What is Natural Sciences?
Natural Sciences is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding the natural world through a blend of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. These sciences seek to understand the fundamental principles, laws, and processes that govern the universe, living organisms, and the Earths natural systems. The field of Natural Sciences offers a holistic view of nature, diving deep into the mechanisms and interactions governing our universe.
Natural Sciences Specialisations
Diverse and dynamic, the most common specialisations in Natural Sciences are:
- Biology (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology),
- Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Physical),
- Physics (Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics),
- Earth Sciences (Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography).
These topics are explored across both Bachelor's and Master's levels.
What will you learn during a Natural Sciences programme?
With a focus on the intricate web of nature, you'll:
- Study the building blocks of life, from cells to ecosystems.
- Dive into the reactions, bonds, and elements that form the basis of chemistry.
- Explore the fundamental principles governing the motion and energy in our universe.
- Understand the Earth's processes, from plate tectonics to weather systems.
Courses you might undertake include:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology: The intricacies of life on a minute scale.
- Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds and their transformations.
- Classical Physics: Principles of matter and energy.
- Earth Systems and Climate Change: Evaluating global shifts and their impact.
- Astrophysics: Unravelling the mysteries of the universe.
The skills you get from Natural Sciences courses range from analytical thinking to laboratory expertise. These abilities find relevance in a multitude of sectors beyond academia. Many contemporary scientific problems require interdisciplinary approaches, where multiple branches of natural sciences come together to address complex issues. For example, climate change research involves elements of Earth science, physics, and environmental science.
Skills required for a degree in Natural Sciences
Being successful in this domain requires a curious mindset, keen observation skills, analytical prowess, and a solid grounding in foundational science concepts. Natural Sciences degree requirements might include a sound background in basic sciences and mathematics, coupled with an innate passion for understanding the universe.
What can you do with a Natural Sciences degree?
Your career horizon stretches wide with a degree in this field:
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Science Educator
- Lab Technician
- Science Writer
With a Bachelor's in Natural Sciences, you can delve into technical roles or even enter fields like science communication. A Master's in Natural Sciences often leans towards research, policy-making, or higher-level consultancy roles.