I'm still a student but not for long time. This year i'll finish and after that I'll look for something serious.Pulverulescent - 29-3-2008 at 10:04
'Whew, 'looks like I'm, by far, the least ejur-macated member on this thread!
I attended primary school here in the West of Ireland in the '50s. Following that, I went to what was called, Vocational School, for two-and-a-half
years, finishing in '63.
I didn't, to my great disappointment, get to do chemistry. I did, though, get a thoroughly watered-down Irish version of physics, ugh!.
Then, with no qualifications, I ended up in a succession of menial factory-floor jobs.
Now, approaching 60---April 28/29th, (don't ask) I'm trying to sustain self+wife selling drawings and prints; son and daughter are grown-ups, with
their own families now.
My interest in energetic materials is, like my interest in art, life-long and obsessive, (courtesy a mild form of autism?) and my first contact with
lab-glass came when I purchased a quick-fit distillation apparatus, a few years ago.
'Probably a bit more than y'all needed to know, but what the hell!
PTh0r - 27-4-2008 at 11:31
I am currently a student...
Soon to finish school...azo - 30-4-2008 at 19:01
I bet there is not to many motor mechanics on this site
I was trained in 1980 and worked in that field for twenty years
and also had a friend that tought chem at uni and i done a lot of lessons with him at home which gave me the ability to do what i am doing now and
that is formulation chemistry.
ex. laundry products industrial cleaning chemicals.
Would love to do a masters degree but when you work all the time it is hard.7he3ngineer - 1-5-2008 at 01:16
Quote:
I bet there is not to many motor mechanics on this site
I'm a mechanical engineering student (3rd year)... maybe that's as close your
going to get
JoshPulverulescent - 18-5-2008 at 12:58
This is a long thread and I haven't read all of the posts but I'm just wondering---are there any auto-didacts here, because if there are I'd
kinda' like to know who they are?
If there aren't, my feelings of isolation will, most likely increase!
(sigh!). . is anyone out there. . .?
Pwoelen - 18-5-2008 at 13:32
In the field of chemistry, I am.
I have a PhD in mechatronics and a masters in electrical engineering, but chemistry is something I teached myself over the years.MagicJigPipe - 18-5-2008 at 15:53
All of stuff I know about chemistry, physics, electronics and a few other things is all self-taught. Also, doing things with my hands. I did learn a
lot about metal working from a good friend but most things I taught myself. The only things I have learned in an educational setting (so far) is
regular high school stuff and some intro/intermmidiate IT courses, math, history and English Composition.
As of yet I have no official "training" except for high school, optical lab technician, firearm sales, physical fitness instruction and how to drill a
bowling ball and string a tennis racket. Oh yeah, CPR as well. That's all I can think of off the top of my head.
I would have to say at least 50% of my non-hands-on knowledge came from the internet. If it weren't for the internet I don't know what I'd know/be
doing...
So, you're not alone Pulverescent.
EDIT
In respose to tumadre's post. I learned Spanish from working with Mexicans at a restaurant when I was 16. I actually became very good at it. At one
point I could understand native speakers and speak almost as fast and had an extensive vocabulary. Nowadays, though, I'm VERY rusty as I hardly ever
have a reason to speak it. That sucks because I really wish I could still call myself "bilingual".
Also I was homeschooled through a semester of the 8th grade, as well. I hated it. I got so lonely. It SUCKS when the only people you have to
interact with all day is your parent(s). That was the least fun time of my life and I barely learned anything because I didn't really have any
motivation. I couldn't go "chill" with my friends at lunch and by the time the semester was over I had lost many of my aquaintence type friends. I
suppose it would be good for someone that is a bigtime loner, doesn't like people or just prefers to be at home.
[Edited on 5-18-2008 by MagicJigPipe]tumadre - 18-5-2008 at 17:25
Aside from an excellent AP physics class in High school I have learned everything from hands on experience and the internet.
