Top Pure Science Subjects to Study Abroad in 2024
In a world moving fast in science and technology, pure science subjects are now more important than ever. If the distinction between pure and applied sciences still confuses you, you’ve come to the right place. Discovering the right pure science subject to study abroad can be your stepping stone toward a bright future as a scientist, academic, researcher, or innovator.
Some of the best research universities in the world are current world leaders in the pure sciences, with the best facilities and faculty. To find the best pure science courses to study abroad for you, we need to start by breaking down exactly what you are looking for. The options are plentiful, and while the variety can be overwhelming, it also increases your shot of finding the perfect fit for you. So let’s just into what studying a pure science subject abroad actually entails.
Pure Science vs Applied Science
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of things, it is important to understand what pure science subjects really mean. Pure sciences are the more theoretical part of taught science courses. Their counterpart, applied sciences, involves mostly fields of engineering and design. As the name suggests, applied science subjects focus more on the practical application of scientific knowledge. The key differences between the disciplines are:
| Pure Science | Applied Science |
| Involves gathering of knowledge about the nature of things | Involves knowledge of practical applications |
| Focuses on theoretical research | Focuses on practical experimentation |
| Aims to develop newer theories of science | Aims to develop technology and practical application |
| Career paths include scientists and researchers | Career path includes engineering and R&D |
| Generally, a longer study period, involving many degrees up to PhDs and postdoctoral programs | Comparatively shorter study period, generally leading to joining the industry |
As the world enters the era of technology, it is important to understand that scientists are as essential as engineers. Imagine innovation in the field of pharmacy in making new drugs that cure diseases. As pharmaceutical technology advances, engineers produce medication more effectively.
However, without the development of new chemical theories, discovery of properties, and testing of treatments and their effectiveness by scientists, the pharmaceutical industry will reach a standstill.
And we are just discussing one aspect of the scenario here. Scientists, researchers, and academics are the reason new, better treatment for illness and disease is possible. Medicine is just one of the fields where the theoretical foundation of pure sciences enables the practical application of their benefits to exist. Scientists carry the role of paving the way for new technology to be born.
How to Choose the Right Pure Science Subject for You
Pure sciences subjects focus on the theoretical foundations of science and choosing one demands a level of introspection. To choose the right course out of the list of university courses out there, you will have to visualize your future with it. Think about what where you see yourself in the next several years and what you hope to do and achieve. Pure science subjects require dedication, passion, motivation, and a strong commitment to learning. To discover the right pure science program for you:
Find Your Passion
Passion is very important when considering pure science subjects. This is because of the long-term dedication and effort you need to commit to pure science education. Pure sciences focus on the basics of disciplines like physics, mathematics, chemistry, geography, and so on. It is important to find out which subject interests you and that you can see yourself dedicating your studies and career to.
Explore Relevant Subjects
With the large commitment in mind, look deeper into the subject areas you are considering. The general idea you have of a subject might not reflect the topic as a whole. Researching program structures and requirements helps you know what to expect and decide if this is what you want to sign up for. The research also helps you discover the specific niches and specialist fields you might have a calling for.
For example, if you are thinking of studying biology, consider looking into the specific aspects of biology that interest you, like zoology, biochemistry, microbiology, virology, etc.
Research also helps you develop a more realistic idea of your future career. Explore the career paths and opportunities that you can access with your chosen subject. Factor your future plans into your program selection, since your degree will influence the opportunities you have available after graduation.
Develop Solid Foundations
While discovering the specialist field you’re passionate about is important, it’s also necessary to build a solid foundation in pure sciences. Especially when selecting undergraduate courses, consider the programs that will provide you with a robust foundation in your field as well as the option to explore different specializations you’re keen to explore.
For example, if you want to pursue virology, consider doing a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Your curriculum in microbiology will very likely include study in virology, which you can branch out into later. Starting with a broader discipline also lets you try out multiple options first hand. You might find that you enjoy another discipline more, or that what you thought you wanted to study is different from your expectations.
Follow Emerging Research
If you are going to commit to pure sciences for the foreseeable future, it is important to know the research prospects in your field. Google Scholar is a great resource to look into the plethora of the latest research and developments in your field. This can inform your decisions about the field you want to go into and what research you want to work on in the future.
Keeping up to date with the latest research also helps you choose the best pure science subject from the list of university courses out there. The best programs will cover these latest developments and offer facilities where students can explore these phenomena themselves. If a particular field or specialization of research intrigues you, you could even explore the chance to study under the professors and universities publishing it!
Find the Right University
Following on from our last point, keeping up to date with the research in your field of interest is one way to inform your choice of university. Research citations are a key part of the methodology determining the highest-ranking universities by subject. This is of course not the only factor to consider. You’ll be looking into the university’s faculty, scholarship options, tuition fee ranges, graduate employability, research opportunities, and so on, too.
Top Pure Science Courses
To pinpoint the best pure science subject for you, you must first narrow down what you’re looking for in the program. A comprehensive course finder like GRADSearch, which spans over 130,000 programs across more than 3,000 universities, lets you narrow your search down by study level, destination, and program type. You can narrow your options down even further by considering:
• The minimum entry requirements
• Tuition fee ranges
• Intake dates
• Location of the university
• Scholarship availability
• Costs of living at your destination
• And more
There are many subdisciplines under pure sciences – below is a quick look at some of the broad categories they fall under:
Biological Sciences
Biology is a life or natural science that deals with the study of living organisms. Courses relating to biology can include sub-disciplines like microbiology, zoology, biochemistry, etc. Some of the best universities in the world to study biology include:
| University | QS Top Universities Subject Ranking for Biology |
| Monash University | 72 |
| Trinity College Dublin | 97 |
| University of Western Australia | 116 |
| University of Exeter | 139 |
| University of Southampton | 151-200 |
Chemistry
Like Biology, Chemistry is another basic pure science subject, focusing on the properties of matter and how it interacts with other matter or substances and energy. Courses relating to chemistry include Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry etc. You can explore these sub-disciplines through specialist modules in a general undergraduate chemistry program, or specialize in that discipline with a master of science degree. Some of the top universities to consider for Chemistry are:
| University | QS Top Universities Subject Ranking for Chemistry |
| University of Edinburgh | 60 |
| Australian National University | 91 |
| University of Adelaide | 115 |
| University of York | 151-200 |
| University of Zurich | 151-200 |
Geology
Geology is a science concerning the study of rock formations and the earth. In principle, it is a combination of several pure science subjects, including aspects of chemistry, physics, biology and even cosmology. Some of the best universities to study geology include:
| University | QS Top Universities Subject Ranking for Geology |
| University of Edinburgh | 17 |
| University of New South Wales | 30 |
| University of Exeter | 34 |
| University of Western Australia | 42 |
| Arizona State University | 51-100 |
Physics
The study of theoretical physics has widespread respect as the highest level of scientific learning. This is because of the historical importance of scientific discoveries in physics. Many of the most famous scientists in history were theoretical physicists, and the field continues to produce astonishing developments even today. Some of the top universities to study physics courses in the modern world are:
| University | QS Top Universities Subject Ranking for Physics |
| University of Edinburgh | 44 |
| McGill University | 67 |
| University of New South Wales | 91 |
| Monash University | 104 |
| University of Zurich | 123 |
Rounding Up
The most important part of choosing the right pure science subject is finding what interests you. Your passion is going to be very important in pursuing a long academic career. Studying and researching pure sciences requires a strong degree of commitment. With the right motivations, a pure sciences degree in a top global university can put you on track to an illustrious future in research and academia. You may find that in a couple of years, you are contributing to innovations and discoveries improving the world for the better!
