Science is a vast field and offers different options after Class XII. However, without proper guidance it becomes difficult to choose the correct course. ASHWINI BHAVE says that while most opt for medicine or engineering, there is a choice of switching to Commerce or Humanities streams and taking up a career in many non-science subjects like interior designing and technical writing
is true that science opens up the gateway to a large number of career and course options, even if you can’t make it to the most coveted courses in engineering or medicine. Also the advantage of choosing science stream is that you can shift to the other two streams viz, humanities and commerce after 10 + 2.
Science, in broad sense, refers to any systematic knowledge or practice that is achieved through scientific method and research. The word has been derived from the latin word scientia meaning knowledge.
It can be broadly classified under two categories: Natural sciences, which study natural phenomena (including biological life), and social sciences, which study human behaviour and societies. Our present concern is concentrated on natural science which can also be called as basis sciences.
Natural science is divided in to two — applied and pure science courses. Applied science includes engineering and technology/medicine. While pure science deals with the basic knowledge it develops. It is based upon deductions from demonstrated truths. However, the choice of either applied or pure is done after Class XII.
Students aspiring to take science as a stream, need the following attributes which are intrinsic to this stream:
To be willing to study for longer periods in colleges and while in jobs for research. Hence, patience is very important for students to excel.
Good observational skills
Determining the properties of an object by using your senses is an important aspect in science
Numerical ability in terms of measurement, estimation of data, recording
Focused on logical thinking
Additional skills/attributes increase as one progresses in these above fields. Science opens up the gateway to a large number of career and course options.
There are many options available for students wanting to pursue pure sciences. Here are a few options after Class XII.
A student can opt for BSc in the following subjects: Chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, geography, geology, zoology, botany, microbiology, biotechnology and anthropology. After graduation the student can pursue an MSc in the same subject and end up doing PhD, GATE and B Tech and ME. One can also do a diploma, after graduation, in medical lab technology, dietetics and nutrition and computer applications.
A science graduate also can apply for UPSC exams, Banking and insurance exams. After pursuing BSc students can work different areas that include both science and non-science fields. Besides research and Government jobs, they also can work in business, marketing, and technical writing.
(The writer is head psychologist, www.careerco.in)