How to Become A Scientist In South Africa

A scientist is a person who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of interest. In classical antiquity, there was no real ancient analog of a modern scientist. Instead, philosophers engaged in the philosophical study of nature called natural philosophy, a precursor of natural science.

Is scientist a profession?

Profession. As a profession, the scientist of today is widely recognized. However, there is no formal process to determine who is a scientist and who is not a scientist. Anyone can be a scientist in some sense.

What words describe a scientist?

Awesome, cooperative, inquisitive, life-saving are just some examples of the words they used. ‘Intelligent’, ‘clever’ and ‘smart’ were the most popular describers, although students used them less often after taking part – 46% of students used at least one of these words pre-event compared with 40% post-event.

What is the course of scientist?

Qualification to become a Scientist: Option 4 Biology/Physics/Chemistry/ Other. This qualification pathway to become a Scientist involves doing an Integrated M.Sc. or M.S. course straight after your senior secondary school. However, in this pathway too, you will not take less than 8 years to obtain a Ph.

What does a research scientist do?

Research scientists conduct laboratory-based experiments and trials. You can find them in a variety of different fields, including medicine, political science, biology, chemistry, computer science and environmental science. Some of their primary responsibilities include:

Planning and conducting experiments

Writing research papers and reports

Collecting samples and carrying out other types of fieldwork

Monitoring experiments and recording and analyzing data

Supervising junior staff members

Demonstrating procedures

Staying up-to-date on the newest developments in scientific research

What skills should research scientists have?

There are many skills that can help a research scientist succeed in their role. Some of the most important skills include:

Communication

Research scientists must have strong verbal communication skills to articulate their observations to other scientists and technicians in a laboratory. They must also have strong writing skills to successfully write grant proposals to pursue funding for their research or write summaries and reports with their findings. Many research scientists publish the results of their work in journals.

Data analysis

Research scientists must be able to conduct experiments and research, gather information and analyze that information to reach a conclusion.

Critical thinking

To solve a specific problem, research scientists must first use their critical thinking skills to determine the best method for exploring the problem and conducting an interview.

Interpersonal skills

Research scientists must be able to work well with other team members, including other research scientists, technicians and staff members. Interpersonal skills like listening, speaking and questioning skills ensure strong working relationships and effective teamwork.

Below are steps to Become A Scientist In South Africa

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree

Aspiring research scientists should start by pursuing a bachelor’s degree that’s relevant to the field they’re most interested in. If you are unsure, a general degree in clinical research can be a good option.

If you want to research medicine, chemistry or biology, a degree in biochemistry, biology, pharmacology or pre-med can work well. If you are interested in being a computer and information research scientist, then a degree in information technology is appropriate.

2. Complete a master’s degree

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring research scientists should begin working toward a master’s degree. Some schools off a program that combines a bachelor’s and master’s program, allowing students to begin graduate coursework immediately upon obtaining their bachelor’s.

If your university doesn’t offer this program, you will likely have to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying to graduate degree programs.

These programs usually last two to three years. The coursework you complete as part of your program will vary depending on the degree you’re pursuing, which should be relevant to the field you’re entering. However, some common topics in many fields are:

Teaching skills

Writing for research papers and grants

Advanced mathematics courses

Public speaking classes to prepare students for presenting research findings

3. Gain experience

To better qualify for research positions, aspiring research scientists should consider entering the workforce for one to two years before pursuing a Ph.D. program.

They could also defer a master’s degree program for one or two years and pursue a position as a research assistant to obtain hands-on experience before continuing their academic studies.

4. Pursue certifications

While it’s usually not a requirement for research scientists to obtain licensing, certifications are available, which can differentiate you from other candidates.

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers several certifications that you may want to consider such as the Certified Clinical Research Associate, Certified Principal Investigator or ACRP Certified Professional designations.

5. Consider a doctorate

If you are interested in becoming a lead research scientist, you should consider pursuing a doctorate after completing your master’s program. Doctoral programs typically take between four and five years to complete

. Doctoral candidates must perform original research during the time they’re a student and their progress is monitored by school faculty or an advisor. As part of their program, they also defend their research through formal processes.

Below are 4 Scientist Job In South Africa

RED Senior Scientist

Roche Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

RED Scientist II

Roche Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Synthetic Scientist

Boehringer Ingelheim Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Scientist II – Reagent and Assay Development

Roche Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

How many scientists are in South Africa?

A total of 211 scientists in South Africa less than 1% of the country’s scientific workforce – have been identified as being ‘publicly visible’ in a new study by two researchers at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) at Stellenbosch University Marina Joubert and Lars Guenther.

What is a professional natural scientist?

Registration as a professional natural scientist means you are regarded by your peers and by potential employers as highly skilled and having good technical knowledge and competence.

What do scientists do in South Africa?

Scientists with Ph. D. degrees engage in two major activities: (i) teaching and mentoring students; and (ii) conducting research that results in published papers. The first is by far the more important activity because, without it, there would soon be no people to do research.

Is scientist a profession?

Profession. As a profession, the scientist of today is widely recognized. However, there is no formal process to determine who is a scientist and who is not a scientist. Anyone can be a scientist in some sense.

Who are the scientists in South Africa?

Pages in category “South African scientists”

Lucinda Backwell.

Nils Bang.

Wouter Basson.

Linda-Gail Bekker.

Arthur Bleksley.

Jan C. A. Boeyens.

James Henry Bowker.

Otto Brune.

What subjects do you need to be a scientist?

To become a scientist, you must at least take physical science, mathematics and biology. Mathematics are very important in science, especially calculus and algebra.

Who is the first scientist in South Africa?

The first significant work in astronomy in South Africa was performed by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille between 1751 and 1753, culminating in the measurement of the arc of the southern meridian and a catalog of almost 10 000 southern stars, later published as Coelum Australe Stelliferum.

How long does it take to become a scientist in South Africa?

Certificated Natural Scientist

A recognized 3-year qualification; 3-year Diploma; 3-year Bachelor of Science Degree ; Advanced Diploma; or Equivalent Qualification at NQF Level 7 AND one year of appropriate work experience (after graduation date) in the field of practice applied for.

Do you need a degree to be a scientist?

Scientist Education Requirements And Degrees. The education needed to be a scientist is normally a bachelor’s degree. Scientists usually study chemistry, biology or biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology. 60% of scientists hold a bachelor’s degree and 19% hold a master’s degree.