Which field of science would you suggest?

ilivetolearn

Hi All,

I've been contemplating returning to third level education given the lack of favorable work oppurtunity out there at the moment. I'd like to move into areas of genetics, earth sciences or a similar lab based line of work.

I'm also open to whatever suggestions you each might have in relation to what fields of science will be prominent in the coming half decade (doesn't have to be lab based). I'd also like to progress beyond degree level.

What suggestions or pearls of wisdoms can you guys impart? All comments will be apreciated.

hobochris

Computer Science?

IT is the way of the future... fast passed development, new technologies, plenty to learn and experiment with.

getz

ilivetolearn wrote: »

Hi All,

I've been contemplating returning to third level education given the lack of favorable work oppurtunity out there at the moment. I'd like to move into areas of genetics, earth sciences or a similar lab based line of work.

I'm also open to whatever suggestions you each might have in relation to what fields of science will be prominent in the coming half decade (doesn't have to be lab based). I'd also like to progress beyond degree level.

What suggestions or pearls of wisdoms can you guys impart? All comments will be apreciated.

hi, four years ago i went to work for a group of scientists on a claus plant, it was a researching and developing the recovery of sulpher from gasses from hydrocarbon feedstocks,it was the most interesting job in my life,it was only a pitty that i was to old to have been able to take this up as a long term job,we was burning cocktail of gasses[from any say oilwell in the world] and by using pure oxygen destroying 999.9%.as this is a environmental technology science ,the world would be yours in this area [a gass scientist]

ilivetolearn

hobochris wrote: »

Computer Science?

IT is the way of the future... fast passed development, new technologies, plenty to learn and experiment with.

Funnily enough I've already self-schooled myself in html, css, javascript and php and sql. I've built several decent websites for various clients including three internal CRM's for different companies. I do this outside of my current post as an manager/analyst.

I don't really feel the need to pursue this academically since I have all the resources and tutorials I require online. Then again you might be able to convince me otherwise. What areas of computer science would be worth specializing in? A year ago it was CISCO I believe.

I'd like to move into the biological, chemical or physical sciences rather than something as technological as computing.

ilivetolearn

getz wrote: »

hi, four years ago i went to work for a group of scientists on a claus plant, it was a researching and developing the recovery of sulpher from gasses from hydrocarbon feedstocks,it was the most interesting job in my life,it was only a pitty that i was to old to have been able to take this up as a long term job,we was burning cocktail of gasses[from any say oilwell in the world] and by using pure oxygen destroying 999.9%.as this is a environmental technology science ,the world would be yours in this area [a gass scientist]

This sounds very interesting. I'd love to work in research and development. The conventional 9-5 office scenario is truly soul destroying.

What do you mean by "it was only a pitty that i was to old to have been able to take this up as a long term job".

Are certain sciences restricted by age is this simply a financial observation you're making?

hobochris

ilivetolearn wrote: »

Funnily enough I've already self-schooled myself in html, css, javascript and php and sql. I've built several decent websites for various clients including three internal CRM's for different companies. I do this outside of my current post as an manager/analyst.

I don't really feel the need to pursue this academically since I have all the resources and tutorials I require online. Then again you might be able to convince me otherwise. What areas of computer science would be worth specializing in? A year ago it was CISCO I believe.

I'd like to move into the biological, chemical or physical sciences rather than something as technological as computing.

html, css, javascript and php and sql are only scratching the surface.

I'm a software developer, Which is basically a programmer/analysist/designer/DBA and consultant all in one role, It is a very challenging role with new problems to solve and new skills to learn every day.. I build business management applications, but,

I can do pretty much anything from create a server, create a web forum, build mobile applications such as games etc, build GPS tracking systems, create Games for PC and console etc... the list goes on.

Pretty much anyone from most decent colleges can do the same.

Cisco are just a company that make routers and provided training and certification.I have a CCNA, it would be handy if your looking to work with networks but besides that, you'd get by without it.


I would recommend It, as it is very challenging and rewarding, but its up to you to decide what you want to do.. I'm sure you probably feel the same about the basic three sciences as I do about computer Science.

Which ever you choose, good luck with it.

ilivetolearn

hobochris wrote: »

I'm a software developer, Which is basically a programmer/analysist/designer/DBA and consultant all in one role, It is a very challenging role with new problems to solve and new skills to learn every day.. I build business management applications, but,

I can do pretty much anything from create a server, create a web forum, build mobile applications such as games etc, build GPS tracking systems, create Games for PC and console etc... the list goes on.

A few more questions to pick your brain based on the above skills:

• Are these skills aquired through a standard degree course?
• How far can one specialize (e.g. masters et al)?
• How competitive is it in terms of finding work?
• Is the salary sufficent? Can you provide me with an average?
• Are there much prospects for travel and if so where?

If I had a little sound guidance on this I'm sure it wouldn't be so difficult arriving at a decision. Right now it feels more like a vocational Russian roulette.

bleg

if you're interested in genetics you should definitely look into a biotechnology course. the industry has already grown so huge that 2 of the top 10 selling drugs are biotech products. the most valuable substance on the face of the planet is interferon. it's one area that ireland is doing really well in. the biggest campus in europe is owned by wyatt and located in dublin. all other pharmaceutical companies based in ireland are also building up biotech research and development facilities. there are definitely going to be more jobs in this sector in 5-10 years that don't even exist at the moment.

taram

bleg wrote: »

if you're interested in genetics you should definitely look into a biotechnology course. the industry has already grown so huge that 2 of the top 10 selling drugs are biotech products. the most valuable substance on the face of the planet is interferon. it's one area that ireland is doing really well in. the biggest campus in europe is owned by wyatt and located in dublin. all other pharmaceutical companies based in ireland are also building up biotech research and development facilities. there are definitely going to be more jobs in this sector in 5-10 years that don't even exist at the moment.

