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What are Mathematics, Earth and Physical Sciences?
In today’s technology-driven world, there’s increasing demand for workers trained in mathematics and the sciences. (Source: US News) Mathematics refers to the study of numbers and their operations, as well as of abstractions and space. Earth science is a broad term referring to the sciences involved in the study of the Earth, and physical science refers to the sciences that study the nature of energy and matter.
Both undergraduate and graduate degrees in mathematics are available. Subfields of mathematics include:
- Algebra
- Mathematical analysis
- Geometry
- Applied mathematics
- Calculus
- Trigonometry
- Probability
Earth sciences include:
- Geology – the study of the development of the Earth’s crust
- Geophysics – the study of the Earth’s shape and how it reacts to forces like gravity
- Physical geography – the study of various processes in the Earth’s environment
- Soil science – the study of soil
- Oceanography – the study of the Earth’s bodies of water
- Glaciology – the study of glaciers and other ice formations
- Atmospheric science – the study of the Earth’s atmosphere
Physical sciences include:
- Physics – the study of how matter and energy impact particle interaction
- Chemistry – the study of the structure and composition of matter
- Astronomy – the study of space and the celestial bodies
Who Should Study Mathematics, Earth and Physical Sciences?
If you’re considering a graduate degree in one of these fields you should ideally answer “yes” to the following questions:
- Am I a logical thinker who enjoys identifying patterns?
- Can I think abstractly and conceptualize objects in space?
- Am I curious about how the world around me works?
- Am I interested in quantitative research?
- Am I intrigued by the thought of investigating the mysteries of nature?
Also, you should ideally answer “no” to the following questions:
- Do I prefer subjects in which there is no right and wrong answer?
- Am I intimidated by numbers and statistics?
- Am I highly creative and non-linear?
Sample Mathematics, Earth and Physical Sciences Classes
Mathematics, earth and physical science classes differ depending upon whether they are offered at the undergraduate or graduate level. That said, here are some sample mathematics classes one might encounter in higher education:
- Calculus
- Mathematics for computer science
- Linear algebra
- Differential equations
- Theory of probability
- Nonlinear dynamics
- Parallel computing
- Fluid mechanics
- Knot theory
Here are some sample earth science classes:
- Physics and chemistry of the planets
- Atmosphere, ocean and climate dynamics
- Science and policy of natural hazards
- Sedimentary geology
- Molecular biogeochemistry
- The solar system
Here are some sample physical science classes:
- Introductory geology
- Historical geology
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physics
- Biochemistry
Types of Mathematics, Earth and Physical Sciences Careers
Those holding a degree in mathematics may have a variety of career paths from which to choose. Mathematics students may be qualified for jobs in the following fields, among others:
- Actuarial mathematics
- Applied mathematics
- Computer science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Operations research
- Public policy
- Robotics
- Teaching
Those holding a degree in earth and physical sciences may be similarly qualified for many careers, depending upon their area of focus. Some career options include:
- Aquacultural manager
- Astronomer
- Cartographer
- Chemist
- Climatologist
- Climate change specialist
- Chemistry teacher
- Diver
- Electrician
- Food scientist
- Forensic scientist
- Geologist
- Geoscientist
- Hydrologist
- Meteorologist
- Nuclear reactor operator
- Park ranger
- Physicist
- Physics teacher
- Soil scientist
- Surveyor
(Please note that some of these careers require only a bachelor’s degree, while others require a graduate degree.)
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