Sciences
What to expect
You’ve probably heard of penicillin, the bionic ear, and the aeroplane black box, but you might not be aware that they were all discovered or invented by Australians!
Despite our comparatively small population, Australia has produced, and continues to produce, some of the world’s best scientific researchers who regularly make ground-breaking discoveries that add greatly to our nation’s, and indeed the world’s, knowledge and capabilities.
If you have a passion for discovery and problem-solving then a course in science could be for you. And you certainly won’t be limited for choice. Science degrees offer an expansive range of subject areas and specialisations to choose from (see below). And science degrees can certainly take you places — with wide-ranging career options, you could choose to work in just about any industry you can think of.
Getting a degree in science
Visit the University Ratings section for science course ratings.
Courses and specialisations
|
Analytical science |
Anatomical sciences |
Antarctic biology |
Aquatic science |
Aquatic biology |
|
Astronomy |
Astrophysics |
Atmospheric science |
Aviation science |
Biochemistry |
|
Biodiversity |
Biology |
Biological sciences |
Biomolecular science |
Biophysical science |
|
Biosciences |
Biotechnology |
Botany |
Brewing |
Cellular pathology |
|
Chemistry |
Chemical biotechnology |
Climatology |
Crystallography |
Dairy technology |
|
Earth sciences |
Entomology |
Fibre optics |
Food science and technology |
Forensic science |
|
General science |
Genetics |
Genome science |
Geology |
Geophysics |
|
Histology |
Human biology |
Immunology |
Industrial chemistry |
Instrumentation |
|
Laboratory technology |
Laser science |
Life sciences |
Manufacturing science |
Marine science |
|
Materials technology |
Meat technology |
Medical science |
Metallurgy |
Meteorology |
|
Microbiology |
Molecular microbiology |
Nanotechnology |
Nautical science |
Oceanography |
|
Parasitology |
Pathology |
Pharmacology |
Physical geography |
Physical sciences |
|
Physics |
Physiology |
Plant sciences |
Protein engineering |
Space science |
|
Stratigraphy |
Veterinary assistants |
Zoology |
The most common science qualification is the three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc). BSc students typically explore a number of core compulsory disciplines (biology and chemistry, for example) before selecting one or two specialisations from the broad range on offer.
Many science courses are founded on the ‘pure’ academic disciplines including anatomy, biochemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, geology, microbiology, pathology, physics, physiology, and zoology.
The advantage of this kind of broad education is that it leaves many career options open. The downside is that you might have some trouble finding a job. Universities vary in the extent to which they allow you to mix and match science subjects with those from other departments, just in case you were thinking of dabbling in something more vocational. There are also some ‘applied’ courses available in both universities and TAFE, and many double degrees that can help to focus your career pathway. Or there’s the option of a double degree perhaps pairing science with law, commerce or engineering.
Despite repeated claims by science academics that the field is suffering from low demand and budget cuts, science graduates enjoy their courses and the way they are taught.
Getting in
If you are thinking of doing a science degree or some science subjects, you have probably done reasonably well in science at school and most courses demand this by setting prerequisites (often one or more of maths, chemistry, biology or physics).
The sciences can be tougher to get into than the humanities and social sciences, but are not too difficult overall. That said, cut-offs can vary from very tough to very easy, depending on the specialisation and campus you choose.
Where to study
Courses in science are widely available at institutions throughout the country, in both metropolitan and regional areas. You will probably therefore have the choice of staying close to home or broadening your horizons and attending an institution interstate.
What to look for
Courses should ideally offer a broad range of different subjects and specialisations to allow students the greatest choice. Many subjects and specialisations within science courses will have a strong practical element, with many hours spent in laboratories conducting experiments, so it pays to also look into an institution’s facilities and equipment.
If you are thinking of doing postgraduate research, it will be an advantage to study at a university with an established track record in science research.
Careers for science degree graduates
The national Course Experience Questionnaire survey finds that science graduates are much more satisfied with their courses than graduates of most other fields of study. Indeed, science usually does as well as the other ‘general education’ fields — the humanities and social sciences — in the satisfaction ratings. In terms of employment destinations, the majority of science graduates work in private industry and the public sector (51 per
cent and 23 per cent respectively). Compared with other fields, science graduates find it hard to get a job after university, with over a third of the 2008 class still looking for work four months later. Nearly half (46 per cent) go on to further study. However, the future employment outlook and growth in science is predicted to be strong. The Department of Education, Science and Training projects an employment growth of 33.3 per cent for natural and
physical sciences for the period 2004-05 to 2012-13. Starting salaries for science graduates in 2009 were good at $48,730.
For more information
The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA): www.apesma.asn.au
.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO): www.csiro.au
.
If you are interested in this field you could look at the options in many other fields. Of particular interest might be computing and information technology , engineering , mathematics , surveying , the various health fields, and veterinary science .
Please rate this article:
(hover over the stars then click to rate)
