Analytical chemistry

Analytical chemistry is the sub-discipline of chemistry that determines what constituents are in a sample (i.e., qualitative analysis) and how much of each (i.e., quantitative analysis). There are a great many sub-disciplines, dividing on such criteria as:

• Focus on atoms vs. molecules
• Molecules are simple or complex (e.g., polymers and biochemicals)
• The subjects are primarily organic or inorganic
• Level of sensitivity required