Do you like maths or find science fascinating but unsure what career opportunities are available? We’ll guide you through your options.
Mathematics, statistics, chemistry and physics are the key foundational subjects used today to understand our world. From the inner workings of our universe to the inner workings of atoms and molecular interactions via the working of your body, these subjects are needed to make sense of it all. Without these disciplines there would be no technological advancements. No medicine, no engineering, no pharmaceuticals. Or art.
If you’re interested in a career that’s mentally stimulating, spending your days studying complex concepts, problem-solving, and using your logical reasoning and creative thinking skills to the nth degree – Murdoch’s School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, and Physics is a great place to start.
Would a career in mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics (MSCP) suit you?
Take a moment to reflect on the moments when you feel truly alive, and skills you show aptitude for. See if you identify with any of the below. Do you:
- Have a passion for figuring out how things work?
- Often find yourself asking why the laws governing the universe are the way they are?
- Regard Newton, Einstein, Faraday, Turing, and Curie as your heroes?
- Feel comfortable with data and numbers?
- Cut through complex challenges with ease?
- Persevere with problems that need answers?
Think you have the qualities to enter this intellectually rigorous field? Learn why Murdoch is best placed to get you there.
Murdoch celebrates leading women in STEMM.
What kind of career can you have in MSCP?
Your skills make you a universal problem-solver, able to apply your knowledge to a range of industries including astronomy, bioinformation, economics, energy, epidemiology, finance, medicine, manufacturing, and project management. There is also an enormous breadth of opportunity in research.
Let’s take a closer look at each discipline:
Mathematics and Statistics
Quantitative skills are in extremely high demand, driven by the rapid development of new technologies and the collection of massive amounts of data (‘big data’). Mathematics is the language of logic, and so helps organise ideas and make predictions in an at times complex world. Statisticians can pull patterns from complex data, assess risk, and test our beliefs with rigor. For industry and government, an ability in Maths and Stats is an uncommon superpower. You might enjoy crunching data for the Australian Bureau of Statistics, or in economics, market research, the social sciences or public health. Medium and large businesses across the country need data to operate successfully, so risk analysis and reporting is a popular role for graduates.
Mathematics can be used to model just about anything. Understanding how things work enables us to fix problems and even ‘predict’ the future. Meteorology, physical oceanography, aerodynamics, wound healing, and physiological models of the heart, lungs and tumours can all be better understood with mathematical models.”
- Prof Graeme Hocking (Academic Chair, Mathematics and Statistics)
Chemistry
The analytical and problem solving skills you’ll develop studying chemistry will take you far in a wide variety of careers. You might, for example, have a satisfying career at a food and beverage company designing new tastes, or ensuring safety and quality. Maybe you’ll work in medical research testing new cancer-killing treatments, or the multibillion-dollar cosmetics industry. You might even find yourself working in the mining industry optimising mineral extraction, in the water industry ensuring water quality or in agriculture testing mineral content of soils. Becoming a teacher or science communicator is an option too.
Can I get a job? Future-proof your career
We provide opportunities for practical experience, engagement in research projects, and internships with industry partners. These experiences not only deepen understanding of the physical and mathematical sciences but also enhance employability upon graduation. You’ll graduate prepared for a future where your knowledge and skills will contribute to advancements in science, technology, innovation – and society as a whole.
Join Murdoch University and unlock your potential to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Physics
Physics is incredibly versatile. Physicists are known to be good with numbers, independent thinkers, and confident problem solvers. Their skills are useful in all sorts of industries, including in government, when the task requires creative problem solving. Physicists are trained to identify the core underlying principles in a problem, thereby cutting through complexity to find a solution. Many graduates head into research and development and innovation, manufacturing, mining and mineral production, and education and training. However, their skills are so highly transferrable and desirable, they are also found amongst strategic analysts, in finance and in biomedical sciences.
Picture where a degree from Murdoch could take you
It might surprise you to learn that just because you study a physics major, it doesn’t mean the only option is to become a physicist, or a chemist because of a chemistry major. While these are wonderful career paths, there are a range of roles where your skills are also needed. Who wouldn’t want creative, problem solvers comfortable moving between technical and non-technical environments?!
Keen to know more about MSCP at Murdoch? Get to know our school, our academics, what research we’re engaged in, and what makes our community unique.