I had the experience of building robots with 4 other guys and an ex coldwar computer engineer for 4 years, learned a lot about real world design, and
nothing about programming, i failed high school Spanglish too analog
people
Almost forgot, I was home schooled, 1st through the 8th grade, knowing others whom the education system left them skill-less, i'd probably have been
in the same state.
[Edited on 19-5-2008 by tumadre]jokull - 19-5-2008 at 06:21
Finishing a Master of Science, in the pursue for my PhD.miss_snake - 19-5-2008 at 10:28
I am about to finish my first year in Dentistry schoolMagpie - 19-5-2008 at 10:39
Quote:
I am about to finish my first year in Dentistry school
Uh, miss_snake, weren't you required to take organic chemistry in your pre-dental curriculum?Pulverulescent - 20-5-2008 at 08:07
Quote:
Originally posted by MagicJigPipe
A bigtime loner, doesn't like people or just prefers to be at home.
Actually, MagicJigPipe, you've just described me succinctly---practically down to a T.
I really envy people who've had their chemistry handed to them on a plate.
Life's unfair!
PMagicJigPipe - 22-5-2008 at 00:31
Who has had their chemistry "handed to them on a plate". Certainly you are not referring to me.Pulverulescent - 22-5-2008 at 03:58
No, certainly, MagicJigPipe, I'm not, since I know your experience mirrors mine in many ways, but being envious, in any case, is not something I
should be posting about, anyway.
Pmiss_snake - 29-5-2008 at 16:32
Quote:
Originally posted by Magpie
Quote:
I am about to finish my first year in Dentistry school
Uh, miss_snake, weren't you required to take organic chemistry in your pre-dental curriculum?
yep this year we study organic, physical and inorganic chemistry and next year we are going to study bio chemistryDJF90 - 29-5-2008 at 17:04
I'm just doing my A-level exams in the UK and then I'm off to a prestigeous university here to do a masters in chemistry I cant wait ExistenceGuest - 27-7-2008 at 06:40
i am doing my master degree nowNixie - 18-8-2008 at 03:27
I think it's pretty cool there are actual professors here (unless people are lying heh). I've only got a Masters and nothing remotely related to
chemistry. I'm impressed by those with the patience and smarts to get tenure.Sciocrat - 26-8-2008 at 03:19
In a few weeks I'm starting to study materials engineering at the Faculty of chemical engineering and technology in Zagreb and I'm really looking
forward to it. It's a bit frustrating that so many of you are way ahead of me, but that just serves as additional motivation
I'm happy that I found this place, although my activity here has been mostly limited to reading and learning, and less in participation, but I hope
that will change as my knowledge will grow.MagicJigPipe - 7-9-2008 at 12:59
I wish I could change my response on the poll since I'm merely 1 semester away from getting an AS degree and 5 semesters away from a BS in chemistry.
Just a small update. But it shows how quickly things can change.DNA - 10-9-2008 at 04:36
What does AS stand for?
I'm currently a MSc for a couple of months now I earned my Masters in Organic Chemistry.
I'm working now at a big company where they make ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.
Done my internship at a very big pharmaceutical company for 7 months.
Probably after a while I'll start my PhD but that'll probably be in pharmaceuticals I prefer working with small new compounds rather then reactors and
polymers although it is interesting.
[Edited on 10-9-2008 by DNA]7he3ngineer - 10-9-2008 at 22:52
Quote:
What does AS stand for?
Associate degree in science?
JoshMagicJigPipe - 10-9-2008 at 23:02
Yeah, associate of science. I go the same amount of time as someone who is just getting a BS but I'll come out with 2 degrees and 1 certification
(ACS).
2 year school to 4 year transfer.
