Of all the scientific disciplines, biology has perhaps made the biggest advances in recent years, and it’s certainly attracted the most attention – reproductive cloning has been used to duplicate animals, and therapies based on stem cells are being used to treat leukaemia. Physics, on the other hand, involves studying things in their simplest forms: atoms, electrons and protons. Chemistry is perhaps the widest-ranging of all sciences and, as it overlaps with biology and physics, as well as medicine, mathematics, geology and materials science, is often called the central science. Chemists explore how chemical reactions work, both in humans and in their surrounding environment. Forensic science is an increasingly popular branch of study.

Exploring science
Whichever science subject holds interest for you, BSc degrees in the three main disciplines are widely available, as well as more specific courses such as earth science, biomedical science or botany. Undergraduate courses generally last for three years: the first covers the basic principles, while the second and third take a more in-depth approach and feature increased laboratory work, research and the opportunity to do fieldwork. A number of institutions also offer two-year HNDs and foundation degrees in science-related subjects. Enhanced four-year programmes, leading to undergraduate MSc degrees, are becoming increasingly popular.

Sports science
Sports science is an increasingly popular subject – in 2007/08, there were 29,365 students enrolled on full-time undergraduate-level sports science courses in the UK (source: HESA). Courses focus on the study of sport and exercise and on what can be done physically and psychologically to improve overall fitness and sporting performance. Students learn how to implement training programmes, evaluate athletes, provide feedback, inspire confidence and ensure that their charges maintain a sensible training regime and do not push themselves too hard.

Psychology
Psychology – the study of human behaviour and the mental processes that cause people to act the way they do – has become one of the most popular subjects for degree-level study. In 2007/08, for example, almost 60,000 students were studying undergraduate psychology in the UK (source: HESA). A degree in psychology can involve anything from testing the effects of caffeine to studying non-verbal communication in humans.

Psychology graduates are in a perfect position to move into research or numeracy-based careers such as market research, academia and accounting. There is a certain amount of crossover for psychology students between the science and humanities disciplines, and psychology students develop many of the skills of humanities graduates, such as critical thinking and essay writing.


Careers in Science

Employers view science graduates favourably. The potential job market for scientists is as varied and diverse as the subjects themselves, and as such, degrees can lead to careers in business, journalism, publishing, teaching or IT. There are also, of course, many careers that relate directly to the study of a science, or for which a science degree is the minimum entry requirement.


Careers in Oceanography
Oceanographers use their knowledge of all the main scientific disciplines to study the seas and oceans. Their work can involve research into the effects of climate change, or exploring the impact of pollution and offshore engineering on marine ecosystems. To work in oceanography you will usually need a first or upper second class honours degree in maths, physics or chemistry, followed by a master's degree in Oceanography.

Starting salaries can be between £17,000 and £22,000 a year. Experienced oceanographers can expect to earn around £36,000.

National Environment Research Council



Careers in Forensic Science
Forensic scientists provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law. They examine, in the preparation of such evidence, all contact traces from a crime scene, such as blood, hair, clothes, gunpowder residue or any other chemical substance left behind. Work in the forensic laboratory is dealt with under three sections (chemistry, biology, and drugs and toxicology), and involves fairly regular hours. Fieldwork does not fit into a nine-to-five day, however; forensic investigators are often on call.

Trainee scientists generally start on about £16,000, but this figure may be higher with an MA or PhD. This can rise to £25,000 after a few years’ experience, and senior forensic scientists may earn up to £45,000.

Forensic Science Society



Careers in Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote psychological well-being. They often work in health and social care settings as part of a multidisciplinary team, applying methods and findings of psychology and psychological theories to clients to enable them to make positive changes in their lives.

A typical starting salary within the NHS may be in the range of £25,500–£27,500, whilst senior experienced psychologists can earn up to £70,000.

NHS Careers




Careers in Ecology
Ecologists study the plants and animals in a particular location, and their biodiversity. They normally specialise in a particular type of habitat, for example marine or coastal areas, or study a specific animal or plant species.

Most ecologists start their careers with a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject such as ecology, botany, zoology, biology, environmental science or geography.

Starting salaries can be between £20,000 and £24,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000 and consultant ecologists can earn around £40,000.

British Ecological Society