chemists. They receive on-the-job training from experienced scientists to learn more about designing new projects and conducting research. A person who decides to join a postdoctoral fellowship after finishing school can expect to continue with the same type of independent research he did as a student. A successful fellow usually enjoys ample opportunities to become an electrochemist after completing the program.
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