Shld I study a Science(Chem.) or Eng(Material Sci)in NUS/NTU

ExiaFreedom SG

I am totally lost on which of these 2 courses to put as my first choice in my application to the local universities(NUS & NTU).

I am a chemistry lover. Materials Science seems to be chemistry-based, as it invovles the structure of materials on the atomic level, at the same time, Science (Chemistry) is also what I want.

What I am worrying is that, should I decide to Science(Chemistry) in either one of the Unis, what will be careers that I can venture into? Similarly for Materials Science.

Can anyone out there, who has degrees in either these 2 courses, tell me what they are doing as their career now?

Thanks very Much!

angel7030 SG

I got 2 here, both use to come my pub drink with their galfrens, different galfren everytime, one is a chemist working in somewhere in jurong island, the other, not related to the first, is a scientist working at cityspring, natural gas and chemical specialist, the former paid is $16,000, dealing with chemical lab to produce beauty and comestic product, and the scientist is abt $25,000 including his partime lecturing at NUS.

angel7030 SG

Oh, and the chemist is only 35yo, the scientist is about 39yo

ExiaFreedom SG

Thanks....
Hmmm, any idea what are their highest education qualifications?

UltimaOnline SG

If you wish to become an MOE Chemistry teacher, go for (Science) Chemistry, rather than applied Chemistry courses (eg. Chem Engineering, Material Science, etc).

And I suggest you consider teaching as a career, since passion for the subject is an important prerequisite for being a good teacher. Wouldn't you wish to share your appreciation, understanding and love of a subject with youths?

Chemfreak022 SG

If you wish to have a research career, its better to go all the way to PhD.

I only know about Chemistry. A lot of my peers became teachers, others went further studies or work. As far as I can tell, again for a research career, there is seriously no point in stopping at BSc, hons or not.

As for me,I am doing my MSc in chem now.

UltimaOnline SG

If you wish to have a research career, its better to go all the way to PhD.

As for me,I am doing my MSc in chem now.

If you don't mind sharing, what are your career / professional intentions after completing your Masters?

Chemfreak022 SG

Very simple.. Start work in the chemical industry

Actually I want to go to the pharmaceutical industry but couldnt reach the prof I wanted to do my thesis with... so now I think maybe after graduation I will find work with specialty chemicals or catalysis.

ExiaFreedom SG

Hmmm, I have considered to be a teacher, especially now that I am a Relief teacher at one of the JCs, teaching Chemistry. Loved the interaction with students.

But, before really considering teaching as a career, I am planning to work in the private sector for a few years before joining teaching.

So besides research and teaching , what are the career options?