What is a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree?

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11 May 2020

Michigan tech ; materials science engineers — Source: Shutterstock

If you want to further your technical and scientific knowledge in areas like computer science, nursing, mathematics, biochemistry, and physics, then a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is the ideal path to take.

The best thing about enrolling in one of these degrees is that you’ll leave university with plenty of lab or lecture practice and a multidisciplinary skillset.

Take The Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik for example.

Alongside her Primetime Emmy Award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress’ she also holds a BSc degree qualification in neuroscience and a PhD degree qualification in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The same goes for comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson. Alongside award-winning performance skills, Atkinson also has a BSc in electrical engineering from Newcastle University, UK.

So even if you opt for a Bachelor of Science degree, you never know what career field you’ll end up working in!

Bachelor of Science degrees may be in fashion this year due to the rush for a health crises cure. Source: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

Bachelor of Science (BSc) defined

Typically, a BSc takes three to four years to complete depending on your university and relates to a diverse suite of scientific subjects such as life sciences, chemistry, conservation, sustainability and applied biological sciences.

If you choose to specialise in a scientific field at undergraduate level, prepare for lots of ‘contact hours’, which means you’ll be in contact with teaching or associated staff a lot more when studying.

And because you’ll have less time to study alone, otherwise known as ‘independent study’, you’ll have more time to spend on practical workshops or lectures. This will then increase your industry knowledge as you familiarise yourself with a professional laboratory space and direct your practice straight into a role after graduation.

However, you’ll find yourself working late nights and early mornings if you don’t organise your time effectively.

As the sciences are always evolving, expect to keep learning even after you’ve earned your degree and secured a job.

Prepare for practical lab sessions if you opt for a science-based subject. Source: Adrian Dennis/AFP

Benefits of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree

By undertaking a scientific discipline at degree level, you’ll have the opportunity to access research resources such as robotics and mechatronics equipment, microbiology and molecular biology labs, mass spectrometry suites and more.

Under the supervision of academics, you’ll also conduct experiments that expand your knowledge and global outlook as you’ll study a wide range of topics in science education from various national and international perspectives.

And you may start seeking solutions to the biggest challenges facing science such as climate change and food security.

So if you’re studying health sciences, for instance, you might end up as a medical lab technician on the forefront of a clinical trial, helping to develop life-saving vaccines.

Contemporary BSc degrees are also expected to infuse science and technology. So by studying with a modern university, you’ll get the opportunity to tie your practice to new technologies.