A science degree can lead to these six careers

Forensic scientists examine crime scenes, and support major investigations by applying scientific procedures and techniques to the analysis of potential evidence. Their activities include fingerprint analysis, forensic chemistry and DNA analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, finding cause of death, archaeology of grave sites, and more. They advise courts and lawyers about the forensic details of an alleged crime, make sketches of crime scenes, record their observations and findings, and determine and collect evidence.

Former Diploma of Science student at UTS College, Megan is now studying a Bachelor of Forensic Science at UTS, majoring in crime scene investigation. “I was nervous because I didn’t take any science at school except biology, so a science diploma was a huge challenge. But the teachers were all so willing to help,” she says. Her dream job is to be a crime scene investigator with the police force. “It’s a passion,” she says. “I love reading about crime and watching investigations in films.”

Do you have an affinity with the marine environment and an interest in aquatic life? Marine biologists investigate all kinds of issues related to animals, plants and microscopic life in the oceans and help to address important matters such as overfishing, plastic pollution, ocean warming, effects of oil spills on marine life, ecosystems and biodiversity, and the affects of pesticides and fertilisers on the food chain. Marine biologists conduct field and lab research, study marine animals in captivity and their natural environment, analyse the effects of human activity on marine habitats, support breeding programs for endangered marine life, and much more.

A Bachelor of Marine Biology at UTS will enable you to explore the ocean environment and learn how to sustain and protect its biodiversity. Learning is practical and field-based. A UTS College Diploma of Science will get you on the path to this degree at UTS.

If you’re hearing the call of nature, you may want to consider a career as an environmental scientist. As an environmental scientist, you will both identify hazards to the environment and protect the environment from hazards. Environmental scientists develop policies and plans for protecting flora, fauna, water, air, and other aspects of the environment. They may work hands-on in conservation or in office-based work developing policy. Public interest in environmental issues, as well as demands on the environment caused by population growth, are expected to increase demand for environmental scientists and specialists.

At UTS, a Bachelor of Environmental Biology focuses strongly on ecosystem protection and management, and offers practical experience and field excursions. It will give you the skills and ability to detect and assess environmental impacts such as climate change, pollution and human resource use. Successful completion of a UTS College Diploma of Science can lead you to the second year of this bachelor’s degree.

A medical scientist studies human disease and conducts research to prevent and treat disease, with the goal of improving human health. Medical scientists design studies, use clinical trials, and develop experiments to understand certain health issues. They assist clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, and get results. Medical scientists can work as researchers in hospital, private and university laboratories, and as immunologists, pharmacologists, histologists and pathologists.

A Bachelor of Medical Science at UTS specialises in the human body's structure, function and disease processes at the cellular and whole organ level. It also provides the basis for postgraduate programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health and health administration.

A research scientist plans and performs experiments in a wide range of areas, from medical research to natural sciences to computer science and much more. Research scientists work in many different organisations, including government agencies, universities and private businesses. Research scientists plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results, present findings to research teams and board, and at conferences, write journal papers and grant proposals and more.

Biotechnology is a key science of the future with high employment rates. You can choose to major in medical biotechnology and gain the skills you need to develop a new generation of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and hormones. Or you can major in environmental biotechnology and address environmental issues, such as removal of pollution, renewable energy generation or biomass production.

A UTS Bachelor of Biotechnology will equip you with broad knowledge of modern biotechnology and its applications. Algal biofuels, stem cell therapy, and new methods of disease diagnosis are just a few projects that biotechnologists are working on today. You can get your start in biotechnology by undertaking a UTS College Diploma of Science which, on successful completion, will move you straight into the second year of your degree at UTS.