h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't think organic chemistry is awful at all. In fact, out of the three main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic and physical), I'd say organic chemistry is the best. Physical chemistry involves lots of boring analytical measurements and mathematical work, whereas in organic chemistry, you actually get the chance to create all sorts of compounds - some of which smell bad, yes, but that's all part of the fun. Well, if you do any practical work, you get to make compounds.

I didn't understand organic chemistry at all and it was the main reason why I got a C in my chemistry A-level rather than a B, but once I started chemistry at university, it became clearer. And finally, don't hit me over the head. Please.

I know this is an odd question, but what types of job titles and/or companies would you work for if you had a job in organic chemistry?

Jobwise - there are several different areas:

Synthetic Organic Chemistry - usually describes making things on a small scale in the lab, often called Medicinal Chemistry in pharmaceutical companies.

Process Chemistry - describes taking the work of the Medicinal Chemist and scaling it up often to the several ton scale - Process Chemists often have to completely change the route to a compound as what is suitable on a small scale cannot always be done on a large scale.

Analytical Chemistry - seeing what people have made. Or analysing samples for hospitals or government (eg water, food) for contaminents.

Then in amongst them are many other names.

One of the best places to look for new jobs is either Chemistry in Britain or other "society journal", Nature, New Scientist etc.

I learned to cook extremely well in organic chemistry. I learned to understand septic systems which is the inevitable result of cooking. I learned to understand photosynthesis which is the precursor to cooking. I learned to understand metabolism which is a reason to learn to cook. Why ask why?