Why Choose Physical Sciences and What Can You Get Out of It?
The physical sciences are widely accepted as being Chemistry, Physics or Maths and a degree in any one of these areas is relatively well sought after (especially maths) and will give you a certain kudos, especially if it’s from a top University such as Oxford or Cambridge.
There are plenty of these types of courses available at every University in the country, however, you must consider the equipment they have there and the content of the degree course before deciding where you would like to apply. Obviously taking, Chemistry, Physics or Maths or combinations of the 3 of them, will probably be a prerequisite to the course, but be sure to check the course requirements before dismissing the opportunity. Physical Sciences degrees are nearly all BSc due to the evident scientific content of the course.
Where can Physical Science take you?
Physical science offers a number of potential employment pathways due to the considered difficulty of the course and also due to the wide ranging skills that you will pick up from such a degree. The career paths for those taking a physics or maths based Physical Sciences course include becoming a teacher, medical physicist, lab technician or statistician. However, with a more chemistry based course, you could look into toxicology, forensic chemistry or pharmacology are all popular options after having finished your University study.
Clinical Biochemist
A clinical biochemist will analyse the conditions, samples and data that patients may present to them and they may then make recommendations on diagnosis or treatment of certain diseases. Moreover, they are on the front line of new technological advancements and must be involved in controlling the way the hospitals run the analysis of disease section of the hospital. Starting salaries are approximately equal to £25000 while a consultant will be able to take home a salary of £55000 or more depending on their level of experience and where about in the country they reside.
Medical Physicist
A medical physicist will take techniques that are studied in the world of physics and attempt to apply them to try to cure patients of diseases, which has been evident in the recent emergence of radiotherapy to help cure cancer patients. Moreover, these physicists are at the heart of setting the guidelines on treatment plans for those under the care of the NHS, while some will ply their trade in private organisations. Salaries start at the same £25000 base rate but could rise up to £100000 if you reach a senior director or head of service position.
There are truly a plethora of options available to you, so don’t just settle for the one, have a look around and keep your options open, so you can decide at the end of your degree course where you wish to specialise.