'A science degree can open doors to a wealth of career possibilities - and maybe even some superhero exploits.'
Superman may be able to save the planet single-handedly, but in the real world, it's a different team effort. In May 2011 scientists from all over the world gathered in Bucharest, Romania to discuss how to protect our planet from the threat of collision with asteroids or comets.
'In October 2008 we studied a small asteroid that was discovered just 19 hours before it entered our atmosphere,' says Alan Fitzsimmons from the Astronomy and Physics department at Queen's University Belfast. 'Our work found out what type of asteroid it was while other astronomers predicted exactly where it would hit.'
Beyond the buzz of being a real-life superhero there are plenty of other perks, such as travelling to exotic locations to use the latest telescopes. 'Planetary science is a truly international affair, and almost all projects involve scientists of many nations working together,' says Fitzsimmons. 'Students who study astrophysics here go on to work in places such as Germany, Chile, the US and Spain.'
Greek student Konstantina Rizopoulou believes studying in the UK helps prepare for that challenge. 'UK universities consist of people from diverse backgrounds. This makes your more adaptable, as well as giving an insight into different cultures and languages,' she says.
Because the field is so international, space agencies in different countries offer opportunities to young scientists from all over the world. Rizopoulou has already completed a one-year placement on the European Space Agency's young graduate trainee scheme and she's now doing a PhD at Southampton University.
Applied mathematics is another route in, as much of the work in astrophysics involves building mathematician models of objects in space. Fitzsimmmons goes on to say, 'it's a rewarding career. The feeling of discovering one more thing about our universe, whether it is the composition of an asteroid or the activity of a comet, is really the best thing about the field.'
If you think you can't make a difference to the world with a career in modelling, think again. We're not talking about modelling clothes on the catwalk though – we're talking about ways to use your mathematics degree to predict the future. Mathematical models can be used to predict how people will try to escape a burning building, predict the damage caused by an earthquake, or estimate how well drugs might work.
Something else to consider is a science or maths work placement, which will also demonstrate your passion, which is what the job is really all about. 'Most of us do it because we are passionate about what is out there,' says scientist John Clarkson. 'Whatever level you work at you will always come home at the end of the day and think, 'Yes, I've made a difference.''
'In October 2008 we studied a small asteroid that was discovered just 19 hours before it entered our atmosphere,' says Alan Fitzsimmons from the Astronomy and Physics department at Queen's University Belfast. 'Our work found out what type of asteroid it was while other astronomers predicted exactly where it would hit.'
Beyond the buzz of being a real-life superhero there are plenty of other perks, such as travelling to exotic locations to use the latest telescopes. 'Planetary science is a truly international affair, and almost all projects involve scientists of many nations working together,' says Fitzsimmons. 'Students who study astrophysics here go on to work in places such as Germany, Chile, the US and Spain.'
Greek student Konstantina Rizopoulou believes studying in the UK helps prepare for that challenge. 'UK universities consist of people from diverse backgrounds. This makes your more adaptable, as well as giving an insight into different cultures and languages,' she says.
Because the field is so international, space agencies in different countries offer opportunities to young scientists from all over the world. Rizopoulou has already completed a one-year placement on the European Space Agency's young graduate trainee scheme and she's now doing a PhD at Southampton University.
Applied mathematics is another route in, as much of the work in astrophysics involves building mathematician models of objects in space. Fitzsimmmons goes on to say, 'it's a rewarding career. The feeling of discovering one more thing about our universe, whether it is the composition of an asteroid or the activity of a comet, is really the best thing about the field.'
If you think you can't make a difference to the world with a career in modelling, think again. We're not talking about modelling clothes on the catwalk though – we're talking about ways to use your mathematics degree to predict the future. Mathematical models can be used to predict how people will try to escape a burning building, predict the damage caused by an earthquake, or estimate how well drugs might work.
Something else to consider is a science or maths work placement, which will also demonstrate your passion, which is what the job is really all about. 'Most of us do it because we are passionate about what is out there,' says scientist John Clarkson. 'Whatever level you work at you will always come home at the end of the day and think, 'Yes, I've made a difference.''