(the 2 year school is much, much cheaper for the same classes and same amount of credits)
[Edited on 9-11-2008 by MagicJigPipe]Engager - 19-9-2008 at 14:24
Graduated from D.Mendeleyev's University of Chemical Technology of Russia, specialization - engeneer of chemical technology + high energetic materials
+ technology of inorganic substances.Swany - 21-9-2008 at 21:56
Go inorganic! I am finishing up highschool this year, eventually I am planning to get a PhD in inorganic. Right now I have funding to research
poly-N-heterocyclic complexes for catalysis and other applications. That has been a most pleasurable experience, though extremely frustrating at
times.sbovisjb1 - 13-10-2008 at 12:10
In Universtiy going towards Computer Science Major with a Double Masters (hopefully) in Chemistry. Oh Swany love the mood Sanguine its sad that I get
that Shakespearian reference. (Sanguine means you are full of rage, anger, you are hot headed etc?) I believe that reference came into effect as
people in the Middle Ages believe what color your blood was (or if you have more or less) determined your temperament.Ramiel - 27-3-2009 at 17:49
Boo inorganic, roll on organic! I got a BSc(chem) and am larnin' me a Bachelor's degree in organic synthesis (doing it by research, not class credit,
wheee!). It's so strange that I don't feel that qualified... it's more like "Wang-what reaction?!" and then have to look it up.
In fact, funny anecdote: I was just chatting in with my two supervisors (A doctor and a doctor well on the way to professorship), talking about the
implied aromatic structure of this multi-ring system, and so on, I completely forgot the word 'carbonyl'. oh well, I can't set the bar much lower!
hahabquirky - 27-3-2009 at 19:16
There is a missing option on the poll 'some high school'
I left high school midway and consciously went the self education route.
Best decision ever now i can suck information out of a dry rock! (in the metaphoric not geological sense
Ive found not having a degree more of a benefit than a hindrance having more of a folio than a resume is a good way to get noticed.
Chemistry is my back shed play thing Lambda-Eyde - 22-4-2009 at 22:51
I'm still in the first year of upper secondary school. That's equivalent to high school for you Americans out there.
Although I am way ahead of others at my age in chemistry and physics, I am still miles behind most people in here. Still, I have learned a LOT,
especially organic chemistry just from reading your posts. I just wish I had the capacity to start doing university grade chemistry and some
higher-level math, but unfortunately, the school demands a lot of me in other subjects (which I don't really care about).
The first year is extremely boring, as I don't get to specialize until next year. Then I will take chemistry 1, physics 1, biology 2 and
"science"-math 1. Sedit - 23-4-2009 at 07:13
I bet there is not to many motor mechanics on this site
I was trained in 1980 and worked in that field for twenty years
and also had a friend that tought chem at uni and i done a lot of lessons with him at home which gave me the ability to do what i am doing now and
that is formulation chemistry.
ex. laundry products industrial cleaning chemicals.
Would love to do a masters degree but when you work all the time it is hard.
Right here brother. Was a motor mechanic for sometime till just recently the company went under. We repaired and installed motors in yachts that we
built on site. We built Davis, Topaz, a few other bigger names and alot of custom jobs.
As for level of schooling... I got kicked out when I was 16 at which time they tryed to send me to collage because of some test they had me take after
all that. A 16 year old fresh from being expelled from school doesn't have many plans on going to collage at that point though. Maybe if they had some
hands on sciences at my school I wouldn't have been bord enough to eventually get kicked out.chemrox - 24-4-2009 at 00:19
"I'm in school now (last year). I aspire to become a chemist or maybe even a chemical engineer."
whoa- are you suggesting engineers rank above scientists? In a pre-modern, post capitalist society, maybe that's true but you're awfully young to be
so cynical. Saerynide - 24-4-2009 at 19:04
Hahaha. I wouldn't be so quick to blame him.
That's how the department here views it too. Everyone thinks they're the shit and better than the scientists. You always hear "but he's just a
scientist" being thrown around.
