My Science Career glossary

Actuary

Uses mathematics to analyse the financial implications of risk and uncertainty, mainly involved with pensions, insurance and other financial services.

Aeronautical Engineer

Designs and maintains aircraft, spacecraft and missiles, through the use of computer-aided design (CAD), robotics, lasers and advanced electronics.

Analytical Chemist

Investigates the properties and composition of both natural and man-made substances.

Applied Mathematician

Applies the theories of mathematics to solve practical problems in many fields such as science, engineering, business, computer technology and economics.

Applied Physicist

Applies the laws of physics to solve a problem or to develop new technologies.

Astronomer

Studies the universe by observing and charting information using telescopes and satellites.

Astrophysicist

An astronomer who studies the physical properties of celestial bodies in space.

Biochemist

Studies the chemistry of living organisms such as plants and animals.

Bioengineer / Biomedical Engineer

Designs and develops instruments and devices to help in medical and healthcare processes.

Biologist

Studies living organisms such as plants and animals.

Biomedical Engineer

Designs systems to help prevent, diagnose and treat all types of diseases, injuries and disabilities. Biomedical engineers work in conjunction with healthcare professionals including physicians, doctors, nurses, therapists and technicians.

Chemical Engineer

Produces chemicals for use in products and services which affect our everyday lives. These include water and waste water treatment, oil refinement for petrol production and petrochemicals, generating electricity, producing our food and beverages, and cosmetics and textiles.

Chemist

Studies the properties of chemical substances.

Civil Engineer

Designs, constructs, and maintains major infrastructure and facilities such as airports, offshore oil platforms, bridges, roads, railways, waste collection and water supply systems.

Computer and Software Engineer

Designs and develops hardware and software computer systems.

Computer Programmer

Uses programming language to write source code for computer programmes.

Earth Observation Specialist

Uses remote sensing systems such as imaging satellites or airborne sensors to measure and understand land, sea and atmosphere processes.

Electrical Engineer

Works with electricity in a variety of areas such as aircraft and automobiles; broadcasting and communications systems; lighting and wiring in buildings; machinery controls; power generating and transmitting; and radar and navigation systems. Electrical engineers can be involved with the design of new products as well as testing equipment and solving problems.

Electronic Engineer

Develops the way electricity is used to control equipment. Through this they can create, design and develop everyday devices like mobile phones, portable music devices and computers.

Environmental Scientist

Examines and records information concerned with the environment. This data is used to help in the examination of climate change and in managing issues such as conservation, air and water quality, and disposal of waste.

Forensic Pathologist

Examines a corpse in order to determine the cause of death. If the death was due to a crime, the findings can be used as evidence in legal cases.

Forensic Scientist

Uses scientific techniques to examine evidence and materials to help in the investigation of a crime.

Horticultural Development Officer

Gives practical agronomic advice to growers while also doing applied research which is of direct and indirect benefit to horticultural producers.

Marine Biologist

Studies living organisms such as plants and animals in the sea.

Mathematician

Studies and investigates the principals of mathematics and uses these principals to help solve problems in many fields, from science and engineering to business, computer technology and economics.

Mechanical Engineer

Creates and designs state-of-the-art machines and technologies such as computers, power generators and medical equipment, by combining the principles of energy, materials and mechanics.

Medical physicist

Applies the study of physics to medicine, mainly in the areas of medical imagery and radiotherapy.

Microbiologist

Studies the characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae or fungi.

Neuroscientist

Specialises in the workings of the brain and the nervous system.

Pathologist

Examines a living body in order to study and diagnose a disease. Pathologists also examine a corpse in order to determine the cause of death.

Pharmacist

Dispenses medicines prescribed by a doctor or healthcare worker.

Pharmacologist

Studies the effects and interactions of drugs and chemical substances on the body.

Pharmacology provides the scientific basis for developing new drugs and medicines for health or research and also their regulation.

Physicist

Seeks to describe the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the largest cosmological structures, in terms of a few fundamental laws.

Physiologist

Studies the mechanical, physical and biochemical functions of living organisms such as plants and animals.

Software Engineer

Designs and develops computer software using various programming languages.

Statistician

Collects and interprets numerical data.

Technology Development Scientist

Works in the process of researching and developing new technologies

Theoretical Mathematician

Investigates the principals of mathematics

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