Chemistry Department

Welcome to ELAC’s Chemistry Department!

This image shows various chemical analysis techniques being done in the ELAC chemistry laboratories.

Chemistry is the science of matter. Matter is defined as anything that can be touched, tasted, smelled, seen or felt that is made up of chemicals. Chemists transform everyday materials around us into amazing things. Chemistry students study the nature of all physical things, develop new products and process, or monitor process involved in making various products. Chemists typically work for private businesses, government agencies, or educational institutions, although some are self-employed or work for nonprofit organizations. Chemists are needed in the pharmaceutical industry to discover and develop new drugs, in the food industry to develop and test new foodstuffs and additives, in the petroleum industry to develop and test new fuels, in the textile industry to develop new synthetic products, and in the field of agriculture to develop new fertilizers or pesticides for the agricultural industry.