University Degrees: Science Student's Options

what can a science student study in university

Science is a broad field with many specializations. When choosing a science degree, it is important to consider your interests and goals. You should also research the different universities and the courses they offer. In Europe, students usually study one or two subjects in great depth and graduate with a bachelor's degree, while in the US, students can take classes across disciplines and choose a major in their second year. In Canada, students can study a variety of modules in their first year before choosing a major in their second. Australia follows a similar model to Europe. When choosing a science degree, you are not limited to biology, chemistry, and physics; you can also study computer science, environmental science, geology, psychology, and more.

Characteristics Values
Degree type Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, PhD
Subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Psychology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Food Science, Pathology, Pharmacology, Atmosphere and Ocean Science, Bioengineering Systems, Civil Systems, Computing and Software Systems, Electrical Systems, Geomatics, Mechanical Systems, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Geography, Informatics, Agricultural Science, Animal Health and Disease, Biotechnology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Food Science, Forest Science, Genetics, Human Structure and Function, Immunology, Marine Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Neuroscience, Zoology, Mathematical Physics, Mathematics, Statistics
Location UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, US, Canada
University Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Imperial College London, York, Bristol, Manchester, Surrey
League tables Guardian, Times Higher Education, Complete University Guide
Accreditation Royal Society of Biology (RSB), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Biochemical Society, Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), Institute of Physics (IOP)
Tutorials and seminars Small group sessions with tutor or one-to-one with professor
Assignments Set by tutor before session

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Computer science

As a computer science student, you will develop a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and theoretical computer science. You will learn about program design, machine organisation, and computer security. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore specialised electives such as computer security, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualisation. These courses will allow you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals.

Universities like Yale offer both B.S. and B.A. degree programs, as well as combined major programs, such as Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Computer Science and Economics, Computer Science and Mathematics, and Computer Science and Psychology. These combined major programs provide a solid technical education in computer science while allowing students to explore a diverse range of courses in other disciplines, contributing to a well-rounded liberal arts education.

When choosing a university for computer science, it is important to consider the course content, the reputation of the department, and the facilities available. Universities like Surrey offer excellent facilities, including state-of-the-art research laboratories and equipment for practical, hands-on learning. Additionally, some universities offer foundation years or pathway programs to help international students gain the necessary fundamentals and academic English language skills to succeed in their science-related degrees.

Pursuing a degree in computer science will equip you with a versatile skill set that is highly valued in today's digital age. It will open doors to a wide range of industries, including business, education, finance, insurance, robotics, and many more. With computers playing a pivotal role in every aspect of society, a computer science degree will undoubtedly provide you with a plethora of exciting career prospects.

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Environmental science

University Courses in Environmental Science

University courses in environmental science typically integrate natural and social sciences to study the interrelationships between people and nature. They often cover topics such as ecology, hydrology, earth and soil sciences, natural resource management, ethics, environmental policy, and law.

Fieldwork is a key component of environmental science degrees, with students visiting various ecosystems, climates, and regions to study habitats, land formations, and societal interactions firsthand. Laboratory work is also important, equipping students with skills in data analysis, environmental testing, and research methodologies.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees in environmental science typically include strong high school grades in subjects such as biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, physics, or geology. Some institutions may also consider extracurricular involvement in environmental or science-related activities.

For master's programs in environmental science, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or a related field. Admission requirements may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and in some cases, standardized test scores.

Career Prospects

A degree in environmental science can lead to a range of careers, including environmental consulting, government environmental offices, land and water management agencies, and non-government organizations, as well as surveying and laboratory work. Some graduates may also pursue further education, such as a doctorate, to specialize in research.

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Geology

Some employers of geology graduates include the British Geological Survey, the Environment Agency, local authorities, museums, and government organisations. Overseas work is also common in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Further study is a popular option for geology graduates, with many pursuing relevant MSc courses to specialise in fields like mining engineering, engineering geology, or the minerals industry. For instance, an MSc in petroleum geoscience is ideal for those seeking to enter the petroleum industry.

With a projected job growth of 35% in the next decade, geology offers excellent job prospects and high-salary opportunities for graduates. Geologists will play a critical role in addressing societal challenges, including sustainable development, combating climate change, and ensuring access to vital resources like clean water and minerals for technology.

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Psychology

A degree in psychology can lead to a wide range of careers, including education, personnel management, business, marketing, healthcare, and counselling. It can also be a good stepping stone to further study in psychology or another field, such as law or medicine.

There are a variety of psychology degree options available, including a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). A BS degree will typically include more science courses, such as mathematics, whereas a BA degree will focus more on the theoretical approaches in the field.

There are also specialized psychology degrees available, such as applied psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and counselling psychology. These degrees allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. For example, a degree in industrial-organizational psychology will focus on how media and technology are impacting human cognition, emotions, and behaviours.

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Engineering and physical sciences

The University of Surrey offers an International Foundation Year in Engineering and Physical Sciences, which teaches core and optional modules to prepare international students for the skills required by UK universities. Other engineering and physical science degrees offered by universities include computer science, construction management, and an innovative integrated master's degree in chemical engineering.

Aston University offers an MSc in Computer Science conversion, which transforms non-computing graduates into skilled software developers. They also offer a Construction Management and Engineering Masters, which provides knowledge of the construction industry. Additionally, Aston University offers a BEng Civil Engineering degree, which teaches skills to create, design, and build infrastructure.

Online platforms like Coursera also offer hundreds of free courses in physical science and engineering, taught by top-ranked schools such as the University of Virginia and Georgia Institute of Technology. These courses cover various topics, including chemistry, physics, astronomy, materials science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Frequently asked questions

There are many different science subjects you can study at university, including:

- Biology

- Chemistry

- Physics

- Computer Science

- Environmental Science

- Geology

- Psychology

- Mathematics

- Statistics

- Neuroscience

- Pharmacology

- Zoology

This list is non-exhaustive, and there are many more science subjects to choose from.

Universities that usually rank highly for science subjects include Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Imperial College London, York, Bristol and Manchester.

It is important to choose something you enjoy and would be happy to study in-depth for the next few years. You can consider the subjects you enjoy the most at school and research similar courses at university. You can also look at the modules and electives offered by each university for each course to see if they align with your interests.

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