Careers in science
Biology
Biology is the study of living things and it deals with everything from earliest evolution to the environmental protection of our world. It examines the physical and biological processes that affect the life and death of genes, cells, individuals, populations, species and ecosystems.
What can you be?
While there is a significant interest the “pure science” aspects of biology, there is also a strong emphasis in the study of biological principles as they relate to practical matters in fields such as aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife forestry and agriculture in positions such as:
- Lab technician
- Park guide, ranger, or interpreter
- Museum or aquarium worker
- Research technician
- Naturalist or educator
- Scientific writer, journalist, or researcher
- Marketing manager
- Public relations professional
Where can you work?
A bachelor in Biology allows you to work in a lab, the outdoors, in sales, marketing, writing and more! Here are just some examples:
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Chemistry
Chemistry provides the strong background needed to research and develop discoveries in countless real-world materials, from plastics to foodstuffs to modern materials used in housing, transportation, and computer technology.
What can you be?
Here are just some of the positions you can hold with an education in chemistry.
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Where can you work?
The chemical fields are vast and varied and expand into almost every discipline.
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Earth Sciences
Geology is the natural science that deals with Earth, the interior make-up, and surficial features, its formative and destructive processes, its age, history and development through time. Many geologists do field work and others spend their time in laboratories, classrooms or offices.
Because of the upcoming vast amounts of retirements, it is estimated that over 50,000 positions will open up within the next 10 years.
What can you be?
Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your geology major:
- Exploration geologist
- Mine geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Environmental geologist
- Geophysicist
- Environmental advocate
- Policy analyst
- Science journalist
Where can you work?
Careers in geology offer opportunities in many areas of the world, often in places that few people ever get to visit. Experience this in fields such as:
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Math and statistics
A Bachelor’s degree in mathematics is excellent preparation for diverse fields in the sciences, as well as in mathematics and statistics. The demand for scientists, engineers and technicians is projected to increase by 36 per cent and the demand for mathematical scientists by 29 per cent. The dominant criteria for new jobs are higher skills and adaptability– in short, more education, especially in mathematics.
Mathematics option
The mathematics major degree is designed to prepare students for careers in industry, government or education. Mathematics students are urged to obtain some expertise in an area of application such as the physical sciences, computer science, engineering or business.
Statistics option
The statistics major degree is designed to prepare students for careers in industry or government as well as to provide a background for graduate study. Statistics students are urged to obtain some expertise in an area of applications such as the physical sciences, forestry, or computer science.
What can you be?
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Where can you work?
Mathematicians have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society in fields as diverse as:
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Physics
Physicists want to really understand how the world works, in every detail and at the deepest level. Physicists study questions facing today’s science and technology and are at the forefront of solutions for instrumentation, measurement techniques, and model development in many areas.
Several recent national surveys have indicated that there is a shortage of physicists in almost all parts of Canada. This situation will become even more acute in the next decade and thus physicists will be great in demand.
What can you be?
Physics graduates are highly sought after employees. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:
- Laboratory technician
- Research technician
- Field researcher
- Production assistant
- Technical writer
- Operations management
- Photographer
- Sales representative for technical products
- Educational television producer
- Laser technician
- Instrument technician
Where can you work?
Physics graduates can find employment in a wide range of areas, including:
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Psychology
Areas of research range widely and include human sexuality, depression, feminist perspectives, autism, women's studies, problem gambling, gender and laterality, pain assessment and management, infant and adolescent development, cultural psychology, self-concept and identity, bilingualism and cognitive neuroscience. It should be noted that some areas pertain to experimental and applied psychology and others to clinical psychology.
What can you be?
A major does not dictate your career; it provides you with invaluable skills and knowledge that you can apply to many areas of life and work. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:
- Human services worker
- Youth home manager
- Advertising executive (media, planners, and buyer)
- Mental Health Assistant
- Psychometrist
- Social worker
- University professor
- Mental health counsellor
- Psychologist
- Forensics specialist
Where can you work?
With a degree in psychology, you may find yourself in fields such as:
- Mental health organizations
- Group homes
- Research institutions
- Non-Profit organizations
- Public relations firms
- Hospitals
Environmental biology
Environmental Biology is an interdisciplinary science because the solutions to environmental problems lie at the intersection of human behavior, technology and the biology of living organisms.
There is a growing need to understand the natural world and manage our impact on it. As result, there has been a substantial a growth in job opportunities for people with ecological/environmental biology backgrounds. Employment opportunities are predicted to grow substantially in the near future.
What can you be?
Potential careers environmental biologist include:
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Where can you work?
Some of the fields you will find yourself in include:
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Resource
- Schools
- Private consulting firms
- Corporations
- Law firms
- Conservation institutes
Environmental Geochemistry
This option provides geology students who have an interest in environmental science with a background to pursue careers or graduate studies in environmentally related geoscience fields, especially in areas related to water resources, contamination and remediation.
Geochemists spend most of their time in the field, collecting data, and analyzing samples on site.
What can I be?
Here are just a few of the jobs you can attain as an environmental geochemist:
Instructor
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Research scientist
- Geoscience technician
- Environmental Remediation Expert
- Mining Geochemist
Where can I work?
As a geochemist, you will work in all types of fields including:
- All levels of government agencies
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Geochemical companies,
- Petroleum and mining companies, and
- Geology, geophysics and engineering consulting firms
- Private consultants
- Suppliers for geological and geochemical expeditions
