The natural sciences have been a part of the world of academia for a number of centuries. Since the times of Aristotle and Albert Einstein, the study of natural sciences such as biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and astronomy have been taught and introduced as part of the pedantic curriculum. However, in recent years, with more and more scientific breakthroughs, the study of the natural sciences has become more sought after. Most of the top graduate schools have master’s courses in the various natural sciences and one can take a pick from the myriad disciplines that are on offer.
Natural sciences are spheres of study that can never become archaic. They are the foundations of the study of many specialized courses in the fields of science and technology. Having a natural science degree opens many doors for you and in today’s competitive job scenario, it provides you with an all-pervasive knowledge ofa number of areas of study so that you are better prepared and qualified for the line you intend to pursue.
In most cases, prospective students may need to have studied their proposed master’s subject in their undergraduate days too.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
The field of natural sciences is a large one, encompassing specializations in diverse segments including fields such as agriculture, built environment, earth sciences, geography, and zoology in addition to the more conservative subjects anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, philosophy, physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.
Their entry requirements are as stringent and complicated as the fields of study themselves. Since the choice to study natural sciences requires a good aptitude and perseverance, top grad schools offering masters’ degrees in either of the natural sciences do not encourage applications of students who have not done their undergraduate studies in a science-related subject. In most cases, prospective students may need to have studied their proposed master’s subject in their undergraduate days too. Studying a natural science is not easy, as can be seen from the admission requirements for the courses.
For example, a top grad school offering an MSc in physics or chemistry will require applicants to have completed their bachelor’s degree in science with physics or chemistry as one of the major subjects. Although certain grad schools may accept others on the basis of their work-experience in a physics or chemistry-related field or on the basis of a diploma in physics or chemistry, most top grad schools will insist on a specific undergraduate degree. Also, with the surge in demand for these courses, top grad schools require prospective students to at least have an honours or first class undergraduate degree, failing which, they may not even be eligible for admission to the course.
An MSc in agriculture is only open to those students having an upper-second-class or first-class honours degree in a related-science discipline, such as biology, zoology, environmental science, or physical geography. Candidates who have a second-class honours degree may be considered but it depends on the school.
An MSc in earth science or built environment requires candidates to have a good honours degree in any scientific discipline, particularly geography and earth and environmental sciences that demonstrates the candidate's capacity to assimilate scientific knowledge, to apply critical analysis to scientific issues and which provides evidence of advanced numeracy skills and the ability to analyze scientific data.
Hence, if one wishes to apply for a specialized natural science segment, it is best to make enquiries and gather information related to the entry requirements for that particular course. The procedure and eligibility requirements are different, however, when it comes to applying for PhD programs. A PhD involves a lot of research and is generally for a period of three years.
Besides, a master’s degree in natural sciences equips you with the necessary knowledge and skill base required to make a vocation out of the subject. You also learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs, how the profession works and what is happening in the job industry.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I ACQUIRE?
The skills that will be acquired from a natural sciences degree are as varied as the disciplines themselves. Many employers find the skills that are developed during the course to be more important than the content of the degree, and a natural sciences degree is responsible for developing a wealth of skills ranging from: the ability to research, evaluate, critically interpret and analyze information; communicate in written, verbal and presentational forms; work methodically and accurately; make decisions and self-management.
Besides, a master’s degree in natural sciences equips you with the necessary knowledge and skill base required to make a vocation out of the subject. You also learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs, how the profession works and what is happening in the job industry. The course gives you the confidence to showcase your knowledge to the ‘real’ world and procure jobs easily.
Most grad schools provide a combination of research and taught studies, where certain modules are taught and others are based on researching a particular subject. This prepares students to make a decision of whether they are interested in working in that particular scientific sector or pursue a PhD and become part of the academia. Many grad schools also provide industrial placements depending upon the area of study.
The salaries depend upon the specialized course with which you graduate. The average starting salaries for natural sciences graduates could be about $31,000 per annum, but if you have a more lucrative specialized degree, it can be more.
POST-QUALIFICATION CAREERS
Natural sciences offer a diverse range of jobs you can choose from. Professional opportunities such as research and development in science-based and general industries, in information technology, marketing and patenting, management, scientific advisory services and scientific publishing, as well as the business sector are open to natural sciences graduates as are other options including a forensic or information scientist, patent examiner, teacher, research scientist, scientific journalist, laboratory technician, and technical author.
An MSc in agriculture, environmental science and earth science provides you with specialized jobs in that industry segment. Employers may include the foreign and commonwealth office, county councils, construction companies, office of government and commerce, schools and colleges as well.
The salaries depend upon the specialized course with which you graduate. The average starting salaries for natural sciences graduates could be about $31,000 per annum, but if you have a more lucrative specialized degree, it can be more. Once you start working, however, it is entirely up to you how much progress you make in the field and the compensatory department. The average starting salary of an earth science graduate may be $40,000 per annum, an environmental science graduate $35,000 per annum and an agriculture graduate $24,500 per annum.