The science stream is focused on subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. It is a good choice for those who are interested in pursuing a science career in fields such as engineering, medicine, research, or technology. With a science background, students can pursue career paths in engineering, medicine, research and development, data analysis, and scientific writing. As per the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), science courses after 10th are the 2nd most popular course amongst students in India after Arts. The AISHE estimated the number of such students to be more than 47 lakhs.
If you are considering a science career after your 10th standard, here is a brief overview of the subjects taught in classes 11th and 12th, popular courses for graduation and postgraduation, and the career opportunities available.
Subjects taught in classes 11th and 12th for science stream students
After choosing science as a stream, students have another key choice to make – Mathematics or Biology. This decision is as critical as the science vs commerce decision as the direction your career takes is entirely different depending on whether you choose Mathematics or Biology. Mathematics students typically go on to take up engineering, statistics and data science as possible careers, while Biology students have the option to take up medicine as a career.
Below are the core compulsory subjects that science stream students go through in classes 11th and 12th.
- Physics
- Kinematics
- Laws of motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Gravitation
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetic Theory
- Oscillations and Waves
- Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Optics
- Electronic Devices
- Communication Systems
- Chemistry
- Structure of Atoms
- Classification of elements
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- States of Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Organic Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Coordination Compounds
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
- Mathematics
- Sets
- Relations and Functions
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Coordinate Geometry
- Calculus
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Statistics and Probability
- Vectors
- Linear Programming
- Biology
- Biodiversity
- Structural organisation in animals and plants
- Cell structure and function
- Plant physiology
- Human physiology
- Reproduction
- Genetics and Evolution
- Biotechnology
- Ecology and environment
- Computer Science – a comprehensive study of computers, computer programming, logic and network technology.
- Economics – the study of the application of resources to yield desired results.
- Informatics Practices – focuses on information technology and software engineering
- Engineering Drawing – ideas or information needed to construct or analyse structures.
- Psychology – theories of the functioning of our minds leading to our personalities and behaviours.
- Environmental Studies – the study of our ecology and environment, covering various environmental issues.
- Physical Education – ensures holistic development of mind, body and spirit.
- Sciences (BSc-Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Zoology, Bioinformatics, Agricultural Science, Statistics, Environmental Science, etc) 3 to 4 years duration
- Computers – Bachelors in Computer Applications – 3 years duration
- Information Technology – Bachelors in IT – 4 years duration
- Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) – at Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Kharagpur
- National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
- National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
- Jadavpur University
- Vellore Institute of Technology
- Medical (MBBS) – 5+ years duration
- Dental (BDS) – 5+ years duration
- Veterinary Science (BSc) – 5+ years duration
- Clinical Research (Diploma) – 3 years duration
- Pharma (B Pharma) – 3 years duration
- BSc in areas such as Nursing, Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Stem Cell Therapy
- Homoeopathy, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Physiotherapy, Zoology, Occupational Therapy, Microbiology, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Radiology, Biology, Agriculture – 3 to 4 years duration
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
- Christian Medical College, Vellore
- National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bangalore
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Core Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc)
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Robotics
- Data Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Aerospace
- Architects
- Forensic
- Medical
- Dental
- Veterinary
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
- Management – through a BBA or an MBA
- Law (LLB)
- Chartered Accountancy (CA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Event Management
- Hotel Management
- Journalism
- Interior Design
- Public Relations
- Filmmaking
- Graphic Designing
- Animation
- Content Creation
- Digital Marketing
- Teaching
Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. Physics is the oldest field of educational science. Topics typically taught in classes 11th and 12th are:
Chemistry is the branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed (such as atoms, molecules, etc), the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. Topics typically taught in classes 11th and 12th are:
Mathematics is the abstract science of numbers, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts ( pure mathematics) or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering ( applied mathematics ). Topics typically taught in classes 11th and 12th are:
Also Read : Why Studying Maths is Important for Children
Some of these techniques listed above are being heavily employed in the field of data science and data analytics. Expertise in mathematical and statistical tools can position you well for a successful and fruitful science career in the field of analytics.
Biology is the study of living organisms, divided into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origin, and distribution. Topics typically taught in classes 11th and 12th are:
In addition to the above, science stream students are also offered English as a compulsory subject and various other optional subjects such as:
Popular courses after class 12th and career opportunities for science stream students
Post class 12, science students have the option to pursue the following fields of study:
For students of Science with Mathematics stream:
○ Engineering (BTech/BE) – 4 years duration
○ Computer Science Engineering
○ Mechanical Engineering
○ Automobile Engineering
○ Electronics & Communication Engineering
○ Electrical Engineering
○ Software Engineering (or IT Engineering)
○ Civil Engineering
○ Aerospace Engineering
○ Agricultural Engineering
○ Naval Architecture
○ Industrial Engineering
○ Manufacturing Engineering
○ Chemical Engineering
The top engineering colleges in India are as follows:
For students of Science with Biology stream:
The top medical colleges in India are as follows:
Career Options in the science stream
Post these courses, science stream students get into professional fields such as:
Some of the popular personalities who are science graduates are:
– Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University.
– Elon Musk – Founder and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania.
– Sundar Pichai – CEO of Google holds a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and a Master’s degree in Material Sciences and Engineering from Stanford University.
– Ginni Rometty – Former CEO of IBM, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University.
There are certain professional fields which are largely stream agnostic and are open to graduates of arts, commerce or science. Some of those professional fields are:
Also Read : 10 Unconventional Careers
Other creative career opportunities for science students
Apart from the directly related options listed above, science students also have the option to pursue creative fields which are largely stream agnostic, such as:
The evolution of technology has opened up immense opportunities for science graduates. A focus on engineering and R&D allows science graduates to innovate and invent solutions which change the face of our earth. Science is no more a one-track stream. The evolving education system allows students to make changes even later in their careers.
At Euroschool we believe in harnessing the creativity and analytical skills of our science students through a careful application of theoretical and practical based learning. Our state-of-the-art labs energise the learning journey by activating the practical and experiential aspects of learning.