+1 In UCC you can enter through CK404, Environmental and Earth Science, which means for the first two years you'll do a mix of environmental, geological and biological sciences, then can continue to doing almost pure plant biotechnology. Unfortunatly it is limited as it's *plant* biotechonology, but there's great opportunities to branch at postgrad level into other aspects of biotech.

ilivetolearn

>>.Thanks so much taram and bleg. The advise is highly useful.

If I wanted to start September 2010 is there anything I should be doing now. I presume that I'd have to pursue this as a mature student.

I love the vocational progression for CK404, Environmental and Earth Science even if it is primarily with plants.

Any advise on how and where to get started in terms of contacting the college, setting aside finances, requirements or areas I should get myself familiar with?

bleg

yea go onto the website, there's a whole section for prospective students. the college would have more information on finances etc... so i would recommend contacting the admissions office.

ilivetolearn

bleg wrote: »

yea go onto the website, there's a whole section for prospective students. the college would have more information on finances etc... so i would recommend contacting the admissions office.

Righto. I've had a chat with the mature student officer via email to run through the standard protocols.

Can anyone shine any light on how difficult it might be to gain entrance on this course?

(I've studied higher level science for junior cert. and higher level biology and higher level chemistry for leaving cert.)

hobochris

ilivetolearn wrote: »

A few more questions to pick your brain based on the above skills:

• Are these skills acquired through a standard degree course? Yes,Your taught the skills you need and how to use them effectively, but you will constantly acquire new skills while working
• How far can one specialize (e.g. masters et al)? You can go up to PHD, i.e. a doctor of computing
  
• How competitive is it in terms of finding work? Well I'll put it this way, we're in a recession and there are still plenty of IT jobs around
  
• Is the salary sufficent? Can you provide me with an average?This depends on experience, It starts of at around 25-35k and then the skies the limit,senior/lead developer usually gets 45-70k, the going rate for software architects is 70-120k,Experience is king, a degree is just a ticket in the door.
  
• Are there much prospects for travel and if so where?Yes, HUGE PROSPECTS FOR TRAVEL.there is an worldwide IT shortage.
  

If I had a little sound guidance on this I'm sure it wouldn't be so difficult arriving at a decision. Right now it feels more like a vocational Russian roulette.

To be honest if you don't have an interest in IT to begin with, you probably wont like it. The prospects are great for those with interest and ability, but those that get into it for other reasons generally end up leaving the sector after 5-6 years. Id say 40-50% of people in the sector would be better suited elsewhere.Id advise unless you love IT, then maybe pick another science.

getz

ilivetolearn wrote: »

This sounds very interesting. I'd love to work in research and development. The conventional 9-5 office scenario is truly soul destroying.

What do you mean by "it was only a pitty that i was to old to have been able to take this up as a long term job".

Are certain sciences restricted by age is this simply a financial observation you're making?

no, i worked over 20 years in the paint industry as a QC manager/when my company closed,i was contacted by a BOC and asked if i would like to work with a group of their scientists on a research pilot plant in manchester,mainly because of my HSE and experience with dangerous chemicals,for 3years the plant was working i loved it ,but i was 60 years old by then ,but i did feel i at least put in some input, i introduced a colour match + temputure by E2T-the gas industry is massive

dazzday

As far as the sciences go ill put in my two cents...

Computer science -
still a huge demand for software developers. If you have an aptitude for computers this is the way to go. Experience here is key.

Biology -
Not as strong as it used to be. Still plenty of jobs going in areas of lab technicians and quality control in the big medical device/pharmaceutical companies such as boston scientific....just alot more competitive these days.
Bioinformatics is the BIG area to look at... a highly specialised area but a large shortage of suitable applicants. Massive potential in terms of PHD research.

Chemistry -
Similar to biology but majority of jobs towards the biosciences. Alot of funding for PHD research(IRCSET in particular), but very competitive so dont even think about it without a high 1st class honours. In terms of research, any proposal with the terms "cancer", "renewable" or "bio" are preety much gold these days for funding. Realistically not alot going job wise with a chemistry based degree, really a subject that requires a further postgrad.

Physics-
Speaking from personal experience, a thoroughly interesting, challenging and worthwhile degree...in particular after the first year or two of fundemental mechanics, electronics etc. By far the most broad degree, allowing a range of subjects to specialise in.
Realistically, a postgrad is needed to get full benefit. But the range of research is vast -
Astronmy/astrophysics
Optics
Photonics
Medical Physics
Theoretical Physics
Atmospheric Physics

to name but afew. In terms of funding for phd etc, majority of funding goes towards optics/photonics...although specialised fields such as atmospheric physics have alot of opportunities. Job wise, you can go into ANYTHING, particularly after a masters - research, engineering, computing, finance, medical industry etc.
Photonics will be a big area of expansion, while medical physics is highly advised especially post-recession.

Earth/Ocean Sciences-
Cool fields to go into and some brilliant job opportnities (oil exploration, environmental studies etc). In theory with global warming, mineral shortage etc should be a steady growth rate in jobs. Highly competitive, a poor degree in this area will leave you stranded!