Science

Picture yourself investigation a crime scene, or discovering a new cure for an age-old disease: both careers begin with science. Whether your interest lies with medical or forensic science, you will need practical skills and knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics.

What next?
Students can progress to university where there are a wide range of scientific degrees that will help you to develop specialist skills such as those required in forensic science or medical science. Alternatively you could work in a junior role within the health sector or in an industrial laboratory.

Potential Careers
Biomedical Scientist: £21k-£34k per year
Pharmacy Technician: £18k-£21k per year
Clinical Scientist: £30k-£40k per year
Clinical Technologist: £25k-£34k per year
Medical Laboratory Scientist: £21k-£34k per year

Ketan Vyas is a pharmacy graduate and former student at Redbridge College. He now works at the largest pharmacy operator in the UK, Lloyds Pharmacy.

Twenty-five year-old Ketan lives in Manor Park and studied BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Medical Science) at Redbridge College from 2005 to 2007.

He went on to achieve a 2:1 in Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire and is now undertaking a mandatory year of pre-registration training with Lloyds Pharmacy.

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their use. They work in hospitals, doctors surgeries and high street pharmacies and are responsible for diagnosing patients and prescribing treatments.

Ketan says: “When I started out at Redbridge College I didn’t realise how much I could achieve.

“I’d always wanted to work in a medical field and after doing some research the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Medical Science) was the most related course I could find anywhere locally.

“The course was really interesting - the lecturers had so much enthusiasm and really made it fun.  Their advice with regards to studying pharmacy was also excellent.

“I just wanted to work in a field where I could help people. My ambition is to eventually become an independent prescriber.

“Studying a vocational science qualification would be suited to someone who is a practical person, is determined and likes a challenge. Within the healthcare industry there will always be a demand for skilled people and there are so many opportunities for young people out there.”

Professor Brian Cox OBE is a physicist, TV presenter, former pop star and patron of Redbridge College.

Brian's hit BBC TV programmes include Wonders of the Universe (2011), Stargazing Live (2011) and Wonders of the Solar System (2010).

He is also Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester and works at the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. 

So why could studying science be right for you?

Brian says: "There are so many reasons to study science, including economic. There are too few scientists in the economy. It’s a guaranteed way to do well and opens up the world to you.

"As a way of thinking, it’s an approach that benefits you whatever you choose to do. To know what evidence is, to use evidence, and make informed decisions as a result is tremendously valuable and important.

"To me, the more people we have in our society who have had exposure to the scientific method, that simple idea, to be fascinated in the world, is the basis of all education of some sense. I equate science with curiosity.

"If I was advising a young person why they should study science, I would say not only is it fascinating and interesting but it will also open doors for yourself without a doubt."

Are you fascinated by the world around you and curious to find out more about the world we live in?

Learners studying BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science get straight into practical action in the college’s fully-equipped science laboratories.

Using apparatus like flasks, condensers and thermometers, learners are discovering how to separate two different liquids from one another.

Lecturer Femi has explained that the process is called distillation, and is used by scientists all over the world every day to create well-known products and services we know and trust. 

Real-life examples include turning crude oil into the fuel used to power cars and the production process for alcoholic drinks.

Dressed in lab coats and wearing safety goggles, learners excitedly add their findings to assignment notebooks.

Afterwards the class analyse their findings together and discuss what the real-world consequences would be. 

Learners studying BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science discover the everyday techniques used by scientists.

There are no exams on the course, as assessment takes place through assignments and practical work.

Femi says: “Applied Science is an incredibly popular subject for students. The course is very hands-on and practical.

“It really prepares learners who want to progress on to university and study subjects like Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, or Pharmacy.”

He adds: “The skills our learners gain like problem solving, decision making and how to think analytically can also be applied to a huge range of careers beyond the scientific industry.”

Rosezell John, 17, studies BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science.

She says: “Our classes are always practical and hands-on. I enjoyed studying science at school, so doing something I love every day really works for me.”

“The practical work means you get to work with lots of different people and I’ve made lots of friends since I started the course.”