• Question: what subjects do you need to study in school to become a scientist

    Asked by 847sprg52 to LauraAnne, Helen, Emilia, Dan, Andrew on 7 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Helen Hanstock

      Helen Hanstock answered on 7 Nov 2016:

      It depends what type of science you are interested in! You usually need Maths + at least one branch of science e.g. Biology, Chemstry or Physics. If you were interested in particular types of science other subjects may be useful e.g. if you are interested in Sports Science then P.E. can be useful, if you are interested in Computer Science then ICT or Computing might be useful, if you were interested in Geology or Environmental Science then Geography may be useful. You get the idea!

      If you look at the websites for University degree courses they usually tell you which subjects are recommended or required to apply for a particular subject at university.

    • Photo: Dan Gordon

      Dan Gordon answered on 8 Nov 2016:

      Helen is spot on here. Maths is going to be important as the way in which we communicate is through numbers. Then it will depend on the science you would like to go into. There is so much choice, if you are not sure I would keep in broad for now and then start to specialise once you are older or at university.

    • Photo: LauraAnne Furlong

      LauraAnne Furlong answered on 9 Nov 2016:

      I’d agree with what Helen and Dan have said, and add that for some university courses, certain subjects might be compulsory? If you are interested in a particular uni course, then a good person to ask about what subjects are good would be the course leader, or even better – a student who has actually done the course at the university you want to go to. Pick subjects and topics you are interested in, and it is fine to keep things broad – you can pick a speciality area in later years.

    • Photo: Emilia McAllister-Jepps

      Emilia McAllister-Jepps answered on 13 Nov 2016:

      Top advice from the scientists, and a lot depends on what field of science you would like to go in. If you are hoping to work in the field of Sports Science, then there may be a few roles that have no obvious subjects or pre-requisites, but rather require you to have shown initiative in undertaking some work experience in that field. It is always worth looking at entry requirements, or job descriptions of roles you think you might wish to do in the future so you can be better prepared in ensuring you follow the relevant path.

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