{"id":29866,"date":"2025-12-02T15:02:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T07:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&p=29866"},"modified":"2026-04-08T08:52:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T00:52:43","slug":"how-to-become-a-scientist","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/how-to-become-a-scientist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a scientist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No-one will ever ask, what\u2019s the point of a science degree? What they’ll ask is, which science degree is right for me?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who doesn\u2019t feel grateful for science innovation \u2013 today, it could be the carbon-fibre composite of your bike; tomorrow, who knows? Of course, most science research isn\u2019t motivated by the desire to create awe. Endeavours usually begin with a desire to know more or a problem to solve \u2013 necessity is still the mother of invention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humanity is shaped by 6,000 years of scientific breakthroughs and innovations \u2026 the wheel, the microscope, penicillin, electricity, AI. But thinking about the critical challenges that now confront the world \u2013 climate change, sustainable energy, water, food security, mutating viruses and more \u2013 how could we possibly solve these without scientists?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Radioastronomer
Curtin astrophysicist Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker created a unique radio survey technicolour ‘image’ from radio telescope surveys.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is a bachelor of science?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scientific exploration is considered to have begun in Ancient Egypt<\/a> and Mesopotamia<\/a> (now Iraq) in the disciplines of mathematics<\/a>, astronomy<\/a> and medicine<\/a>. However, the first university science qualifications, bestowed in the medieval universities of western Europe, were in medicine, expanding into fundamental disciplines like biology, chemistry and physics. Five hundred years later, the world\u2019s newest science disciplines<\/a> include \u2018nutrigenomics\u2019 and \u2018cliodynamics\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, Bachelor of Science degrees (BSc or BS) are offered in universities all around the world, many of which developed their science programs in tandem with technology.  Curtin University, for example, began as the Western Australian Institute of Technology, known for its expertise in physics and geosciences, and for research that served major Western Australian industries \u2013 such as mineral resources and agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curtin now delivers courses in more than 30 areas of science, technology and engineering (plus about 20 more that fall under the realm of \u2018health sciences\u2019). They encompass the major disciplines that involve scientific theory, scientific inquiry and practical application \u2013 including space and planetary science, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computing, data science, biology and environmental science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Science careers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The advice of Australia\u2019s former chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel, AO, highlight that a science degree is not just about science. It\u2019s about becoming a creative problem-solver and an innovator, ready for today\u2019s challenges and those on the horizon. He said that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAustralians who have studied science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are helping to solve the problems of the future \u2013 meeting electricity demand and generation needs, adapting to the changing climate, integrating AI into society and optimising healthcare for ageing populations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, according to Australia\u2019s National Skills Commission, jobs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are among the fastest growing in the country. So, a BSc is an excellent investment for students who want to be competitive in a dynamic, global job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps one of the underrated benefits of a Science degree is adaptability. Whatever science major you choose at Curtin, you\u2019ll gain comprehensive knowledge and skills that will set you up for rewarding careers across industry and government. Whether you start with one major and shift to another, combine science with business or computing, or pivot careers later in life, the foundation you build through a BSc will stay relevant. It also cultivates a lifelong curiosity \u2013 the core of scientific thinking. You learn not just facts but how to explore, question and test the world around you. In a society where information is everywhere but insight is rare, those who can think like scientists are invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Researcher
Dr Jason Fogg is a researcher in the Curtin Carbon Group. (Credit: Rob Nathan, pv magazine)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Future-proof your career<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most compelling reasons to study a Bachelor of Science at Curtin is the sheer extent of careers it can open up in these areas and more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n