Accredited online and on-campus courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
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About Science
You'll become
Average Salaries
Science workers may earn between $55,000 and $100,000 per year
Build new skills for an in-demand profession working to understand the world. It starts by studying a science course.
You’re curious, intelligent and good at thinking critically. Turn your talents into an exciting career in the diverse science sector by studying a science course.
A broad field covering a range of disciplines, the science sector in Australia is a strong and growing sector seeking qualified leaders to adapt to challenging and exciting technological changes.
If you’re seeking a varied career with the opportunity to play a leading role in tackling some of our greatest challenges, studying science is for you.
A diverse and exciting field, the study of science can include studying a range of topics, including the body and the way it works; disease; environmental science and land conservation; food security and seed science; climate change; pharmaceuticals; food science; or generalist laboratory work.
In a volatile, disrupted and ever-changing world, skilled professionals who can investigate problems and conserve natural resources are in urgent demand. By studying a science course, you’ll build the essential practical skills and foundational knowledge required to play a leading role in the future.
You may study a science course at a range of different levels, including as a certificate or diploma course, as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, as a post-graduate certificate or diploma course, or as a post-doctoral degree. You may choose to seek employment in a range of different roles after completing a science course, including working as a laboratory technician, research assistant, chemist, food scientist, environmental scientist, life scientist, or school science teacher.
If you’re curious about world and committed to using your skills to investigate and protect it, studying a science course is your next career step.
What do science graduates do?
After completing a science course, you may seek employment in a range of roles in the research, conservation, agriculture, food science and sustainability sectors, working in research, teaching or policy development roles.
If you choose to work as a science technician, you may perform tasks like:
- Preparing materials for experimentation, including freezing and slicing specimens, and mixing chemicals;
- Collecting information and samples;
- Conducting field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses;
- Presenting and interpreting results;
- Performing calculations;
- Controlling and checking quality and quantity of laboratory supplies; and
- Checking calibrating and maintaining test equipment.
If you choose to work as an environmental scientist, you may perform tasks like:
- Evaluating and investigating environmental, wildlife and fisheries needs, and developing strategies and goals;
- Understanding and enforcing laws and regulations relating to the conservation of the environment;
- Carrying out environmental impact assessments;
- Studying and understanding environmental problems, including analysing pollution, soil quality, environmental ecology, water quality and demographic information;
- Developing and implementing complex environmental management policies;
- Planning and organising activities in designated areas to protect and conserve native environments; and
- Participating in environmental management planning.
If you choose to work as a food scientist or chemist, you may perform tasks like:
- Conducting experiments and tests to identify the chemical composition and reactive properties of substances;
- Analysing and conducting research to develop theories, techniques and processes;
- Developing practical applications of experimental and research findings;
- Testing food products for flavour, colour, taste, texture and nutritional content;
- Developing quality control procedures and safety standards for food product development;
- Coordinating winemaking processes, testing and crushing grapes, fermenting juices and fortifying, clarifying, maturing, blending and finishing wines;
- Advising on processes for preserving, processing, packaging, storing and delivering food products.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
After completing a science course, you’ll be qualified to seek employment in a broad range of roles in the science industry. You may choose to work as a:
- Allied Health Worker
- Health Promotion Officer
- Allied Health Assistant
- Occupational Health Professional
- Environmental Health Professional
- Health Development Officer
- Health Officer
- Health Researcher
- Health Administrator
- Environmental Researcher
- Social Justice Researcher
- Research Officer
- Social Policy Maker
- Social Policy Researcher
- Science Writer
- Health Policy and Advocacy Manager
- Health Policy Adviser
- Nutrition Advisor
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Is science right for you?
You’ll enjoy studying a science course if you:
- Are curious about the way the world works
- Can think critically
- Enjoy problem-solving
- Are organised and efficient
- Work well with details
- Enjoy planning
- Enjoy repetitive work
- Have a scientific mind
- Want a meaningful and rewarding career
- Want to make a difference
Job opportunities
The Australian Government’s Job Outlook identifies the science profession as a small but growing sector in Australia.
Currently employing approximately 16,100 science technicians and laboratory assistants, 18,700 environmental scientists and 7,800 food scientists, the sector has been expanding steadily for the last decade and is predicted to continue growing until at least 2020, when it is predicted to employ approximately 16,400 technicians, 19,300 environmental scientists and 7,500 food scientists.
The size of the science profession indicates that roles are available for graduates in most areas of Australia.
Average Salaries
PayScale offers a range of different salaries for professionals working in the science industry.
A science course graduate working in a laboratory as a researcher may expect to earn between $55,000 and $100,000 with an annual average salary of approximately $79,000. Working as a research assistant, a science graduate may expect to earn between $40,000 and $68,000 per year.
According to PayScale, a geologist may expect to earn between $56,000 and $134,000, with an average annual salary of approximately $98,000 per year.
An environmental scientist can expect to earn on average between $78,000 per year and $172,000 per year, with an average annual salary of approximately $129,000.