Chemistry can be defined as the science that studies systematically the composition, properties and reactivity of matter at the atomic and molecular level. Since matter is everything that can be touched, made visible, smelt or tasted, it follows that the scope of chemistry as a subject is very broad. The nature of chemistry is such that there are no distinct boundaries between the various branches of the subject. The subject comprises of organic chemistry-the chemistry of most substances containing the element carbon; Inorganic chemistry-the chemistry of all other substances; physical chemistry-the application of concepts and laws to chemical phenomena; and analytical chemistry, which is concerned with the identification and quantification of materials and the determination of composition.

Chemistry programmes are relevant to employment across the chemical science profession. Many higher education providers also award chemistry degrees with titles denoting a specialisation, for example medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry. It is accepted that the extent study and the depth at which individual topics are treated, varies with the nature of specific chemistry programmes. It is however critical for employers of chemists that specialist learning objective in terms of chemistry are reflected in the title of the degree. It reflects the vocational nature of chemistry, as the higher education providers offer degree programmes that incorporate a period of study in industry. Such placements are designed on the basis of an agreed programme of work acceptable to both the higher education provider and the partner organization.