3 answers
Emily
Student
Doha, Qatar
1
Question
Updated
2640 views
What are the best subjects to take to get involved in laboratory sciences?
I just wrote my IGCSE and I’m considering taking up the 6th form
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3 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
226
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
The answer is contingent on the specific STEM discipline you have in mind for your college academic endeavor.
There is laboratory work in physics, chemistry, biology, and many interdisciplinary fields and engineering fields. Hence, identify your subject area and take appropriate courses accordingly.
There is laboratory work in physics, chemistry, biology, and many interdisciplinary fields and engineering fields. Hence, identify your subject area and take appropriate courses accordingly.
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
1. The "Golden Trio" (Highly Recommended)
If you can manage the work, these three subjects will open doors to almost any lab science degree worldwide.
- Chemistry: This is the most crucial subject. It's the "central science" needed for nearly all lab degrees like Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Medicine, and Chemical Engineering.
- Biology: Important if you aim to work in clinical, medical, or life-science labs, dealing with blood, tissue, genetics, and more.
- Mathematics: This sets you apart. Lab science involves a lot of data analysis and statistics. Many top universities, like Weill Cornell Qatar, prefer Math because it shows you have strong analytical skills.
2. The "Physical Science" Route (Alternative)
If you enjoy working with materials, chemicals, or physics rather than biological samples:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
(This path can lead to careers in Chemical Engineering or Material Sciences.)
If you can manage the work, these three subjects will open doors to almost any lab science degree worldwide.
- Chemistry: This is the most crucial subject. It's the "central science" needed for nearly all lab degrees like Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Medicine, and Chemical Engineering.
- Biology: Important if you aim to work in clinical, medical, or life-science labs, dealing with blood, tissue, genetics, and more.
- Mathematics: This sets you apart. Lab science involves a lot of data analysis and statistics. Many top universities, like Weill Cornell Qatar, prefer Math because it shows you have strong analytical skills.
2. The "Physical Science" Route (Alternative)
If you enjoy working with materials, chemicals, or physics rather than biological samples:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
(This path can lead to careers in Chemical Engineering or Material Sciences.)
Raj Khurana
31
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Raj’s Answer
You should focus on chemistry and biology, though lab related work also involves physics.
Focus on subjects you like and are passionate about. This way your learning and related job will be fun and not a stress.
Focus on subjects you like and are passionate about. This way your learning and related job will be fun and not a stress.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.