But I disagree with them. I've had enough of being an engineer. I'm going for a PhD after this (and it WILL NOT be in engineering)
[Edited on 4/25/2009 by Saerynide]benzylchloride1 - 8-5-2009 at 11:31
I will be starting my last year of undergraduate education in the fall. I am majoring in chemistry and plan to get a PhD in either organic synthesis
or inorganic/organometallic chemistry. I was able to take organic chemistry during 11th grade and was second in the class. I found inorganic to be
extremely fascinating because of the labs; I actually got to conduct some fairly complicated synthesises at the university. Next semester will not be
as fun; math and physics, not much time for research. Last semester I spent most of my time working in the organic lab. entropy51 - 30-5-2009 at 16:01
Since this thread seems to still be alive, I'll toss my two cents in by way of introduction.
BS and MS in engineering with minors in Physics, a BS in Biology and Chemistry, and an MD. But Chemistry has always been my main interest and I
regret not getting a PhD in that subject. I may just yet try for one at some point.
I've been a huge fan of the Forum for many years and finally decided to say something instead of just lurking. Many thanks to those who contribute;
I've learned much here. basstabone - 10-6-2009 at 19:26
I am currently getting my degree in Chemistry at Texas A&M University and plan to attend graduate school but have yet to figure out where. I am
planning on synthesis but that could change over the next few years as I explore chemistry morezed - 23-6-2009 at 19:26
Technically, I'm a Doctor. Though such things may count for little....in terms of real world acumen.
Some can safely and effectively chop trees, and some can't.
A high percentage of the posters here have a positive attitude, seem to know what they are doing, and are generous at sharing knowledge.
It is a great pleasure to be "schooled" at this university. The_Davster - 23-6-2009 at 20:00
What is interesting is this thread being 4 years since started. I wonder how the demographics have changed over time. 4 years is enough time for a
degree.Ozone - 23-6-2009 at 20:15
That is a reasonable question. On May 15th, 2009, a glitch occurred, and I was awarded the Ph.D. I don't feel any different.
Cheers,
O3
@ basstabone
There was no "glitch" per se...After all of the hoops you have to jump through, it seems like only a clerical mistake could have resulted in the
release of your degree.
There is a reason that the answer to the question "how long does the Ph.D. usually take?" is usually "we have no idea".
@ entropy51
Thanks. Chemistry.
[Edited on 24-6-2009 by Ozone]basstabone - 24-6-2009 at 07:18
What do you mean by a glitch occurred?entropy51 - 24-6-2009 at 09:53
Congratulations, Ozone! Is your PhDglitch in chemistry?jwarr - 19-7-2009 at 21:22
I'm undergrad at the moment, w/ a focus on pharmacy. Assuming all goes well I'll be at pharmacy school in three more semesters.MagicJigPipe - 29-7-2009 at 15:14
We should make this a poll that individual members can change their vote on.
This is because some people are advancing. As time goes on the 'curve' might shift towards higher education (excluding new and younger members).thaflyemcee - 14-8-2009 at 23:15
MS in Polymer Science (Polymer Chemistry). Will be going for my PhD soon. A coworker of mine did his undergrad for Polymer Science at Case Western
Reserve Univ. in Cleveland OH, and from what I see of their PhD program, I'm a fan. Anyone is welcome to try and change my mind or point me in the
direction of other/cooler/better programs in the field, though.mewrox99 - 13-7-2010 at 04:15
Second year of High School lolpsychokinetic - 20-7-2010 at 17:25
Third tertiary paper.
123103 - intro
123101 - org and currently
123102 - inorgDoktor Klawonn - 20-11-2010 at 05:55
Ph.D. and working at school. Which checkbox to activate?
Dr. K.
education
cyanureeves - 20-11-2010 at 14:49
from here i was taught how to figure out how much acid to add to a salt.its a bunch of math.i think i was taught to hate math in school.i thought MIT
was an automechanic school until i saw their videos on youtube.entropy51 - 20-11-2010 at 15:50
Who needs math anyhow?aliced25 - 16-1-2011 at 03:10
Mathematics, the clean the pure, the absolutely fucked up & foggy, from the age of 13 I was lucky enough to be placed in an almost Soviet style
learning environment, the extra-science class shit, the lucky fuckers who actually enjoyed science, particularly physics and maths... Then the
hormones kicked in and I went astray, willingly, but astray all the same.
