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Engineering: materials and mineral
Study of how things are made and could be improved – including materials science, minerals technology, ceramics and glass, polymers and textiles
What will I learn?
Engineering degrees cover all things related to developing, providing and maintaining infrastructure, products and services that society needs – from researching how to manufacture a product to building bridges and roads.
Students will find themselves studying all, or part, of the life cycle of a product, from conception and design to creation. Science and maths will be the core ingredients, but you will be required to be innovative and know how to use your creative flair within a legal and ethical framework, and in budget.
If you choose materials engineering, you will be entering the most specialist discipline in the engineering stable, which means there are fewer university courses to choose from. It does, however, cover a wide study area, as you will be looking at how everything is made and how it could all be improved. Materials engineering is the meeting point of science and engineering. You'll be required to develop the materials needed for new products, as well as find better, cheaper, quicker, stronger ways of producing those already out there.
If you choose minerals engineering,
What skills will I gain?
Lots. Not only will you have acquired the specific skills to your related engineering discipline, but you'll have learned the practical steps of taking your ideas from the drawing board to the real world. You will know how to solve problems and overcome obstacles, particularly when it comes to considering social and ethical difficulties your work could create. You will know how to work within a budget, be numerate and have good computing skills.
You'll also have an understanding of the legal implications of engineering (health and safety) and how to manage risk, particularly in terms of the environment.
Engineering will involve plenty of teamwork, so you will acquire the ability to argue your ideas, analyse those of others and be able to work towards a common goal.
You should be able to identify customer needs and ensure that your work is fit for purpose.
Chances are you'll get to work on real-life problems, and will probably do a spot of work experience, so you'll have a good idea of how the industry works.
What job can I get?
Careers in manufacturing, processing or in user industries are among the options for materials engineering graduates, perhaps working in research, production or even sales. If you want to research ways of making cars run cheaper and more environmentally friendly, then motor companies will probably want to hear from you. And local and central government are keen to improve their recycling processes, if you were interested in this area. You could also find work in non-governmental organisations, if you don't want to work for the private sector.
What will look good on the CV?
• A knowledge and understanding of scientific and mathematic principles
• The ability to define and develop an economically viable product
• An understanding of the commercial and economic context of engineering processes.
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Pharmacy and pharmacology
The study of the management and dispensing of medicines (pharmacy), and medicinal drugs and effects on the body (pharmacology)
What will I learn?
With your three top-notch A-levels in chemistry, biology, physics or maths, your degree in pharmacy will teach you all about medicines, their uses, and how to manage and dispense them.
Four-year degrees, which will lead to a master of pharmacy qualification, will be followed by a pre-registration year of training in a hospital or in industry, after which you will qualify as a professional pharmacist, registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and able to legally dispense drugs.
You will study the origin and chemistry of drugs, the preparation of medicines, their uses and effects, and good pharmacy practice. You will also need to keep up to date with new drugs that come on the market.
Pharmacy is a full-on, 9 to 5 degree, so expect to spend time in lectures, seminars, laboratories and, if possible, on hospital wards or in pharmacies.
Pharmacology, meanwhile, focuses on the ways medicinal drugs are delivered, the effects they have on the body and whether new ones could work better.
You will study cells and tissues in detail, taking modules in organic chemistry, control mechanisms and physiology.
You could also investigate specific diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, or HIV and Aids, to examine infection rates and the effects of drugs in combating symptoms.
What skills will I gain?
Pharmacy graduates should be able to think clearly and systematically, know what drugs best tackle specific illness, and how to communicate information to the public, who will often want your advice on drugs and general healthcare.
Over the past few years, pharmacists have begun to be seen more as having a key role in dealing with patient care, so get a job in industry if you're not keen on dealing with the public.
By the time you graduate you will have mastered a substantial body of knowledge, and should be raring to get stuck into your pre-registration year.
You should have a thorough understanding of the legal and ethical issues that come with your work.
Good time management and organisational skills are essential.
Pharmacology graduates should also have developed a broad knowledge base.
You should have developed good analytical and critical skills, and be able to present you findings in a clear and concise way.
Your final-year research project (there is bound to be one) will show you can work independently and know how to best present your findings.
What job can I get?
Unemployment rates among pharmacists are low, and the majority of graduates will get jobs in NHS hospitals or in the local high street chemist. Some will venture into industry or stay in universities doing further research or teaching the next crop of students.
An obvious career choice for pharmacology graduates is in industry, either in the lab or working more in marketing or quality checking. If this doesn't appeal, jobs in forensic science or other health-related work are possibilities, or you could undertake further research or train to become a teacher.
What will look good on the CV?
• A multidisciplinary approach to solving healthcare problems
• An ethical attitude towards your role in society
• A high level of interpersonal skills.
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