How school science helps your STEM career

Ever sat in class and caught yourself thinking, “Will I even use this information after leaving school?”

If you’re studying biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science or physics in Years 11 and 12, then the answer is definitely ‘yes’ if you’re keen on a future STEM career. Here’s a quick look at how these school science subjects can lead to some exciting jobs that use science skills and what kind of uni or VET qualification can help get you there.

Biology

Study biology in Year 11 and 12, then…

• A Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) to become a forensic scientist
• A Diploma of Laboratory Technology to become a laboratory analyst
• A Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine science or marine biology to become a marine biologist
• A Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management to become a threatened species manager

RELATED: A list of every high school STEM elective we can think of – check out all the school science on this list

Chemistry

Study chemistry in Year 11 and 12, then…

• A Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy to become a pharmacy technician
• A Bachelor of Science / Master of Teaching (Secondary) to become a high school science teacher
• A Bachelor of Science or Forensics, majoring in toxicology to become a toxicologist
• A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical) to become a chemical engineer

Physics

Study physics in Year 11 and 12, then…

• A Bachelor of Data Analytics to become a data analyst
• A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Renewable Energy) to become a solar and battery design engineer
• A Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) to become a planetarium director
• A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Materials Science) to become a materials scientist

RELATED: Electives and cool STEM careers – how ancient history, PD/H/PE and food technology can help!

Earth and Environmental Science

Study earth and environmental science in Year 11 and 12, then…

• A Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Networks) to become a water treatment plant operator
• A Diploma of Sustainable Practice to become a climate impact consultant
• A Bachelor of Science, majoring in physics, mathematics or climate to become a meteorologist
• A Bachelor of Science (Geology) to become a palaeontologist

These are just a few examples – there are hundreds of amazing study and career
pathways in science! To find even more careers, watch this video…

This article was originally published in Careers with STEM: Science. For more on STEM careers, subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up to our e-newsletter.