Suggest a science major for me!

[qshyrn]

im planning on doing B.Sc at melb uni, how ever i have no clue what major i wanna take- theres so many.
i know this may be a bit general, but
i want something that:

-involves application of physical+natural sciences (more specifically chemistry, biology and maybe physics)
- involves lots of mathematics
 - has good job prospects

my gut feeling tells me that the Chemical Systems then Master of Engineering (Chemical) pathway is most suitable.
can anyone suggest any other majors/pathways? or give any comments on the chemical engineering pathway

[98.40_for_sure]

Don't you choose your major in 3rd year after you've had a taste of all of them? Let your marks dictate your major, would only be logical to do something you're good at

[_henwee]

Don't you choose your major in 3rd year after you've had a taste of all of them? Let your marks dictate your major, would only be logical to do something you're good at

Nah.. if you wanna do some sort of engineering - you need to do 2 engineering subjects at first year.
Forgot what they were called.

Yeah... chemical engineering is pretty good, you may need to move interstate to find better employment.

[qshyrn]

Don't you choose your major in 3rd year after you've had a taste of all of them? Let your marks dictate your major, would only be logical to do something you're good at

just planning ahead so i have a general idea of what 1st year subjects i should take.

[kamil9876]

Certain math lecturers say something along the lines that "people with a math background can find work/research in other areas, (he gave example of some biology related stuff), but people with a biology only(no math) background can't find work in math", in other words mathematics allows you a lot of flexibility depending on what you want to do since many fields require some quantitative thinking/analytical problem solving skills. Indeed i think you can check what the applied math department does on the website, last time I saw they did some stuff related to biology/physics/random shit moving around.

http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/research/research.php?groupId=20&desc=YES

[_henwee]

Certain math lecturers say something along the lines that "people with a math background can find work/research in other areas, (he gave example of some biology related stuff), but people with a biology only(no math) background can't find work in math", in other words mathematics allows you a lot of flexibility depending on what you want to do since many fields require some quantitative thinking/analytical problem solving skills. Indeed i think you can check what the applied math department does on the website, last time I saw they did some stuff related to biology/physics/random shit moving around.

Oohh.... While we're here.
What mathematics specialisation would anyone recommend?

And yes.
Mathematics is a skill - it will take you everywhere. =]

[kamil9876]

I have the exact same recommendation for everyone: do what you find most interesting. If you don't know yet then that is normal,in first and second year you can try all sorts of subjects and then gradually figure out what sort of math suits you most. There are more and more subjects the further you go, which means that in your first two years you can try out all sorts of different things. I had enough space on my timetable to try quite a few different kinds ranging from pure,statistics,discrete, some computer science even.

Let your marks dictate your major, would only be logical to do something you're good at

You can use marks as one decision making factor. Note however that a particular assessment/subject does not always perfectly reflect the field, you need to take it with a pinch of salt. Interests/passion comes first always. I have heard many stories from physics and math professors of how they failed physics and math subjects respectively (one even said that he did so several times!), however they love their respective field and are successful at it.

[jimmy999]

Okay so in first year Science at Melb, you do 3 sequences of science subjects and 1 sequence of breadth. You say you want to do lots of maths so definitely do 1 sequence of mathematics.

As for your other sequences, you've got to choose between engineering, physics, chemistry and biology.
Just be aware that to do Chemical systems major, you need to do engineering and chemistry in first year. 1st year engineering involves very little Chemical engineering just to let you know.

However if you chose not to do engineering in 1st year, then you should definitely pick chemistry and biology.
Don't base your final decision on what you did best in in year 12, base it on what you enjoyed most

[Russ]

You don't have to do a sequence across 2 semesters. Also, you don't have to do breadth in 1st year if you don't want to, but be aware that you'll then have to pick them up in 2nd year (at least).