Career Opportunities in Science – JSS3 Intermediate Science Lesson Note (Third Term)

A science career is a job that uses scientific knowledge and skills to study the world, solve problems or make useful things.

Behavioural objectives

1. Name the three main branches of science.
2. List at least two careers under each branch.
3. Describe five modern science careers.
4. State five ways science helps national development in Nigeria.
5. Match personal interests to suitable science careers.

What are the main branches of science?

There are three main branches of science: life sciences, physical sciences, and earth and space sciences.

Life sciences (Biology)

• Meaning: the study of living things: plants, animals and humans.
• Doctor: diagnoses and treats illness.
• Nurse: cares for patients and helps them recover.
• Farmer: grows crops and rears animals for food.
• Botanist: a plant scientist.
• Zoologist: an animal scientist.

Physical sciences (Chemistry and Physics)

• Meaning: the study of matter, energy and how things work.
• Chemist: studies substances and how they change.
• Engineer: uses science to design and build things.
• Electrician: installs and repairs electrical systems.
• Pilot: flies aircraft, using knowledge of forces and motion.
• Architect: designs buildings, using knowledge of materials and forces.

Earth and space sciences

• Meaning: the study of our planet and the universe beyond.
• Geologist: studies rocks and the Earth’s structure, including where oil is found.
• Meteorologist: a weather scientist who forecasts weather.
• Astronomer: studies stars, planets and space.

Summary table

What are some modern science careers?

Modern science careers are newer jobs created as technology changes, and many of them do not need a white lab coat.

• Agricultural scientist: finds ways to grow bigger yams or make cows produce more milk, so people have enough food.
• Environmental scientist: studies how to stop pollution in rivers and how to respond to climate change.
• Information technologist (IT): uses science to build apps, protect users from internet thieves (hackers) and manage big data.
• Biotechnologist: works in laboratories to make new medicines, such as vaccines, and better seeds for farmers.
• Forensic scientist: works with the police to solve crimes by studying evidence such as fingerprints and DNA.

How does science help national development?

Science helps national development by improving health, infrastructure, the economy, communication and food supply.

1. Health: Nigerian scientists can work to find cures for local diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever, so the country depends less on medicine from abroad.
2. Infrastructure: engineers build roads, bridges and power plants that last for many years.
3. Economy: scientists find and process natural resources such as crude oil, gold and iron ore, which brings money into the country.
4. Communication: satellites and cables let us use the internet and call family across the world.
5. Food security: better farming science makes food cheaper and more available to everyone.

How do you choose a science career?

You choose a science career by matching your interests and strengths to a field of science.

• You like helping people: consider Medicine, Nursing or Pharmacy.
• You like building or fixing things: consider Mechanical, Civil or Electrical Engineering.
• You love nature and animals: consider Agriculture or Environmental Science.
• You love gadgets and computers: consider Software Engineering or Robotics.

What qualities does a scientist need?

• Curiosity: a strong wish to ask questions and find answers.
• Careful observation: noticing details and recording them honestly.
• Patience: repeating tests until the results are reliable.
• Hard work: a scientist does not need to be a genius, but must keep learning and practising.

Evaluation

1. Name the three main branches of science.
2. Is a geologist a life scientist or an earth scientist? Give a reason.
3. Name one science career that helps Nigeria produce more food.
4. State three ways science helps national development.
5. Why is curiosity an important quality for a scientist?

Assignment

Choose one science career that interests you. Write five lines on what the person does, which branch of science it belongs to, and how it helps Nigeria.