Research physicists investigate the way the world works. They study motion, time and energy. They investigate star and solar system formation, and how the universe began. They come up with theories, often expressed in long strands of mathematical equations. A career in this field requires an advanced degree, most commonly a doctorate. Research physicists work in laboratories, sometimes at universities, and in various government agencies.
Astronomers study stars and planets. They may operate huge telescopes. They may analyze information picked up by satellites. They spend a lot of time on computers. When they use telescopes, they may have to work long hours, perhaps all night. Astronomers may work for NASA. They might also teach at a university or work at a planetarium. Most astronomers hold advanced degrees.
Patent lawyers are a special type of attorney. Often they have an undergraduate degree in engineering or chemistry. After college they get a law degree, then go on to work with inventors. Patent lawyers must be able to translate scientific ideas into the legal words of a patent. They can work for law firms or companies. They can also oversee lawsuits if a patent holder thinks someone has infringed on his idea.
Students who are interested in biology may consider a career as a medical illustrator. These are the people who draw pictures of skeletons and bodies for medical textbooks. Medical illustrators need to know a lot about the body before they can draw it, so many have degrees in biology or anatomy. They also need to be careful artists.
Video games are fun to play, but they can be difficult to design. Experience playing the games can help get a job. But most video game designers also have a degree in computer science. Some of the subjects video game designers might need to study are software engineering, animation and color theory. Some colleges now offer degrees in video game design.
There's a lot of science that goes into knowing how to fly a plane. Pilots need to monitor complicated instrument panels in the cockpit. They need an understanding of how wind and temperature affect flight. Classes in aeronautical engineering, physics and mathematics are good preparation for a career as a pilot. Pilots can work for airlines, in the military as fighter pilots or for large companies that have private airplanes.
Kids who like biology and chemistry should consider a career as a medical doctor. This is a profession that requires a lot of study and training. Doctors usually go to college for four years, then another four years of medical school and then another three or four years of an internship. Doctors can specialize in many different areas, from pediatrics to brain surgery.
Meteorologists are scientists who study weather patterns. They might work on TV as weather forecasters. They might work in a laboratory trying to understand climate change. Meteorologists also are important in military planning. Most meteorologists have advanced degrees, though it is possible to get a job with only a bachelor's degree.