Career PATHS for Undenominated Science Graduates

Career Paths Available

• Biological Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Mathematical Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Careers Service NUI Galway

Biological Sciences

Anatomy

Anatomy is the science dealing with the form and structure of living organisms.  Modern human anatomy is particularly concerned with showing how structure is adapted to function.  This understanding forms an essential basis for much of biomedical research.  The course includes traditional gross anatomy, cell biology, histology, neuroanatomy, embryology and anthropology along with hands-on exposure to modern anatomical research techniques such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy.  A degree in Anatomy provides a basis for careers based on the biomedical sciences including posts in education, research laboratories and health-care industries.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a relatively new scientific discipline which involves the study of the chemical changes in living cells. It is a subject which has permeated into all other biological disciplines such as biotechnology, environmental studies, genetics and medicine, because these areas regularly use biochemical techniques. It has many agricultural, medical and industrial applications. Graduates in Biochemistry find employment in health-care, pharmaceutical, agricultural and biotechnology-based industries.

Botany

The science of plant biology is of prime importance to the human population. Apart from the fundamental role of plants in maintaining the planet's oxygen supply, they are also the source of such everyday essentials as food, fuel, textiles, medicines and structural materials. Among the varied employment opportunities available to graduates in Botany are: secondary or tertiary level teaching; quality control and research in the food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; environmental consultancy, together with landscape and park agriculture and forestry sectors.

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, principally bacteria and viruses. Its origins began with the involvement of micro-organisms in disease and quickly moved into their many roles in the food/beverages industries, in plant and animal nutrition and their role in the environment. The discovery of the antibiotic production by micro-organisms in the '40s heralded the development of many new industrial processes. Microbiology graduates are employed in all the biologically-related industries, in research and development and in academic and teaching professions.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of the effects of drugs on living organisms. Although its origins can be traced back into the mists of time, modern pharmacology really only emerged in the early twentieth century, following the advances in Chemistry and Physiology. It has continued to exploit the knowledge that has grown in these, as well as many other areas including Biochemistry, Anatomy, and more recently in Molecular Biology and Genetics. This course aims to provide an understanding of the challenges involved in the development of drugs to treat and prevent disease. Pharmacology graduates often pursue post-graduate research or are engaged in research and development in academic, hospital or industrial settings.

Physiology

Physiology comprises functions of the body, its component tissues, cells and fluids. It explains the mechanisms of movement and their control as well as body secretions and their roles, the action of muscle, the constituents and activities of cells, the pumping action of the heart, digestion and absorption of foodstuffs, respiration and metabolism, the regulation and control of bodily functions, the roles of the brain. Graduates in Physiology normally find employment in the academic and teaching professions and in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological industries.

Zoology

Zoology is the study of animals in all their aspects including their relationship with their environment (Ecology). It is a study basic to all aspects of biological science and technology of today's world, including agriculture, aquaculture, natural environment impact studies, fisheries and wild-life. Graduates in Zoology would normally find employment in education (second and third level), industry, fisheries, pollution and environmental impact assessment, aquaculture, wild-life projects and basic and applied research in institutes and universities.

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Earth Sciences

Applied Geophysics

Geophysics is concerned with the study of the earth by physical means. Applied Geophysics uses the methods of Geophysics in the search for oil and gas, minerals, sand and gravel, and water. It has many strong links with industry and is widely used by the oil companies. Graduates find employment opportunities in Environmental Science and Exploration

Geology

Geology is a science of diverse interests. Its applications serve and underpin many of the needs of our modern industrial and technological society, while at the same time highlighting an awareness of protecting the natural environment. Graduates in Geology will typically find employment in the petroleum and mining industries. Other openings lie with national geological surveys, environmental organisations, consulting companies, remote-sensing and in third-level teaching and research.

Oceanography

Oceanography, the scientific study of the sea, is today one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of scientific endeavour. Graduates in Oceanography can expect to find employment in: abatement and monitoring of marine pollution; wild fishing or the rapidly expanding aquaculture industry; seeking economic mineral resources beneath the sea; or assisting in the design of engineered structures.

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Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics

The study of mathematics runs as a continuous link through the intellectual, cultural and technological development of the western world for the last 5,000 years. It plays a vital and ever-increasing role today in other disciplines - Physical Sciences, Engineering, Economics, to name but a few. Computers could not have developed without it and in turn the need to improve and exploit computers has opened up new fields of research in Mathematics and made possible the development of new mathematical techniques for studying life-processes.

Mathematical Physics

Mathematical Physics is a major element of Applied Mathematics - the application of Mathematics to areas such as Physical Sciences, Engineering, Economics; in short, to every area of activity amenable to quantitative study. Such applications gave rise to the need for, and development of, computers. The availability of increasingly powerful computers continually broadens the range of problems to which mathematics can be successfully applied.

Degrees in Mathematical Sciences

Students may pursue a three-year degree in Mathematics and Mathematical Physics (two subjects) or a four-year Honours degree in Mathematics or a four year degree in Applied Mathematics or a degree combining Applied Mathematics with Physics. There is a strong demand for graduates with mathematical skills in financial institutions, business firms and semi-state bodies.

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Physical Sciences

Chemistry

Chemistry is concerned with the composition and structure of materials, how they hold together, what properties they have and how they can be altered to provide new products with new properties. We live in a totally chemical environment, Chemistry is a central subject for a basic education and training in science and is useful to those who specialise in many other subjects. Employment for Chemistry graduates is available in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries; the Civil Service; local and central government; the environmental service and education and teaching.

Physics

Physics is the fundamental science which seeks to understand the basic laws governing the structure of matter, the nature of energy, radiation and the interaction between these quantities. Its span of interest ranges from the nature of the short-range forces which operate inside the atomic nucleus to the origin and structure of the universe. Physics is the creative force behind many of today's new technologies. Physicists play an important role in the research and development sections of high-technology industries. In addition, because of the wide range of topics within the discipline of Physics, physicists find employment in private and public sector industry, in electronics, in technical aspects of medicine and in education at secondary and tertiary level.

Examples of careers in Physics can be found on the Institute of Physics website. 

http://www.iopireland.org/activity/careers/A_day_in_the_life/page_18953.html

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