Overview of Science & Technology Science and applied science courses provide opportunities for research and development work in many industries such as pharmaceutical, health sciences, biomedical, mining, engineering and manufacturing. Science graduates are not limited to jobs in the chemistry, physics or biology fields, but also in the defence, aeronautics or finance industries. Most science degrees allow students to complete fundamental modules in their first year, and specialise in a science course of their preference later in their science degrees, such as biology, microbiology or physics.

Studying Science & Technology

Science courses are primarily offered at higher education institutions, but there are selected Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions which provide foundation science classes for those who prefer to build up their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics.

Science students from a TAFE course can apply to undertake a science degree program upon the successful completion of the certificate course.

A general science degree is a three-year course, depending on the university and science course chosen. You can choose to specialise in a science major towards your final year in a general science degree, such as biological science, biomedical science or applied chemistry or physics. 

Alternatively, students can study one science subject for the duration of their studies, such as a biology degree, physics degree or chemistry degree, or specialise further, for example with a marine biology degree.

Science graduates can opt for postgraduate study via coursework or research, leading to a Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in science.

Some institutions may offer applied sciences courses; giving you the option to create a higher education science course that combines core sciences modules with inter-disciplinary units, such as business and communications.

Science students may be required to undertake work-placement programmes.

Careers in Science & Technology

A science degree does not constrain you to being in a scientific field nor limit you to a laboratory, research-based or science job.

While most science students do go on to become scientists after attaining their science degrees, depending on your specialisations, you can also choose to be a technologist, or research and development officer. You can also choose to work as a microbiologist in an agriculture firm, or a medical researcher in a biomedical or pharmaceutical company. 

Science degrees are good training ground for a range of other career options, including in finance, business or management.

Skills needed in Science & Technology

You are expected to be strong in mathematics, language and problem solving, as your studies will involve calculations, analysis and logical reasoning.

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