[Andrés]

No, it's a sci-fi-ish concept that makes the game look more futuristic, an advanced energy field we don't even understand how it works provides much better protection than a crude metallic plate.
I like Sir Whiskers' suggestion, removing the chemistry requirement, and maybe even make level 1 available from start, though that may screw current AI a little.
IMHO armor should be the cheap early protection, and not something that rivals with shields in late game.

I stand corrected on the EA thing, I guess I have not used them lately.
Though I still think it should be made a little stronger.
Also the description should be fixed to reflect the real effect of the ability.