• Question: what did you have to do to become a scientist ?

    Asked by to Sam, Roberto on 18 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Sam Connolly

      Sam Connolly answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      The usual way to do it in the UK is to get an A-levels in the science you want to do (physics in the case of astronomy), then do a science course at university in your chosen area, then a PhD. If you wanted to be a scientist who does research in genetics or evolution, you would do a Biology A-level, then a degree in Biology, then a PhD in genetics or evolution, or sometimes you can do your degree in something more specific like genetics or evolution straight away, then carry it on as a PhD. If you wanted to do research into new materials or making medicines or fuels you might do Chemistry. If you want to do research into Astronomy, or lasers, or electronics, you would do a physics A-level then Physics, or Electronics as a degree. Maths A-level often helps too, especially with physics! There other are things equivalent to A-levels too, like the international baccalaureate, but the same thing applies. The most important thing though, is that you need to be really interested in the science you want to do research in!

    • Photo: Roberto Trotta

      Roberto Trotta answered on 19 Jun 2014:

      I was born and grew up in Switzerland, so my path to becoming a scientist was a bit different. I went to college in Switzerland and that qualified me to go to University. I then studied physics for 4 years, obtaining what is now called a Master degree. By the end of my Master, I had studied cosmology (the part of science that looks at the entire Universe) and wanted to learn more about it.

      So I did a PhD on this subject — this took another 3 years. During a PhD you do very little coursework and you spend most of your time learning advanced, research topics, under the direction and with the help of a surpervisor — that’s a professor that teaches you how to be a scientist. I got my PhD almost exactly 10 years ago today.

      When you finish your PhD, you have to write a long document called a thesis, which summarizes all the work you have done. Then you have to present it in front of experts and answer all their questions — some are quite hard! If you pass, then you become a Doctor and you are a scientist!

      Now I have become a supervisor myself, and my second PhD student passed her exam two days ago. She is now a scientist herself! That made me very proud.

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