Overview

Applied Science deals with the use of knowledge, scientific methods and techniques for a specific purpose. While Basic Science or Fundamental Science aims at improving scientific theories for better understanding and prediction of natural and other phenomena, Applied Science deals with solving problems. Generally, it employs empirical methodologies where transparency is crucial.

As the subject typically covers areas related to Biology, Chemistry, and other scientific disciplines, such as biomedical sciences, forensic science, food, and nutritional sciences, it can reach topics like engineering, healthcare, and technology. In other words, courses in Applied Science and Professions focus on the practical side of science rather than the theoretical side.

An Applied Sciences and Professions course will help students develop their ability to solve problems and equip them with practical skills that are required and applicable to a particular profession, often a vocational profession.

Although theoretical courses are included, a degree in Applied Sciences and Professions stands out through its pragmatic knowledge and hands-on approach, allowing students to specialise in any field upon graduation. Students who have opted for a particular field in this course undergo intensive training for future work as part of their study programme. This discipline prepares students for professions in Social Work, Emergency and Disaster Management, and Food Sciences among others. Other popular fields include Healthcare, Technology, Management and Engineering. Students can develop different skills and abilities depending on the chosen specialisation.

As Applied Sciences is a broad term that encompasses many fields of study ranging from Biology to Engineering, students can familiarise themselves with various other subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Animal and Plant Biosecurity, Ceramic Engineering, Diagnostic Test Analysis, Morphology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Management, Nanotechnology, Plant Physiology, Rural and Regional Business Management and Wildlife Management.

Skill sets

Depending on the specialisation, students can develop sets of skills and abilities such as:

• Communications and Computer Literacy
• Software Knowledge 
• Business Knowledge 
• Collaboration 
• Investigative Practice
• Research Skills 
• Interpersonal Skills
• Management of Projects
• Teamwork
• Critical and Analytical Thinking
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Observation Skills
• Organisation Skills

Study levels

Students who opt for Applied Sciences at a university at the Undergraduate level tend to develop a more specialist focus. Similarly, a Masters degree in Applied Science can help students develop scientific research skills, allowing them to become more specialised in their course of study. Applied Science courses can be studied at many different levels, such as:

• Bachelor of Applied Science Medical 
• Bachelor of Applied Science: Forensic 
• Bachelor of Science: Chemistry
• Bachelor of Science: Biology 
• Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering 
• Bachelor of Science: Food and Nutrition 
• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Applied Science Engineering: Environmental Management 
• Bachelor of Applied Science: Agribusiness 
• Bachelor of Applied Science: Industrial System Engineering 
• Bachelor of Applied Science: Ecosystem Management 
• Bachelor of Applied Science; Material Engineering 
• Master of Science: Biology 
• Master of Science in Biotechnology 
• Master of Computer Science Engineering 
• Master of Science in Forensic Science 
• Master of Science in Nutritional Science 

Specialisations

Specialisations in Applied Sciences and Professions allows students to choose from a wide range of fields best suited to their capability and skill, keeping in mind future prospects. In addition, students can specialise in a specific area, such as one of the following:

• Applied Physics 
• Applied Mathematics 
• Architectural Science 
• General Engineering 
• Automotive Engineering 
• Biological Engineering 
• Biochemical Engineering 
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science 
• Computer Engineering 
• Communication
• Applied Physics and Electronic Engineering 
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology 
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Engineering Science and Mechanics
• Engineering management
• Engineering Science
• Geological Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Management
• Integrated Engineering
• Information Systems
• Management of Technology
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Nanotechnology Engineering
• Forensics
• Astrophysics
• Software Engineering
• Sound Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Business Management
• Social Science
• Business Informatics

Employability

A diverse range of employers and industries value the skills students acquire with a degree and specialisation in Applied Science. Graduates can do so much with a degree in this field; the qualification they hope to obtain depends on where they see themselves and their career goals.

Career opportunities are varied within popular sectors for those who study Applied Sciences. These include sectors like Research Organisations, Pharmaceutical Companies, Local Authorities and Public Health, Renewable Energy, Charity, Education, Technology, Aerospace, Defence, Engineering, Medicine, Manufacturing, and Meteorology.

Employability in Applied Sciences and Professions is quite high as courses offer students the unique opportunity to pursue a career in various fields, including both scientific and non-scientific professions. Some of the job profiles include an Analyst who collects and analyses data, an Environmental Specialist who is responsible for the scientific examination of the environment, a Professor who is focused on practice-oriented teaching at a university, a Chemical Technician who works in a laboratory with Chemists or Chemical Engineers and a Research Scientist who conducts scientific analysis with the objective of applying the findings to real-world situations. 

Many rapidly increasing professions are an outcome of Applied Sciences; hence, employment opportunities are abundant in professions pertaining to the industrial, medicinal, technological, and economic elements of science. In addition, students graduating or receiving a certificate in this field are valued and prioritised in fashion, social work, disaster management, sociology, accessory design, textile design, library and information science, food and nutrition, and luxury brands.

As a result, the applied science degree is a highly versatile degree that may be adjusted to a wide range of professional opportunities for aspirants in India as well as abroad with possibilities of recruitment from top companies like Oracle, Adobe, Reliance, Apollo, Genpact, Wi-Fi Networks, HP, APAC, ITC, Infotech, HCL, Claridges and National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, with job positions such as a Biology Researcher, Laboratory Technician, Pharmacist, Clinical Research Specialist, Science Adviser, Plant Biochemist, Lecturer and Science Technician.

Fees

Tuition fees for Applied Sciences and Professions courses differ from institution to institution, depending on the region and the course of study. The following is an estimate of the educational expenses:

• In India – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from INR 16,000 – INR 1,50,000.
• In Canada – The estimated annual tuition for this programme is CAD 21,100.
• In Australia – The estimated cost of course study in Applied Sciences is AUD 22,300 yearly.
• In the UK – The annual cost of tuition is GBP 22,200.
• In the US – The annual course ranges from USD 10,000 – 50,000.
• In New Zealand – The annual cost of tuition fees ranges from NZD 4,100 – NZD 6,100.