I have two uncles in the field, Quantum Physics, Quantum Mathematics and currently fucking around, finishing an advanced diploma in a discipline I
detest, having completed over half of a degree in a stream that is too cynical and full of bullshit for even me (everyone is equal before the law, the
truth that is hammered home hard in 1st year law, then, and only then, comes equity, the subject that doesn't say it straight out, but actually means,
if you have enough money - or influence - you can be granted a special dispensation - otherwise known as tempering the rigor and rigidity of the
common law so it doesn't affect those the Judges know socially)...
Unfortunately I've paid already for the Adv. Dip. Bus, or I wouldn't fucking bother. I'm not interested in doing anything except science and
mathematics, engineering is interesting, but doesn't hold the imagination long enough...
Then again, I'm apparently not quite sane, yet I do not repeat any action that has a bad outcome, whereas the majority of the people I see do...
Einstein said that to repeatedly do the same thing and expect a different result is the definition of insanity, yet the majority of people do just
that. Technically therefore, more properly, statistically, the norm = insane, whereas people who are outside the norm = insane...
Judgment call, I'm going to continue being abnormally normal
Another useful Einstein quote "You think you have trouble with Mathematics?"DougTheMapper - 4-2-2011 at 07:18
I studied mechanical engineering until I discovered I liked chemistry a whole lot more.
Working for my bachelor's in chemistry, 3rd year and loving it.trb456 - 4-2-2011 at 13:17
MS in Math (1988); BFA in Music, BA in Math (1986).
Got a 5 on the AP Chem exam years ago!
Was given an extremely "dangerous" 1960s chem set by my crazy uncle in the 1970s. Missed it a lot, recently decided to rebuild the lab. It's been a
blast, and I can afford much better stuff now! Learning quite a lot here, so thanks!
trb456hiperion42 - 6-3-2011 at 10:51
I am an unskilled and unemployed chimp with no education whatsoever. jon - 10-4-2011 at 22:18
don't feel bad i never finished pharmacy school and turned out to be a tradie because of my nefarious record.
you would think that once you do your time it's paid in full, not anymore. SmashGlass - 17-10-2011 at 13:49
Chalk up another PhD in the ranks.
Synthetic organic
But I rock at fixing vac pumps too!
-"And all I ever wanted to be was a marine biologist"-
Still haven't figured put what went wrong...? Hexavalent - 10-1-2012 at 11:59
ATM I'm in yr9 secondary school in the UK, and I hope to complete AS/A2 levels and study synthetic organic chemistry at university.neptunium - 10-1-2012 at 12:31
i have an associate in physics and studied lab tech and chemistry since 1993 i also have a 2 years degree in nuclear physics...but astronomy is what
got me interseted in science since 1988 ...
but i drive a semi for a living now, and dream of going back to school ...
i guess i dont fit the profil of the poll..
[Edited on 10-1-2012 by neptunium]AirCowPeaCock - 10-1-2012 at 12:54
literately AT schoolMildronate - 10-1-2012 at 13:49
I am undergraduate Chemistry bachelor.madmanhere - 6-3-2012 at 17:31
I'm an Instrumentation engineer.ThatchemistKid - 12-3-2012 at 18:46
I am not sure exactly where level of education fits into the poll but, I am a couple months away from finishing my first year of graduate school in
hopes of completing a PHD, Currently I am in a physical organic group that designs receptors for the purposes of studying molecular encapsulation.
specifically the project I am working on involves designing receptors that hydrolyze GX nerve agents.
[Edited on 13-3-2012 by ThatchemistKid]enzymes - 16-5-2013 at 19:10
just a BSc in biochem looking for employment Number 9 - 30-6-2013 at 02:29
Bachelor in biotechnology
Bachelor in Chemistry - BiochemistryMetathesis-izer - 14-7-2013 at 04:54
I studied mechanical engineering until I discovered I liked chemistry a whole lot more.
