How do I become a scientist?
I want to become a scientist but am currently studying commerce in India. Does anybody have any suggestions for ways I can pursue science/change my course of study? #science #educator #higher-education #career #college #commerce
3 answers
Treasa’s Answer
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
B.Tech in relevant specialization
Eligibility is the first point, which you should check before applying for any course. Here we are providing you the basic eligibility and duration of UG and PG programmes:
Professional Courses / Science
Scientist is a person or individual who is studying and has expert & skilled knowledge of one or more of the natural & physical sciences.
“The term scientist was coined by a theologian philosopher William Whewell”.
Skills Required for Scientist:
It requires attention, dedication to work and ability to face long working hours.
A scientist should have an ability to work independently and sometimes with guidance.
You must have good presentation skills, computing skills, time management, team working skills, etc.
Agronomist – It specializes in crops and soils.
Botanist – It studies the plants, herbs, etc.
Geologist – It specializes in the history of earth.
Microbiologist – Studies the microscopic animals and plants.
Marine Biologist – It studies ocean animals and plants.
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What qualifications are needed to be a scientist?
Pursuing courses is the first step to become a scientist. Firstly, choose a specialization in which field you want to become a scientist and pursue courses accordingly.
“If you want to become a scientist at NASA, then you must choose science, technology, engineering and Mathematics centered education”.
You have to study hard to become a scientist. Here we are providing a list of some UG, PG and other courses which you may opt:
Bachelor Courses:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
B.Tech in relevant specialization
Master Courses:
Master of Science (M.Sc)
Tech or equivalent master degree in relevant field.
UG Courses Eligibility:
For admissions into UG courses, you should have completed the 12th or equivalent examination from any recognized board. Some colleges prefer the minimum percentage criteria for providing admissions. The duration of undergraduate course can be three to four years as per the course opted by students.
Christine’s Answer
That is quite a switch going from Business to Science. Do you know what aspect of Science you are interested in studying? There are so many different topics and majors you can study. My suggestion is to take a little time to research the area of Science you would like to study, check what the requirements are for that degree and compare those to the courses you have already taken.
Changing majors is done a lot by students and it is understandable as you think you are interested in one field and then as you take courses you find another area that interests you more. I think one of the most important things to remember is to be sure when you change our major that you are sure that is the direction you want to go because it can lengthen your college education. Whatever you decide, it is always good to do some initial research, look into what careers are available in your field of study, check to see if there may be a secondary area to your major and possibly take some of the courses in that area.
Good luck Madan and remember you can go in whatever direction you choose, just be sure to choose wisely and follow your desire.
Rupam’s Answer
Hi Madan,
I am assuming that you are completing +2 in commerce or maybe started an undergraduate course in Commerce. While it might be a challenge to convince School/Colleges to accept your application for undergraduate courses in Science, it might help to ask about the switch you are seeking. They might suggest relevant bridge courses that might bring you at par with the expected level of knowledge in Science before beginning the course.
Ideally, to become a Scientist in India, you are needed to complete at least 10+2+3 years of formal education with the last 5 years dedicated to the subject of your choice. After completing this when you attain your masters, you are expected to complete doctoral and post-doctoral research to be considered for Scientist positions in CSIR Institutes of National Repute like the CCMB or NPL, etc.
The road to becoming a Scientist is long and hard but if you are focussed and dedicated to the subject of your choice, you will enjoy the journey. Wish you good luck!