Marine chemists study the chemical composition of the ocean and underwater structures, researching changes in microorganisms and prehistoric cells. They conduct fieldwork and lab analysis, and need a degree in exact sciences, often pursuing further studies to advance in the field.
A marine chemist is a scientist who focuses his or her career on understanding the chemical composition of the ocean and studying the composition of underwater structures and land masses, as well as identifying the effect of marine life on different water qualities. Research is the main task of any marine chemist, although the scope and nuances of research vary significantly from person to person. Some marine chemists study changes in microorganism cultures in tidal waters over time, and others look at prehistoric cells and compounds stored in glaciers to draw conclusions about how the ocean has changed. Many chemists work in the field, often conducting extensive underwater research at stations around the world, and others are primarily academics, publishing research, presenting papers, and seeking to further general scientific understanding of the ocean.
The opportunities are endless, but all marine chemists have a few things in common. They are focused on an organic study at the cellular level of ocean waters and tributaries, on the one hand. Hands-on research, lab work, data analysis and paper publishing all play the jobs of marine chemists, no matter where scientists are located or how they focus on their careers.
A marine chemist’s job description changes depending on the scientist’s primary goals, but for most, the job involves a lot of fieldwork. Field chemists spend time in or near the ocean personally collecting samples. Common settings include deep-sea trenches, underwater mountains, coral reefs, and shallow tropical waters. These chemists generally believe that identifying particulate matter in the oceans will shed light on the history of the oceans, their formation, and how they are similar to and different from terrestrial land at a chemical level.
Not all marine chemist jobs are so hands-on, and scientists don’t need to travel far from home or spend long periods at sea to contribute to the field of research. Many marine chemists work primarily in laboratories, spending time analyzing slides and drawing conclusions from samples collected in often disparate locations. These chemists can be interdisciplinary and may combine elements of marine biochemistry or ocean geology in their studies.
Some universities offer specific programs in marine chemistry, but not all do – at least not at the undergraduate level. Undergraduate students who want to become marine chemists can often enter the field by studying general chemistry, marine biology, or biochemistry, to name a few. A degree in exact sciences and an interest in understanding what makes the sea the sea, from a scientific point of view, are the main requirements. To advance in the field, students often need to pursue further studies, leading to at least a master’s degree, but more often a doctorate. Marine chemistry doctors enjoy greater latitude when it comes to organizing their research, choosing their jobs and setting their own hours.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
