Why you should consider a degree in science

COLLEGE CHOICE:ACCORDING TO recent Government reports, Ireland will need to double the number of scientists by 2013. If true, this will put you in a strong position when you graduate. Unfortunately, the era of low points for science courses is at an end, with science at UCD soaring from 300 points in 2008 to 385 points last year.

AM I SUITED TO TAKING A SCIENCE COURSE?

Have you enjoyed the study of biology, chemistry, physics, chemistry/physics, agricultural science or indeed mathematics, applied mathematics or even geography during your school years? If so, a science degree programme may be suitable for you.

PHYSICS-BASED PROGRAMMES

There are more than 130 science-related courses, from astronomy to zoology, offered by colleges through the CAO. Whether it is studying materials used in aircraft, finding ways to improve crop yields, developing new fuels, or materials, or developing surgical equipment or drugs, the variety of science disciplines has never been so diverse.

As well as degrees in mathematical and experimental physics, there are courses in medical physics, physics and computing, astrophysics, instrumentation and chemical physics.

BIOLOGY-BASED PROGRAMMES

There are numerous biology degrees as well as related areas such as, botany, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, anatomy, immunology, physiology and plant engineering,

CHEMISTRY-BASED PROGRAMMES

There are courses in analytical chemistry, biopharmaceutical chemistry, chemical instantiation and analysis and forensics.

INTERESTED IN TEACHING SCIENCE?

If you are interested in science and working with children, there are now speciality teacher training courses in biology, chemistry and physics. Courses are available in UCC, DCU, UL and NUI Maynooth.

ENGINEERING

Innovation and invention are the core values in the engineering profession and an engineer is seven times more likely to become the chief executive of a company than any other type of professional. A level 8 honours engineering degree takes four years, but to become a chartered engineer with Engineers Ireland you will need to complete a further year’s accredited master’s degree (level 9) or equivalent, and even longer for those studying level 7/6 programmes.

THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN AND THE DEMAND FOR ENGINEERS

There is still a high demand for graduates in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital, water, healthcare, communications, alternative energy and infrastructure. One area which is experiencing an acute shortage of graduates is electronic engineering, while there is also strong demand for biomedical, manufacturing and mechanical engineers. The civil and structural engineering sectors are currently experiencing a downturn but this may change as the economy recovers.

THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF ENGINEERING THAT YOU CAN STUDY

There are a multiplicity of disciplines in engineering delivered in nine universities and 13 institutes of technology. If you are perplexed by the wide number of options available, you can use the first year of your engineering degree to choose your area of specialisation.

SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS

To study engineering at level 8 honours degree, you need at least a HC3 in maths and normally at least one science subject. Some courses, for example electrical, electronic or computer engineering at DIT, do not require a science subject.

At certificate and ordinary degree level, you will need at least a grade OD3 or HD3 in maths. Level 6 qualifications will lead to engineering technician status, with level 7 leading to engineering technologist. Graduates of these programmes can progress onwards to level 8 engineering qualification.

CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY

Ireland is facing a growing shortage of graduates in technical disciplines, even though computer scientists, electronic engineers and IT professionals have excellent long-term career options.

WHAT TO STUDY IN A COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMME

You would study how computer hardware and software systems are designed, built and used to support activity, how computers are used to solve challenging problems, how they work, how computer software is developed, how computer hardware is designed and how computers communicate with each other. You will find very high quality information on the opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers in Ireland at www.careersportal.ie.

Series concluded

5.15pm today is the deadline for CAO applications at the “early bird” €35 rate