Nagpur: Well-known American physicist and father of hydrogen bombs, Edward Teller, had aptly said “today’s science is tomorrow’s technology” and today, we are living the results of innovations which were once sitting on a scientist’s desk in a laboratory.
Known as one of the most intellectually stimulating streams, science naturally becomes the most widespread field to make a career, in research as well as in practical fields.
“A career in science means that you will always be a student; there is always something new to learn. The field develops scientific approach and builds reasoning abilities,” says Ramdas Atram, director of Government Institute of Science.
“After completing Std XII from science stream, students who are typically attracted towards biology and chemistry undertake further studies in these subjects,” he adds.
A bachelor’s degree in science (
BSc) primarily deals with study of subjects related to life sciences. “There are limited career prospects after graduation and master’s degree becomes quite essential for better opportunities. Academics is also a popular job option after pursuing MSc,” says principal of Ambedkar College, Pralhad Pawar. The popular subjects for specialization for MSc include botany, biotechnology, forensics and microbiology to name a few.
According to director of Government Institute of Forensic Sciences Jairam Khobragade, unsolved mysteries have its own old-school charm and is the major driving force for students to pursue forensic studies. “Forensics is a stream of science that helps the judiciary in solving cases. Students are intrigued by Sherlock Holmes’s character and his solution finding methods, and prima facie want to opt for this field,” he says.
HoD of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Mayo Hospital Dr Makarand Vyawhare says, “This is a highly respected career option, next to nobility since you are helping the judiciary and mankind in bringing justice.”
Another highly popular field among students for MSc is biotechnology, which deals with development of drugs from nature that benefit humankind. “Students who study biotech are highly enthusiastic and for them this field is next to magic. They have an excitement for discovering something new through their extensive research,” says Rohan Thawre, assistant professor of biotechnology at Ambedkar College.
“Biotechnologists can never not be in demand. This is a rapidly growing field having scope in medical, agricultural and food industries. Producing medicinal drugs, fertilizers and preservatives for plants, quality control of food products are all prospects of the field. Students also have a tremendous scope in the field of research,” he adds.
Why opt for science
* Highly intellectual field
* Opportunities at every potential place
* A lot of demand, but less supply of experts in industry
* Chance to benefit human kind by means of research and development
Expert view
A field for dedicated, hard working professionals
Dr Pradeep Dixit
A degree in science equips you with skills required for a fulfilling and rewarding career. Studying the subject gets difficult if the person isn’t interested in it since all scientific sectors require devotion, passion and sincerity.
Without hardship and struggle, success cannot be achieved in the industry. The path to scientific success is filled with challenges and demands determination. The work is often undervalued and there is a need for dedicated people who will work hard to bring a meaningful change in society.
The field offers ample jobs with continuous scope for improvement. The world of sophisticated machinery requires smart professionals, so there is a huge demand for technicians, especially in hospitals. Wisdom lies in combining the knowledge of biology and technology.
Thanks to awareness regarding health, fitness and nature conservation, demand has grown for dietitians and environmentalists.
Science students can also become forensic experts who help in investigations. This branch offers further bifurcations and there is scope for super speciality. Currently, government agencies carry out investigations for criminal and civil cases among others, but private agencies will soon take over. Investigations will speed up if expertise of forensic department is utilized judicially by the authorities concerned.
(Dr Pradeep Dixit is the current HoD of Forensic Medicine at Government Medical College, Miraj, Sangli)
Interview by Kanika Belsare
List of colleges
Course | BSc and MSc
Tenure | 3 years for BSc 2 years for MSc
Admission | Direct
1. Hislop College
Intake | 320 for BSc
2. Dr Ambedkar College
Intake | 320 for BSc and 22 for MSc
3. LAD College
Intake | 240 for BSc
Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya
Intake | 360 for BSc
(This list is not exhaustive and should not be considered as the endorsement of the institute. Students are advised to check with relevant education authorities before taking admission)
Professionals’ speak
Science is a multidisciplinary subject with lots of opportunities. I advise students to pick their subjects properly
Darshan Shah
Engineering and BSc are almost alike and the latter takes one year less to attain the degree. Regular studies are a must to excel
Pialy Sen
I always had a liking for science and research. This is not an easy field. Dedication and hard work are the keys to success
Pushpendra Yadav
Science always intrigued me and I wanted to be a scientist. I would recommend it to others as the field has a lot of options
Tanvi Inamdar
I’ve always admired flora and had a natural curiosity for genetics. Hence, I took BSc in Biotechnology
Harshana Thakur
(Interviews by Abhishek Pratap)
