Career in Science

Science encompasses a variety of fields such as medicine, physics and its allied field fields, chemistry and its allied fields, and biology and its allied fields. For
success in the stream of science, one must have interest in and knowledge of technical fields. One should also have an analytical mind, a quick learning ability, and
an ability to search out information, good numerical ability as well as the ability to pay attention to details.

Engineering is the most popular choice even today. Engineering encompasses a variety of specializations such as computer, chemical, instrumentation, production,
biomedical and so forth. However today its best to opt for core engineering streams such as civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics and then move to higher
specialisations such as biotechnology, biomedical, IT, Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering and so forth. Success in the field of engineering calls for good general
ability, and above average analytical and numerical skills, and most importantly, a sound understanding of physical and mechanical principles. The route for this
career is after XII (science - PCM). One can also opt for a diploma in engineering after class X. Entrance exams All India as well as state level exams are conducted for
admission to the coveted IITs, NITs and state engineering colleges.

Some niche / special streams of engineering:

Biomedical Engineering deals with solving problems in biology and medicine by the application of engineering tools. Biomedical engineers apply knowledge of
engineering, biophysical and biomechanical principles to design, develop, manufacture and maintain biological and healthcare systems and products.
Marine engineering encompasses the work of designing, construction and maintaining of ships. It also includes the supervision, installation and repair of marine
power plants, harbours, docks and offshore drilling platforms.
Robotics Engineering combines the fields of electronics, electrical, and mechanics for industrial purposes and is necessary wherever there is an interaction and
control of production, distribution and/or manufacturing by an automated process.
Sound engineering technicians install, test, repair, set up, and operate the electronic equipment used to record and transmit radio and television programs, cable
programs, and motion pictures. They work with television cameras, microphones, tape recorders, lighting, sound effects, transmitters, antennas, and other
equipment.

PCB entails Medical and Non Medical career options

The medical / health sciences group encompasses : Medicine, Para Medicine and Pharmacy.
Health Science is an applied science dealing with health, and it includes many sub disciplines such as general medicine, dentistry, ayurvedic and homeopathic
medicine. It also encompasses paramedical fields such as speech and audiology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Entry to any of the health sciences is
after HSC ( PCB) via a state or all India entrance test. One can pursue either a B. Sc course in the varied biological sciences or go in for a simple B. Sc course and
pursue specialised options at the post graduate level.

The Paramedical options cover vast fields such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotic engineering, audiology and speech therapy,
ophthalmic technology and medical laboratory technology. These can be studies as B. Sc courses and admission may be based on std XII marks or institute
entrance exam.

Pharmacy is an applied science that deals with the chemistry of drugs and its preparation in medicines. It can be studies via PCM or PCB.

Non Medical Options :
Biological sciences entail the study of life. Biosciences encompass careers such as life sciences, microbiology, zoology, botany, genetics, aquatic sciences,
environmental sciences and so forth. Biologists are involved in applied research develop and improve medical, industrial or agricultural processes.

Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field, covering biomedical research, microbiology, physics, chemistry, and engineering. It is the application of biology to
produce substances useful to man. Biotechnologists are involved in gene therapy, fertility control, improving food nutritional value, reducing pollution, increasing
livestock productivity and so forth. One can take up biotechnology as an undergraduate specialization at the B.Sc. level after HSC in science. Alternately, one can
also opt for an engineering degree (BE or B.Tech.) in biotechnology.

Environmental Science: It concerns itself with the study of plants, flora and fauna, animals, and pollution. It can be studied as a B. Sc course.

Genetics: Genetics is the study of genes. Genetic scientists conduct research for identifying genes in plant, animal and human tissue samples. This field can be
pursued after BSc or medicine as a postgraduate specialization.

Bioinformatics: The field of Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary one, which seeks to apply the principles of information technology to analyse and manage
biological data. It essentially focuses on creating computerised, sophisticated databases where biological data can be stored, organised and analysed
systematically. Bioinformatics can be pursued at the post graduate level, after graduating in a related science field such as molecular biology, genetics,
microbiology, chemistry and so forth. Alternately, one can also opt for a B.Tech. in Bioinformatics after completing HSC with PCB and English.

Agriculture groupencompasses agricultural science, floriculture, horticulture, dairy science. These can be studied as B. Sc or B.tech courses.

Chemistry Options : one can also consider a B. Sc in chemistry and follow it up with niche specialisations at the post graduate level. The field of chemistry involves
the study of the composition of substances, their structure as well as their properties. One could specialize in areas such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry,
analytical chemistry, industrial chemistry and so forth. Forensic sciences, packaging technology, food sciences , nutrition and dietetics, pains, dyes, polymers,
pharmaceuticals are some of the applied career options at the post graduate level.

With a PCM you can enter the Indian Navy, Airforce via the NDA . One can also enter via the army technical scheme after PCM and the Armed Forces Medical Corps
after PCB.