Chemistry is the science which studies matter, its properties and composition, and the laws that govern the formation of matter from the basic elements. The breadth of the subject area is enormous and chemists can be found working on such diverse problems as the development of new plastics and fibers, drug preparation, pollution control, the isolation and identification of plant and insect hormones, medical research, nuclear chemistry, and the analysis of geological materials. Additionally, medical, engineering, pharmacy, veterinary, biochemistry, nursing and environmental sciences degrees require varying levels of knowledge of chemistry.