science jobs and qualifications

First of all, even within that range of subjects there's a vast number of subtopics in which you could end up specialising in, say physics - quantum mechanics, astrophysics, thermodynamics, etc. A lot overlap, also with the other sciences, examples include various diagnostic imaging techniques in medicine - xrays, mri scanners, pet, radioactive tracers or as is topical with the Paralympics running soon, perhaps you could end up studying biomechanics and work at developing new prosthetic limbs. There are countless areas and you'll only briefly touch upon a few in a four year degree.

Second: What you actually graduate in may have little bearing in what field you end up in. I know quite a few people who've left science for completely different disciplines, finance for example often recruit science graduates whose analytical skills are desired. There's a misconception that most graduates end up in research or academia.

There isn't a clear career path as in the more vocational degrees, nursing, law, etc and that has it's advantages/disadvantages. If you're dead-set on becoming a vet then probably best to pick veterinary medicine. If you have a broad interest in animal biology and are unsure on what area to specialise in then the undenominated degree is a better option. As for job prospects, that can change rather quickly in any area. No guarantee what is in demand now will be in 5 years time. The flexibility of your science degree should help in some ways though if getting a job is your main concern

So my advice is pick the subjects that interest you, worry about jobs later - you're going to college to learn how to think (as well as the drunkenness and debauchery;)), not merely gain knowledge for the workplace.

Enjoy it.

There's a popular weekly science magazine that you should get, a few pages of jobs in it every week, plus the stories in it would give you an idea of areas you like.

srsly78 wrote: »

And when you see the salaries advertised you will realise why lots of physics grads work in finance instead :pac:

I didnt want to mention that, i did LC chem & physics and am now an accountant i'd still rather be a formula 1 aerodynamicist though.

tacofries wrote: »

Are jobs well paid, are these jobs in ireland or would i have to travel and are the jobs interesting?

While I would agree with what was said above (it's too early for you to be worrying about jobs), what would you like to do?

Depends what you mean by science job. There are laboratory assistant jobs that don't need higher qualifications.

There's a ridiculous amount of jobs in the Electronics industry in Ireland.