So, you’re at school, desperately trying to decide what you want to do with the next few years. Gap year? Working? Uni? If you’re interested in the subjects already, how about a science degree? 

Natalie Reynolds is a PhD student working at the Medical Research Council, working in its immunology sector. Her job involves working on a family of proteins known as ‘defensins’, which help to kill bacteria and viruses, and she works alongside a team of scientists who research the effects of different viruses on the body.

 
So why does she spend her day looking at fish? “These are no ordinary fish,” she tells us. “They are called Zebrafish, and they have luminous white blood cells making it possible to see any changes that occur as a result of viruses.” And you thought science was boring!

Natalie had always been interested in science at school, so taking a degree in her favourite subject seemed obvious – but it was just the start! Graduating with a degree in genetics and micro-biology, she went on to do a PhD – and has travelled the world as a result. “I’ve been to California for a conference, which I got to speak at, and to Rome as well,” she says. 

Natalie works on her own project at the company, which means she has a great deal of responsibility. “It is hard work, but you get responsibility you wouldn’t get in another field,” she adds.

So, why consider doing a science degree? “People think that it’s going to be too hard, that you have to be a genius to be a scientist, and it’s just not true,” Natalile says. “There’s always going to be something you don’t know, no matter how experienced you are.”

And it does have its plus points. “You can find out something new that no-one else knows,” she insists. “It’s exciting.”
MORE: MRC  020 7636 5422, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.mrc.ac.uk

THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2010

If you can’t decide what area of science you would like to study and you’re looking for inspiration, why not pay a visit to the Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF)?

 
Running from 3-17 April, this year’s Science Festival features an array of talks, and interactive family-friendly activities, including the return of some of last year’s most popular items – including ASIMO, Honda’s humanoid robot that can walk, run, dance, shake hands, climb stairs, and even speak!

This 2010 festival will be looking into the science of ghosts and the history of Charles Darwin. There will also be plenty of opportunities to experience something new at Edinburgh Zoo, which will host their annual children’s ‘sleepover’, which aims to educate about the science behind some of the zoo’s nocturnal creatures. 

There’s also a rather controversial cow autopsy; if you’re at least 16 years old, it starts at 10.30am on Tuesday 13 April and will last for two hours. Not for the squeamish!

MORE: Edinburgh International Science Festival 0131 553 0320, www.sciencefestival.co.uk

JOBS

OK, so science isn’t all fun and games. You do have to work hard to get good grades, and you might not find every aspect of your course totally enthralling, but a science qualification can lead to some interesting jobs...

CHRISTOPHER JAMES:

Think that a career in science could lead to an appearance on the James May television show? It did for Christopher James! 

“There is a tendency nowadays to think that choosing science at school will equal a career spent confined in a lab but studying science can offer so much more,” he says.

“With a dad whose main hobby was engineering and a love of science fiction from an early age, I knew that I wanted to go into the engineering field after I left school,” he adds. “However throughout school I had no idea what I wanted to do specifically until I read an article in National Geographic discussing biomedical engineering. From that moment my career was decided. 

“Today I head up the Southampton Brain-Computer Interfacing research programme. Along with my team, I am studying ways of using brain implant technology to give people with muscle-wasting diseases the ability to communicate – I use computers to read and respond to a person’s brain activity. We are also developing technology to allow two people to communicate with each other over the internet via brainwaves.”

Turning science fiction into science fact, Christopher is happy with his career. “Controlling things through brainwaves alone,” he says. “Pretty cool job for a boy with a love of science!” 

ANTONIO ESPINGARDEIRO:

How close are we to the kinds of robots popular in science fiction movies like I, Robot and Terminator? Just ask Antonio Espingardeiro.

“As a kid, I was always fascinated in science fiction and machines in general, whether computers, rally cars or motorbikes,” he says. “I even used to draw cartoons and make up stories about them, such was my love! 

Antonio’s interest in robots grew while studying for a Bachelor degree in Industrial Informatics Engineering. “After finishing my degree I did an internship at Siemens Portugal (Energy Automation department),” he explains. “Gaining experience in the real world of engineering was a real eye opener and made me keen to learn more. I went back to studying and completed an MSc in Robotics and Automation. At the moment I'm doing a PhD, focusing on future robotics applications and how to make these available to the public.” 

Bored doing all those household chores? “I predict that in 20 years or less robotics will be fully integrated in society, performing everyday domestic functions like ironing, hoovering, shopping for you and much more,” Antonio says. “It is my aspiration to be on the front line of robotics developments, becoming a robotics and automation manager. I am hugely excited about my career and all the possibilities ahead of me!” 

Both Christopher and Antonio are members of IEEE, the world’s largest professional association advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity.  IEEE and its members inspire a global community to innovate for a better tomorrow through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. IEEE is the trusted “voice” for engineering, computing and technology information around the globe.

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

• Biomedical Scientist: trainee (NHS) £14,437-£25,424; senior manager £28,313-£62,402

• Forensic Scientist: trainee/assistant £14,000-£18,000; experienced £25,000-£30,000; senior levels £50,000+ 

• Medical Illustrator: from £18,200, rising to £32,000 with experience• Toxicologist: £21,500 to £26,500•Meteorologist: new £19,500; general £25,000-£35,000; managerial £38,000-£60,000+

*Figures from www.prospects.ac.uk  . . .

