Why the Bachelor of Science is the right choice for you
5 April 2022
Choosing a suitable science degree can be challenging given its diversity, and to make such a decision immediately after graduating high school is no less daunting. If you are still in doubt of where your interests lie or have difficulty selecting a specialty, opting for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) is the way to go.
A useful tip in choosing which BSc course is best is to find one that offers a broad spectrum of science subspecialties. This would be advantageous as you will be exposed to the different subfields, and your learning experience within the different topics will help you in choosing a career path.
The Bachelor of Science at Monash University Malaysia is one such program that allows students to delve into the areas of biotechnology, psychology, applied microbiology, genetics and bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, tropical environmental biology and more.
This breadth of study areas allows students to gain an understanding of how the world works while providing the platforms to analyse, experiment and make discoveries.
The biotechnology major is about combining knowledge in biology and technology to create tools and instruments that will improve the quality of human life. The resulting developments will prove beneficial in the healthcare industry, agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as environmental sectors. Further specialising in a dedicated biotechnology course in Malaysia, be it an honours program or a postgraduate degree, will act as a springboard to enter sectors such as nutrition sciences, veterinary science, medical engineering, bioinformatics and clinical medicine, among many others.
If you have always been passionate about the environment, tropical environmental biology will be an exciting major. You will be introduced to the behaviour of living systems, with a focus on ecological and environmental topics such as climate change, biodiversity and conservation. Conservation biology, aquatic biology, environmental management are just some of the career fields you may find yourself in.
A BSc at Monash also offers you the opportunity to conduct research in labs. Do you want to study microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses up close? Applied microbiology takes you through the effects of microorganisms in a range of scenarios, from food spoilage and biofouling to stopping the spread of infectious diseases. Your interest in the field can lead into healthcare, environmental organisations, forensic science laboratories, and research at higher education institutions.
Genetics and bioinformatics will give you a thorough understanding of the genetic makeup of organisms and the diverse range of analytical methods and tools related to genomic data. How bioinformatics is related to genetics is that you will use computer programs to determine gene and protein functions, establish evolutionary relationships and predict three-dimensional shapes of proteins among many other functions. Studying in this field would allow you to explore and contribute to superior healthcare, enhanced food security, data science and many more.
If none of these majors pique your interest, perhaps medicinal chemistry might. It is an area that studies the development, synthesis and properties of drugs. You will be taught how to research and discover biologically active compounds to produce pharmaceutical drugs. This knowledge will form a strong foundation for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
For those who find the human mind fascinating, you can even pursue subjects related to psychology, and learn about yourself and those around you. You will be able learn the science behind human behaviour and the mental processes involved in such behaviours. Career choices include opportunities in clinical psychology, professional psychology or even psychological research.
A Bachelor of Science degree is a great foundation to build on and find a specialty that suits your career aspirations, whether you enjoy working at a desk or in a lab or in the field. Once you find an area of study that interests you, majoring in a selected subspecialty can be an option for an Honours program.
Monash is one of the top universities offering quality education in a Bachelor of Science in Malaysia. Internationally recognised and ranked 35 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 for Life Sciences and Medicine, you'll study in a stimulating environment and some of the finest labs in the country. Your curious mind will be challenged, nurtured and satisfied.
Click here to learn more about Monash’s courses and take the first step into the world of science.