10/04/2008 | Science, Masters and PhD

Introduction to Natural Sciences

By: Anuskha Patodia

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.