What actually could you do with a Biology or Physics degree?

++Hex++

http://www.uk-learning.net/t11504.html
*too tired to be sociable*

Thankyou very much for the link, and I will take it as a sign of sociability that you took the time to post it and give you lots of smiles for your helpfulness :biggrin:

I'm also tired. I think I need sleep. Meh.

Reply 21

elpaw

15

OpheliaImmortal

I'm also tired. I think I need sleep. Meh.

another peson that has used "meh" what does it mean????

Goodnight, sleeptight, don'tletthebedbugsbite, itwillbeallrightonthenight 4, marmite, shite, and kite. alright? spite fight the light tight, might site rite of passage stalagmite and stalagtite mate *in an ozzie accent"

PS if anyone hasn't noticed im dead drunk tonight

Reply 22

ladyblitzer

8

The Dude

Is a Physics or Biology degree worth its salt? Jobs in the scientific field are few and far between and competition is fierce. So is there any point studying for a Biology or Physics degree? Only a couple of hundred people per year are awarded a PhD for these subjects, and it is these post-graduates that get the jobs in scientific research etc. Undergraduates struggle to find a career in which they can utilise their degree. So is there any point in doing a degree in these subjects? I don't think it is really worth it, unless you think you will go on to obtain a PhD.

Usually, people who get a Biology degree take it as a preparation for Medicine. But Biology takers usually end up as teachers. Physics... I think some end up in NASA or something.

Reply 23

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Where do you all get this idea that you have to take a masters before a PhD? I know plenty of people who progressed straight from BSc's (and a couple from 4 yr UG masters courses) to do a PhD. If you dissertation is good and on a reasonably cutting edge area of your subject finding PhD funding/placement should be easy.

And as for science related jobs I wish someone had pointed me at the new scientists job pages before/during my 1st yr at uni. http://www.newscientistjobs.com/site/ns/index.jsp?reset=true have a look there are tonnes (although it peaked a month or two ago). Biology jobs are by far the most prevelent...especially in the field of biostatistics (epidemiology etc).

And as for people looking into computer related careers can I recommend brushing up of the skills needed (desperately) by the Grid (e-science) project - a network of supercomputers used for processing massive quantities of data (more info here)

Reply 24

Unregistered

ladyblitzer

Usually, people who get a Biology degree take it as a preparation for Medicine. But Biology takers usually end up as teachers. Physics... I think some end up in NASA or something.

Some of the Astrophysicists do, harder with just a physics degree. Astrophysics is extremely tough.

Reply 25

tagzt

4

The Dude

Is a Physics or Biology degree worth its salt? Jobs in the scientific field are few and far between and competition is fierce. So is there any point studying for a Biology or Physics degree? Only a couple of hundred people per year are awarded a PhD for these subjects, and it is these post-graduates that get the jobs in scientific research etc. Undergraduates struggle to find a career in which they can utilise their degree. So is there any point in doing a degree in these subjects? I don't think it is really worth it, unless you think you will go on to obtain a PhD.

There is a second year biologist here at Oxford who is going to do a conversion course for Law and become a solicitor...so you don't have to go into science afterwards if you dont want to.

Reply 26

haardti

Indeed; in the US, many macroeconomists did a bachelors in physics before a PhD in economics. Considering the specialised nature of UK bachelors degrees it might however be more reasonable to do a mathematical economics degree at LSE for that career route than a physics degree.

Reply 27

haardti

Pencil Queen

Where do you all get this idea that you have to take a masters before a PhD?

This is increasingly becoming compulsory; for good reason. It's irresponsible to be allowed to do a research-only UK PhD without having done previous research (the final project of an undergraduate degree is certainly not enough of a preparation). That's why the ESRC will only fund PhD students if they have done a recognised research training masters degree before, and I hope that the other research councils will soon require the same.

The new route PhD is also a step in that direction, since its first year is typically in fact a masters degree.

Reply 28

Hoofbeat

14

Physicists who chose not to go into research occupy the following careers, according to tutors at Uni ive spoken too, my teachers, careers advisors, physics organisations I've contacted:

Analysts (particularly in city for stock markets like elpaw says)
IT industry
Management
Consultancy (this is supposed to be big)
Law!
Accountancy & Finance
Security Services

That's all I can remember at the moment. I read in a magazine a while ago about this guy who did a physics degree @ Imperial, and was going to go on to do research in a special branch of quantum physics but he was snapped up by IBM. Worked there like a year, set up his own company, made millions like 2yrs after leaving uni. anyways, he gave up his job and is now following his passion and is trying to get on the British Olympic team for Dressage (those of you who don't know what that is, it's sort of ballet with horses) and is becoming quite famous!!!

I probably won't go into research when I graduate as would like to be rich (sad I know!) and will go into analysis/consultancy although I'd love to work for M15 (but it doesnt pay well enough!) and I want to work damn hard earn loads then quit after a few years and follow my other passion of performing (hopefully west end!). Oh well, I can always dream......

Elpaw - you got any ideas what you want to do?