CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN SCIENCE DO YOU WANT TO PURSUE A CAREER IN SCIENCES You
should have the following qualities if you want to pursue a career in sciences:
Persistence • Curiosity • Precision • Intelligence • Objectivity • Honesty •
Creativity • Ability to Influence Others • Problem-Solving • Competitiveness •
Ability to Communicate What do scientists do?: Their work includes using various
tools and machinery to perform experiments. Scientists may work indoors or
outdoors depending on the field. For example, a geologist may work near the site
of a dormant volcano, and a microbiologist may work in a special laboratory
indoors. In high school, future scientists should take math, physical sciences,
and English classes. Scientists communicate by publishing articles. One common
goal of scientists is to contribute to the wealth of knowledge. When we mention
the word scientist, we are referring to people working under the major heading
of science. There are other scientist such as chefs, that employ science into
their everyday life. Science generally consists of three major headings: biology
, chemistry, and physics. In recent years, the lines among these heading have
usually blurred creating interdisciplinary sciences such as biochemistry and
biophysics. The scientific process consists of observing the physical world,
formulating a hypothesis, interpret ing the results, forming a conclusion, and
in some cases applying the end results. Biology includes a broad spectrum of
subjects including identification and classification of living organisms,
molecular events in cells, and the environment. Chemistry can be separated in
five subdivisions: inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry,
analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Inorganic chemistry look at all
chemical elements except hydrocarbons, whereas organic chemists concentrate on
mainly hydrocarbons. Analytical chemists identify substances and separate
mixtures. Physical chemists deal with the structure and chemical nature of
matter. Biochemists study chemical reactions and pathways in living organisms.
Physics is divided between an experimental and theoretical areas.
Interdisciplinary areas include biochemistry, biophysics, geochemistry, and
astrochemistry. Other areas of science includes mathematics and computers. Most
mathematicians generally work in schools, colleges and university. The few that
work in industry work to problems using applied math and may placed on a team
with engineers and scientists. Computer scientists works with computer
technology in the form of computer programming, systems analysis, and developing
computer networks. Scientist use the scientific method on a daily basis. It is a
general guide for conducting science. The scientific method includes observation
of a problem or feature, generalization, forming a hypothesis, performing an
experiment, and developing a theory. At all of these steps, communication is
vital. Communication can come in the form of papers, symposiums, and lectures.
For scientists, publications and experience helps to build their reputation. It
should be noted in some cases the reputation of a scientists who is continually
publishing papers can have a greater reputation than the scientist who seldom
publishes a paper. Presenting your work at scientific conferences and knowing
that you are contributing to your field is what brings enjoyment to many
scientists. The pure joy of making a scientific discovery or finding out
something new is what drive many scientists. For others, it is knowing that
their work will benefit others, save lives, or help the planet. A common goal
for all scientists is to contribute to the existing knowledge base. Professional
headings in science includes engineering and medicine. To enter medicine,
specialized education is required after college, whereas engineers are
constantly continuing their education to keep up with technology. Engineers
general work in industry and government in agencies like NASA, defense, and
transportation. Electrical engineers work in communication, storage of
electronic data, and computers. Aerospace and Aeronautical engineers work in
aircraft and spacecraft industries. Chemical engineers design and operate
chemical plants and equipment. Civil engineers are involved in the construction
of roads, bridges, and transportation areas. Some fields such as robotics
combine science and engineering. General ly engineers are analytical and
creative in nature, and are continually in education to keep with the latest
technology. Careers in medicine include physicians, family doctors, surgeons,
medical scientists, pediatricians, and radiologists. These doctors use their
knowledge of medicine to provide an accurate diagnoses of their patients.
Doctors generally are people who want to help others, solve problems, and lead a
team.
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