College Choice/Brian Mooney:
Have you enjoyed the study of biology, chemistry, physics, indeed maths or geography in school? If so, a science degree programme may be suitable for you.
Physics-based programmes
There are over 130 science-related courses from astronomy to zoology offered by colleges through the CAO. Whether it is studying materials used in aircraft, finding ways to improve crop yields, developing new fuels or materials, or developing surgical equipment or drugs, the variety of science disciplines has never been so great. If you are interested in physics, and enjoy working with and feel comfortable applying mathematics to solve problems, then maybe physics is for you. As well as degrees in mathematical and experimental physics, there are courses in medical physics, physics and computing, astrophysics, instrumentation, and chemical physics.
Medical Research Degree Programmes
Courses in this area include medical chemistry, molecular medicine, medical biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, pharmacology, drug and medical analysis, food science, or indeed health and safety and physiology. Indeed, if sport is also one of your things, then why not consider athletic therapy and training or sport science?
Biology-based programmes
There are numerous biology degrees, as well as related areas such as botany, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, anatomy, immunology, physiology, and plant engineering.
Chemistry-based programmes
There are courses in analytical chemistry, biopharmaceutical chemistry, chemical instantiation and analysis, and forensics.
Interested in working outdoors?
Have you a desire to work outdoors and have an interest in animals and the environment? There are degrees in wildlife biology, zoology, earth, ocean, and climate science, equine science, agricultural science, fisheries, environmental studies, forestry, and archaeology.
Interested in teaching?
If you are interested in science and working with children, there are now speciality teacher training courses in biology, chemistry and physics.
Courses in this area of science are available in UCC, UL, DCU, and NUI Maynooth who, along with UCD have recently dropped the third language requirement for all their science programmes.
What are the benefits of a broad-based science degree?
The programmes outlined above are suitable for students who have determined their specialised options.
Most colleges provide a limited number of places on these programmes, because a small proportion of students, who enjoy science in its main disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology, have progressed to a specific specialist interest. For the majority of students, there is still great benefit in following a broad-based general science degree programme, which continues to be the mainstay of virtually all science faculties in higher education institutions throughout the country. Details of all science courses can be found at www.qualifax.ie
What can I do with a science degree?
According to recent Government reports, Ireland will need to double the number of scientists by 2013. If true, should you choose to study science, you should be in a buyer's market when you graduate or complete a career-specific postgraduate programme.
One area of increasing employment for graduates is in the area of research and development. This year Science Foundation Ireland has granted over €800 million in research grants to colleges. Current areas of research include quantum computing, data processing and storage, nanotechnology, optics, virtual surgery, cell malfunction, immunology, cancer research, chemistry of the brain, bacteria and virus food production, birth defects and medical diagnostics.
Careers in banking and finance.
Graduates with a more numerical discipline such as physics, chemistry and mathematics are very attractive employees for many companies operating in the financial sector.
These companies are interested in such science graduates, not because of the knowledge they have acquired during their undergraduate studies, but because of the training they have received and the analytical skills they have developed during their studies.
Every weekday, until the deadline at the end of the month, careers expert Brian Mooney will guide you through the CAO process and outline the best possible options.
ADVICE PODCAST: Listen or download the podcast for advice on how to complete the application form, and for an overview of the current CAO process at: www.ireland.com/education/
Tomorrow: Courses in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)