Why Bother Studying Science At University?
At a glance, studying science at university isn’t too different from the science disciplines you may have studied in school. You’ll attend lectures and follow tutorials to learn the theory. Then, you’ll apply this knowledge in practice via labs. Nevertheless, one of the most important differences is that in university you’ll focus on breakthrough technology research.
This is the main reason why studying science at university is so appealing. You get to know and interact with scientists who are currently conducting research projects in the very topics you want to study. This is an amazing opportunity to gain access to the most up-to-date knowledge in your areas of interest. You might even get the chance to bring your own contribution to this cutting edge research work during your study years!
Science and discovery go hand in hand. While it makes sense for you to learn what others have done, top-notch science is about conduction original research to discover things we don’t yet know.
The Many Facets Of Science
When choosing a science course to study in university, you must consider the main reason behind your decision. Are you looking for a broad degree title such as Physics, Chemistry or Biological Science? Are you rather seeking to study a narrower area such as Astrophysics, Pharmacology or Marine Biology? There’s a big difference between the two, so you must ensure you know what you want before enrolling in such a programme.
A broader degree will allow you to become familiar with a wide array of fields during the first study year. As you progress with your learning, you can choose a certain specialisation later on. This approach best suits people who aren’t sure about what career path to take.
A specialist course, on the contrary, would allow you to acquire in-depth knowledge on a narrower topic from the very beginning. For instance, if your intention is to become a Microbiologist, you may not look forward to sitting through all genetics and plant metabolism lectures in your first year as a Biology student. If you are looking to get into the field of ‘immunoassay development‘ and would like more information then see here.
Choosing a specialist degree also means that you will have better qualifications to land your dream job sooner after graduating. If you choose a broader degree, you may need to enrol in post-graduate study programmes before being fully qualified for an enticing job.
How Long Does A Science Degree Take To Complete? Do You Also Get A Masters After Graduation?
Once you’ve made up your mind on the subject area of your study, you need to pick a specific course to enrol in. As there are three-year and four-year courses, you’ll also need to decide upon the length of your desired course. Here are your available options:
- Three years programme: Standard Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree
- Four years programme: BSc degree with an additional year abroad or year in industry
- Four Years Programme: Master of Science (MSc), with the first three years similar to the BSc programme, but with an integrated Masters in the fourth year
Each of these options comes with specific advantages and drawbacks. This is why you should assess them carefully, in order to determine which one works best for you. One year in the industry can be a wonderful opportunity to acquire experience, and maybe some interesting job offers right after graduation.