Science

The modern world you live in would not exist without science and scientists. Think about all the things around you that you take for granted as a part of everyday life - mobile phones, computers, TVs, cars, aeroplanes, medicines. None of these things would be there if it weren't for scientists.

But science isn't just about technology. Science is about increasing our knowledge of the world around us. You may be familiar with biology, physics and chemistry but there are many different areas of science. Here are a few;

MicroscopeBiology

Molecular biology, molecular genetics, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, botany, agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, laboratory plant anatomy, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, algology, mycology.

Physics

Solid state, optics, acoustics, particle, nuclear, atomic, plasma, superconductivity, condensed matter, fluid and gas dynamics, thermodynamics, semiconductors, magnetism, quantum mechanics, biophysics, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, geophysics, physical oceanography, meteorology, atmospheric physics, seismology, mineralogy, topography, optical astronomy, radio astronomy, astrophysics.

Chemistry

Physical chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials, plastics, fuels, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry.

Environmental Sciences

Pollution (air, water, land), pollution sources and their control, waste disposal, environmental alteration (heat, light, irrigation, erosion), ecology.

Medicine and Health

Year 9 ScienceMedicine, dentistry, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, paediatrics, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, optometry, pharmacy.

And there are plenty more where they came from!

Scientists can find themselves doing anything from observing the stars from a mountain top in Hawaii to exploring the deep oceans with the latest autonomous submarine probes. Scientists can work on projects as diverse as curing cancer or understanding events in the first microsecond of the Big Bang, or how about developing renewable energy technology and solving the climate change problem?

The possibilities are endless.

How do I become a scientist?

Most scientists will tell you that they have always been fascinated by the world around them and how it works. If you want to be a scientist you really need to share this fascination. It also helps if you are a clear, logical thinker. Being good at maths can be useful too.

Creativity and the ability to think laterally are also really important.

If all that sounds interesting, the first thing you need to do is decide which area of science is the one for you. Most scientists progress through GCSEs, A-levels and then onto university to do a first degree. All UK universities offer varying selections of science degrees. For example, at the University of Portsmouth you could choose from:

Once you've completed your first degree you can opt for a Master's degree or a PhD. Or you might want to get out into the world and start doing science.

Whether you want to become a scientist or not, a science degree is an excellent qualification, providing you with a great foundation for a career in a huge number of different areas.

Some careers that use science:

Did you know?

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