4 answers
Emily
Student
Doha, Qatar
1
Question
Updated
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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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4 answers
Kailyn Gaffey
I am an analytical clerk
2
Answers
Ewing Township, New Jersey
Updated
Kailyn’s Answer
If you're thinking about a career in lab-based fields, chemistry is one of the most hands-on subjects. Biology and chemistry have different kinds of lab work, so it depends on what interests you more. Biology involves studying animals and bacteria, while chemistry looks at how different compounds interact. Chemistry has a lot of lab work in almost every course, but biology labs can vary depending on the topic. I'd suggest trying both or doing some research to see which one you like more. Personally, I really enjoy chemistry and its labs!
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
258
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
33
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.