<p>@FlyingFeatherz,</p>
<p>I’m a 2nd yr chemical engineering major, and I have just finished all of my required chemistry classes. I would say that there is a difference between chemistry and chem engr. First, chemisty is science, while chem engr is technology. If you study science, you’ll be studying the fundamental theories of nature (i.e. why does it work?). If you study engineering, you’ll be studying how to apply the scientific principles (i.e. how does is work?). If you’re interested in finding a job after school (e.g. working at refinery, Frito Lay, etc.), be a chem engr. However if you are interested in research/grad school, chemical engineering and chemistry do share lots of similar research fields. In chem engr you could be working with polymers, material science, fuel & battery, medicines, etc. I would say that chem engr research focuses on the technological aspects, while chemistry research focuses on the theory behind it. Generally speaking, chem engr is a really broad subject, much broader than chemistry. If you’re interested in theory, go for chemistry. If you’re interested in technology, go for chem engr.</p>
<p>As for difficulty, the lower div requirements for both majors are basically the same (one more organic chemistry class for chemistry major). However, chem engr upper div classes are more difficult than chem upper divs (might not be accurate since i have only taken 2 chem upper divs), and they are more maths-intense. I feel that chem upper divs involve more memorisation, while chem engr classes have more critical thinking (they even give you open book exams because the material is hard…).</p>
<p>This measure of difficulty only applies to undergrad classes, though. Nothing is easy if you go deep into that field.</p>
<p>Damn long post… but hope this helps.</p>