Working for my bachelor's in chemistry, 3rd year and loving it.
I agree, chemistry is fvcking fascinating.
I have a degree in mechanical engineering from a junior university in Silicon Valley.
The most skilled engineer I have had the opportunity to work with was a U-Conn BS physics degree. He was an EE at one place I was a design supervisor
at. The man ran rings around the ME's & tool & die guys, and did the work of 3 or 4 EE's.
I probably learned more from watching him than from any professor.
Because of the way society treats people, I think it pays to have the pH.D., as long as you don't have to go into debt to do it.
I was recently looking at schools. ETH Zurich looks like a good school - 600 Francs per semester + English as primary language (I think). It's a
long way to go for a degree, unless you like cold & skiing. Crowfjord - 22-7-2013 at 08:34
I got my bachelor degree in chemistry a little over a year ago. Thinking about going back for molecular biology, then grad school. Pyro - 30-7-2013 at 11:45
This seems like a good place to ask, in Belgium there are 3 ''levels'' of education, ASO, TSO and BSO
ASO is the ''classic'' and what i'm doing now, TSO is slightly higher technical but generally equal to ASO and BSO is for ''dumb'' people who are
going to do labor.
I found a direction in TSO that does chem. and its appealing. But I want to know, is that a wise choice?
thankshydride_shift - 30-7-2013 at 23:25
In 2nd year undergrad chem, with postgrad aspirations MichiganMadScientist - 19-8-2013 at 14:37
I'm currently an chemistry undergrad (Senior) at a local university. I hate America's out of control tuition costs, and how education is being made
unaffordable at an alarming rate. My school is one of the worst examples of the university system gone wrong, despite the fact that it has a stellar
chem department.
I WILL be a chemist one day, and I will give the uni NONE of the credit for getting me there. I taught myself everything out of my textbooks and my
own lab. As much as I love america, I would be glad to get the hell out to practice chemistry in a more free country. I honestly don't care if I never
got employed as a chemist in the future. I love chemistry for chemistry's sake, and the university has become more of a hinderance than a help....
[Edited on 19-8-2013 by MichiganMadScientist]Squall181 - 19-8-2013 at 16:07
I'm in my senior year of getting a Bachelor's in Material Science and Engineeringkarlos³ - 8-5-2019 at 14:15
I just started studying, but I have an accomplished job training as laboratory chemist and some years of experience working as one.WangleSpong5000 - 27-5-2019 at 20:43
Left school at 14. Kicked out of 5 high schools. Accepted into Autistic Superstar program for legends at same age where I got to attend a 4 day
workshop at UNSW where I picked a chemistry based workshop as they were to have a explosives and pyrotechnics display... Loved chemistry from the age
of 12 as I enjoyed making crude explosives, loved hobby rockets and found napalm to be awesomely brilliant... I learned all I good from the Brittanica
collection at my home (pre google innit)... as I grew I found myself obsessed with the action of my stimulant medication, the chemistry of the drug
(dextroamphetamine sulfate), the neurochem/science/biology of the brain and why the drug acted the way it did... I went to university to learn first
principles but found Calculus difficult with no maths background... I taught myself mathematics and from here the world of Physics was opened up to my
dumbarse... I discovered my hero Michael Faraday and his champion the great James Clarke Maxwell... I ignored biology but then thought myself stupid
as fuck for not wanting to understand the beauty of how DNA is transcribed... long story short I like science and used to be a massive hedonist
raver... I also enjoy Military history and weapons technology... My fave tank is the Sherman Firefly... fave gun is the British 17 pounder anti tank
gun (firing discarding sabot round... Tungsten core... Could penetrate even the might King Tiger of the Wermacht...)
)... maybe that's as close your
going to get
I cant wait 
