Lesson 9. The world of science

Communicative area: writing a list of tips

1. a) Look at the chart below. What type of science do you study at school?

b) What column do the following areas of science go to?

history, nanotechnology, chemistry, economics, digital technology, computer science, astronomy, logic

c) What fields of science do you find the most interesting?

2. a) Read the piece of advice on how to become a scientist. Put

the paragraphs into the right order.

1. Try to get some job experience or do some job shadowing with scientists. This will allow you to find out what being a sci­entist is like. Maybe you really hate it. Maybe you love it. Get­ting job or volunteer experience will also look very favourable to future employers. You will also gain practical experience and contacts as a scientist that may help you in your future job.

2. Take science classes in high school. Statistics, earth sci­ences (biology and geography, in particular) and computer sci­ence are especially helpful. Languages are also a commodity, especially Latin and German.

Get good marks. In order to qualify for university and grad­uate school, you will need good marks throughout your entire academic journey.

3. First, if you haven't already done so, make a thorough examination of yourself as to whether you really want to go into science and become a scientist. There is nothing wrong about being a scientist. You may really like it. Just make sure that your temperament and personality fit this type of job and that you know what a typical day of being a scientist is like.

4. Continue your education. Even after your degree is fin­ished and you have already landed a great job, you will need to keep up with the latest developments in your field by attending conferences, participating in workshops and reading lots of magazines and books in your chosen area. After all, it's your profession!

5. Choose a field that you like. Chemistry, physics and mathematics are the largest areas of study for scientists, but it is also possible to specialize in astronomy or biology, depend­ing on what you want to do later. The sooner you choose a field, however, the more accurate your choice of subjects will be, even in college.

6. Get a bachelor's degree in your chosen field. This is the minimum requirement for most jobs at research facilities, al­though many also require a master's degree or even a Ph.D. Keep in mind that your study can often be paid for by the insti­tutions where you are working, so make sure you make the most of your first degree.

b) Discuss in pairs. Will these pieces of advice work in your country or is the system of education different? How different would the advice for a Belarusian teenager be?

3. a) Read some facts about science in Belarus. Is your favourite field of science popular in Belarus?

The three most important science and technology institu­tions in Belarus are:

The Belarusian State University

The Academy of Sciences of Belarus

The Belarusian State Scientific and Technical Library

In 1921, the famous Belarusian State University was estab­lished in the capital city of Minsk. In order to advance sci­entific and technological knowledge a number of depart­ments were opened for scientific and technological ad­vancement. They include the department of mechanics and mathematics, geography, biology, geological sciences, chemistry, electronics and radio physics. In 1930, the Be­larusian State Technological University opened new de­partments: forestry, organic substances, technology and engineering and chemistry.

The well-known Academy of Sciences of Belarus was estab­lished in 1929 in Minsk. Some institutions are situated in district regions of Belarus - Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogi­lev and Vitebsk, and also in some other regions of Belarus.

In order to encourage scientific and technological develop­ment in Belarus, the university opened departments for mathematics, chemistry and physics, engineering problems of machine building and energetics, biological sciences, in­formatics and medical-biological sciences. For research and development, the university also has several other depart­ments. Achievements of the Belarusian Scientific Schools in the spheres of mathematics, theoretical physics, spec­troscopy, laser physics, electronics, automation, material

science, machine building, geology, bioorganic chemistry, physiology, genetics, cardiology, etc. are known worldwide and have been highly appraised in Belarus and enjoyed an international recognition.

4. Work in small groups. Write a list of tips for someone who would like to become a scientist in Belarus.

^ ^PtojpcX: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLO&y QUIZ

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