'TRY BEFORE YOUR BUY’

Sarah Robinson, Conservation & Research Officer at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, suggests that, if you’re thinking of committing to a science degree, it’s best to ‘try before you buy’ – so if you want to find out what it feels like to conduct wildlife studies in the Peruvian Amazon or investigate glaciers in the Himalayas, there are a number of organisations that run year-round expeditions to destinations. 

The British Schools Exploring Society (BSES), for example, encourages young people to discover what it’s really like to study natural science by joining their numerous expeditions. Costly? Not at all. BSES expeditions are paid for through continued fundraising activities; you’ll be expected to give time and effort towards fundraising but, other than that, it won’t cost you anything!  

Not that you have to travel abroad to conduct scientific studies; you can observe nature from your own back garden or in your local park. Many conservation organisations ask members of the public to volunteer their time to take part in surveys or help out at local nature reserves – definitely something to add to your CV!

MOREThe Royal Zoological Society of Scotland:  0131 334 9171, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
British Schools Exploring Society 020 7591 3141, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.bses.org.uk 

SCIENCE COURSES

Scotland’s universities have a strong reputation for science teaching and research and offer a wide range of courses. For example: 

Course: Agricultural Science BSc (Hons)

Where: Scottish Agricultural College 

Helping graduates enable the efficient production of crops, livestock and biomaterials while satisfying increasing public expectations regarding health and safety.

Entry: Typically three Highers (BCC)/two HND/HNC including Biology or Chemistry. English and Maths required at Standard Grade/GCSE level or equivalent.

MORE: 0131 535 4000, www.sac.ac.uk  

Course: Environmental Science and Geography

Where: University of Dundee

Exposes students to methods, facilities and research agendas that span the environment – from life sciences and chemistry to oceanography and environmental physics.

Entry: Typically four or five Highers (BBBB/BBCCC) or equivalent including biology, chemistry or physics (at B).

MORE: 01382 383 000, www.dundee.ac.uk 

Course: Social Science BA (Hons)

Where: University of Abertay, Dundee

Opportunity to study a range of topics about human behaviour, and develop transferable skills to analyse different kinds of data.

Entry: Typically three Highers (BBC) including English or ‘literate course’ such as history.

MORE: 01382 308 000, www.abertay.ac.uk 

Course: BSc Chemistry with Biochemistry (Hons)

Where: Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Focusing on the chemical processes connected with plants and animals, this course can also lead to studying Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Entry: Typically five Highers (BBBBC) or equivalent, including B in Chemistry, and Highers in Maths, Physics, Biology or English. 

MORE: 0131 449 5111, www.hw.ac.uk 

Course: MPhys

Where: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

A broad-based degree with an emphasis on modern physical principles, aiming to ensure career opportunities in either industry or academia.

Entry: Typically four Highers (AABB) including physics and mathematics.

MORE: 0141 552 4400, www.strath.ac.uk 

SCIENCE CAREERS – JUST MISUNDERSTOOD?

Marco Cardosi and Lorraine Dick work for life sciences company Lifescan and are happy to blast some common misconceptions about studying science.  

SCIENCE IS BORING

Ever laughed at your friends when they have breathed in helium, or rubbed a balloon against someone’s head to watch their hair stick to it? That’s science!

THERE AREN’T MANY JOBS OUT THERE

Although there have been some cut-backs in the NHS, there are a lot of small ‘life sciences’ companies out there, such as Lifescan which are just as relevant.

IT’S JUST FOR GEEKSScience is for everyone. Whether you are into looking after animals, marvelling at the complexity of the human body, or just watching the clouds roll by, science has something to offer.

THERE AREN’T ANY UNIVERSITIES NEAR ME

Most people in Scotland live fairly close to at least one university, but there’s also the University of the Highlands and Islands which operates through a number of colleges across the region.

IT COSTS TOO MUCH

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland may be able to help you with tuition fees, as well as lending support for living and travel expenses. Check out their website: www.saas.gov.uk.

SCIENCE SOURCES TAKE TOO LONG

Some courses can take a long time to complete, but that can be said of law and some ‘humanities’ courses as well! Most science degrees take just three years, full time, with an optional fourth year to gain an honours degree.

MORE: Lifescan:  0800 121 200, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.lifescan.co.uk   

SQA’s BIG EXPERIMENT

Currently studying a science subject at secondary school, or working towards an SQA qualification at college? Is your head brimming with ideas for new experiments you could try out? Well, why not enter the SQA’s Big Experiment competition? 

You’ll be expected to develop an experiment, with the help of your teacher or lecturer, carry it out and then submit a full scientific report about your findings. You can enter in groups of up to five people, but only one experiment will be accepted from each group – so make sure it’s a good one! This is your chance to show off your ingenuity and gain public recognition for your work.  

Entries must reach the SQA by 5pm on Wednesday, 30 June 2010.

SQA:  0845 279 1000, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.sqa.org.uk.

WHAT ARE SCIENTISTS MADE OF? THE SAME AS YOU!

Transform into a scientist as you step into the Medical Research Council lab, put on your white coat and safety specs and try our exciting experiments – all part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.

You’ll be able to build your own healthy stem cell and take part in ‘live’ experiments to test your reaction times, verbal skills and just how left or right handed you are  – you might get a surprise! You can make a test-tube baby and examine its DNA and build your own virus then figure out what diseases it might cause. You’ll get to meet some real scientists too!

Contributors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit, MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, MRC Virology Unit, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology.
MORE: www.mrc.ac.uk