Success = A Science course 2
Science is the study of what makes things work. Whether it is plant, animal, atom, mineral or star. If you have a naturally inquisitive mind, and a logical point of view, a career in science could be the perfect future.
Science is all about knowing. That means it’s extremely important to be qualified if you want to work as a scientist. While you don’t need a PhD from Oxford, qualification is absolutely vital in order to progress in your career.
What kind of science can I learn?
There are 3 main branches of science:
- Biology – the science of life and living organisms
- Chemistry – the study of the elements, chemicals and minerals that make up the universe
- Physics – the science of what makes things happen, like movement, or heat. This also includes the science of Space.
Choosing a branch to specialise in is normally important for anyone who wants to work with science at any meaningful level – as there is so much to learn, it just isn’t possible to know it all, however smart you might be.
What sort of courses can I take?
If you have decided that science is the career for you, first, you need to consider your options:
Diploma/Certificate
This is the lowest level of qualification. It is a great place to start your education, as it will give you all the relevant information that you need to get going. If you would like to follow your studies to a University level, gaining a diploma or certificate in the science courses of your choice will prove to academic institutions that you have what it takes to be accepted. These science courses are normally short – often under a year and will leave you will a good grounding in your chosen discipline.
Undergraduate
An undergraduate degree is the minimum level that most serious jobs in science will accept. If you would like to become a science teacher, for example, then you will need a degree in the relevant field in order to continue. Science courses normally last for 3 years, at award you a BSc at the end of it.
Postgraduate
This is the level where the science gets tough. Having already gained a BSc, you will be able to specialise further – for examples, if you studied Astrophysics at Undergraduate level, you could look at specialising in Particle Physics at postgraduate level, which will allow you to work at a much higher professional level than the previous qualification did.
What can I expect to do when I finish?
There is an opening for scientists in many different fields. It is a versatile job with many different applications. What you choose to do with it depends on two things:
- The discipline of science that you chose to study
- The level to which you chose to study it
The higher the qualification you achieve, the higher your possibilities of getting your dream job.
As for potential jobs, there are many. You can consider teaching science at almost any level – from school beginners right up to University level. You can follow your branch of science through to research, working at the cutting edge of the subject. If you haven’t quite got as far as finding a job yet, then a course in science will set you up very well for university, as demonstrating the ability to think logically and clearly (and to be well informed!
Whatever the reason you decide to take a science course, it is the pathway to an exciting and rewarding career. With literally hundreds of courses to choose from, there is sure to be the right choice for you.
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