Five STEM degrees you can study at UOW

STEM degrees cover a range of study areas, so how do you know which one to pick? We spoke to five UOW STEM students about why they chose their field of study. Plus, we will give you some ideas on the careers these degrees can lead to. 

No matter the size of the subject matter, from microscopic organisms to sweeping solar systems, STEM graduates are set to solve some of our world's biggest problems.

Bachelor of Mathematics

If your favourite subject at school is math, you could continue to study it at university like Isaac, who is studying a Bachelor of Mathematics.

"UOW has an excellent math program. Not many places have just a math degree," he says.   

Isaac describes his cohort as more community than classmates, as it's relatively small compared to other STEM degrees. He also explains how the lecturers are passionate about ensuring the students succeed. 

"If I ever get stuck on something, I can just knock on their door, even if it's unrelated to their class. They run seminars each week and organise networking events."   

Isaac hopes to pursue math research and teaching once he graduates, but he assures future students that there are plenty of jobs on offer in the field of mathematics.  

"Maureen Edwards, the Head of School, seemingly knows everyone who's ever done a math degree here, and she will just list all the places they have gotten a job at. There is plenty of opportunity in math," he says.   

Career ideas: data scientist, financial analyst, statistician, mathematics teacher/professor, cryptographer, economist, machine learning engineer, biostatistician, logistician, or risk analyst.

Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology

If you're passionate about health but don't want to study medicine, there are plenty of pathways that can lead to a career helping people. Lauren chose to study a Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology because it's a good mix between medicine and biology. 

"I've always been interested in science and health, and it's a good combination of learning about the human body without the need to go to medical school to work in that field," Lauren says. 

Medical Biotechnology encompasses the rapidly growing fields of gene editing and technologies, stem cell therapy, microbiome research, data science and immunotherapy. 

Classrooms vary from UOW's purpose-built science teaching facilities to hands-on experience in the field.

Lauren has enjoyed the practical study elements, like working with bacteria in biosafety cabinets. They believe biotechnology presents new and exciting opportunities to improve health, particularly through genetic advancements and the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.   

After they graduate, Lauren would like to work in neuroscience medical research to discover things that help people. 

Career ideas: biomedical engineer, clinical research associate, biomanufacturing specialist, medical laboratory scientist, microbiologist, bioinformatics specialist, genetic counsellor, and immunologist.

Bachelor of Computer Science

If you'd prefer to stick to computer viruses rather than human ones, then a Bachelor of Computer Science could be your perfect degree. 

Computer scientists work on the theory and practical side of computing, designing tools and writing programs for things like AI, stock market analysis, and cybersecurity. 

Hussain decided to study a Bachelor of Computer Science because he wanted to bring his ideas to life through programming and saw the growth potential in the field. Computer and IT graduates are in high demand in just about every industry. 

"Technology is a growing industry and will play a big role in our lives and the future. I want to be part of that," he says.   

Career ideas: cyber security specialist, web developer, software developer, data analyst, IT support, game developer, software trainer, UX designer, database administrator, programmer.

Bachelor of Engineering

Tapuwa was considering nursing before landing on a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Mechanical Engineering because she loved math and science. 

"I knew a lot of nurses, but I realised I didn't know any engineers, especially female," she says. 

UOW has always had a strong foundation in engineering, and our program now offers 11 majors. However, if you're unsure which specialisation to choose, all first years must complete a common first year, so you can be confident in your choice.  

Tapuwa is excited about how a female perspective can change a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

"Engineers are some of the people that are driving innovation. If we're not represented within that group of people, our opinion is not going to be counted." 

"I also have a 10-year-old sister. I don't want her to get to Year 12 and think that engineering isn't for her because she hasn't seen anyone like herself doing it."  

Her advice for future engineering students is simple; you get what you put in.  

"For me, I made sure I was involved in clubs and extracurricular activities so I could work with lecturers outside of class, companies, vacation work experiences. I enjoyed my time at uni," she adds. 

Career ideas: architectural engineer, biomedical engineer, civil engineer, construction manager, electrical engineer, geotechnical engineer, environment engineer, materials engineer, mechanical engineer, metallurgist, mining engineer, network engineer, software engineer, structural engineer.

Bachelor of Environmental Science

A degree in environmental science is an excellent option for those wanting to use their career to help people and the planet. Jesse applied for both teaching and environmental science but ultimately chose a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) because he liked its options. 

"I love connecting with people, making new friends, and making a difference in other people's lives. But ultimately the decision was made to do environmental science because it was easier to transition to teaching than vice versa" he says. 

Environmental science is a multi-disciplinary science that spans the biophysical, geochemical and social sciences and focuses on the interaction between the living and non-living elements of the world. 

Half of the course is dedicated to hands-on fieldwork to provide practical experience, while the other half takes place in UOW's world-class facilities. 

Jesse's favourite class was environmental physics, where he made many of his friends from uni, several of which are completing their honours alongside him. 

Although unsure of where his future may lead, Jesse is sure of one thing. 

"I would like to make a difference in whatever I do. I'm really keen to try anything, even if it means moving cities or trying jobs I never expected," he says. 

Career ideas: biochemist, ecologist, conservationist, microbiologist, marine biologist, hydrologist, coastal management officer, science teacher, lab assistant, geologist

Want to learn more about UOW STEM degrees? Find your dream course.