STEM

We are the leading STEM university in South Australia, ranked #1 across engineering, science, mathematics and computer science. Our STEM degrees lead to jobs in the fastest growing industries in the world.

Explore careers and courses

Pave your way into a career in the STEM industry. Search for career options and the University of Adelaide degrees that will get you there.

  • Science

    A

    • Aerospace scientist
      Deepen understanding of aerospace and identify development opportunities with industry.

    • Agricultural scientist/consultant
      Investigate breeding, nutrition and disease resistance among plants and animals. Support farmers, agricultural and rural industries in production, processing and distribution of farm produce.

    • Agronomist
      Study agricultural crops and soils and develop new crop hybrids and varieties.

    • Air traffic controller
      Use your excellent spatial awareness and visualisation, together with reliable numeric and computational skills, to maintain the safe and orderly flow of air traffic.

    • Animal behaviourist
      Look at the cause, functions, development and evolution of animal behaviour in a variety of settings to improve outcomes and treatment.

    • Animal scientist
      Investigate nutritional values of feed and environmental conditions to improve productivity or quality, and conduct experiments in controlled breeding or embryo manipulation.

    • Animal/veterinary technician
      Conduct clinical and laboratory procedures such as medical testing, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and diseases. Administer medication and provide specialist nursing care.

    • Astronomer
      Investigate the solar system and observe objects in space from earth’s surface via satellites using specialised telescopes and design and attach equipment to telescopes and spacecraft.

    • Astrophysicist
      Study the physical properties and phenomena of celestial bodies.

    B

    • Biochemist
      Undertake chemical analysis using sophisticated instruments and techniques, to understand chemical processes that occur within individual cells, or digestion and growth, involving whole organisms.

    • Biodiversity assessor
      Protect, manage and enhance the local environment, looking at national parks and wildlife.

    • Biomedical scientist
      The frontier of biological research the development of vaccines. Genetics, stem cell research, systems biology, molecular biology of cancer, cancer screening, diagnosing HIV and virology all require biomedical scientists.

    • Biophysicist
      Research the physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, protein behaviour and related phenomena.

    • Botanist
      Work with the biology of plants to apply scientific knowledge in conservation and management of natural resources, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, medicine and biotechnology.

    C

    • Catchment management
      Evaluate land use options, water allocation strategies and trade-offs, and identify river systems at risk of environmental contamination.

    • Chemist / Analytical chemist
      Study and apply the physical and chemical properties of substances to determine their composition, develop new substances, processes and products, and increase scientific knowledge. Undertake research and analysis to test theories, techniques and processes.

    • Climate and ecosystem modeller
      Design, develop, implement, test, maintain or exploit climate and ecosystem models.

    • Clinical studies coordinator/manager
      Monitor and analyse clinical activities to identify issues, variances, and conflicts.

    • Conservation scientist
      Protect and preserve natural resources via planned management to prevent depletion, destruction and/or extinction.

    D

    • Defence industry scientist
      Perform laboratory experiments, engage in modelling and simulation exercises, and research global trends and developments in areas of expertise to provide informed recommendations.

    E

    • Ecologist
      Conserve ecosystems and biodiversity by studying the relationship between organisms and their environment. Specialise in a specific animal or plant species, or in a specific environment.

    • Entomologist
      Study insects to investigate behaviour, causes of outbreaks, and research control methods through integrated pest management, biological control and chemical means.

    • Environmental biologist
      Solve environmental problems and preserve the natural world for future generations.

    • Environmental chemist
      Monitor pollutants, their products and natural chemicals. Determine ways to reduce the bad effects of chemicals released in the environment. Devise environmentally friendly industrial processes.

    • Environmental geologist
      Study the soil movement, erosion and degradation, the effect of pollution and human activity on rivers, and the environmental effects of mining, nuclear energy and waste management.

    • Environmental scientist
      Identify, reduce and eliminate hazards that affect people, wildlife and their environments.

    • Evolutionary biologist
      Use the latest techniques in palaeontology and molecular systematics to discover the wide diversity of plants and animals living in the present and preserved in the fossil record from the prehistoric past.

    F

    • Fisheries researcher
      Provide advice for the development of marine conservation and harvesting, including aquaculture. Assess and advise on introduced species, such as causes, effects, prevention and control.

    • Food engineer/technologist/scientist
      Develop and improve food products and set standards for producing, packaging and marketing food.

    • Forensic anthropologist
      Work in the physical anatomy of the human species. Analyse and identify human remains for legal purposes.

    • Forensic scientist
      Apply scientific techniques to the examination of physical evidence that may assist in legal investigations in relation to criminal, environmental and safety law.

    G

    • Geneticist
      Examine genes, and the heredity and variations of organisms. Evaluate, diagnose and manage hereditary conditions or congenital malformations. Undertake genetic risk calculation and mutation analysis. Geneticists are required for work with humans, plants and animals.

    • Geochemist
      Examine the chemical composition of the earth, chemical processes and the reactions that govern composition of rocks and soils.

    • Geologist
      Work in the nature, composition and structure of the earth to increase scientific knowledge, locate materials and minerals, and advise on the extraction of minerals, environmental protection and land rehabilitation after mining.

    H

    • Horticulturalist
      Apply scientific knowledge to the cultivation of fruit, vegetables, berries, flowers, trees, shrubs and crops.

    • Hydrogeologist
      Evaluate and manage the quantity, quality, reliability and sustainability of water resources for mining, petroleum, engineering and environmental industries.

    • Hydrologist
      Examine the physical properties of water, including its circulation, distribution and physical properties above and below the surface of earth.

    I

    • Immunologist
      Research the immune system using complex and sophisticated molecular techniques to improve outcomes in diagnosis, management and treatment of immune conditions.

    M

    • Marine biologist
      Analyse marine populations, estimate numbers of marine organisms and develop long-term programs for monitoring environmental pollution.

    • Medical physicist
      Undertake planning and delivery of radiotherapy in cancer clinics.

    • Medical scientist
      Biomedical research to improve human health outcomes. More technical roles exist in the analysis of samples from patients and diagnosis.

    • Microbiologist
      Investigate the world’s microorganisms, and how they affect animals and people.

    • Mineral exploration
      Oversight of all aspects of mineral processing, including how sampling and laboratory work.

    N

    • Natural resource management
      Specialise in techniques for flora and fauna conservation, monitoring components of the environment (e.g. soil, water, air) and develop practical solutions in environmental management and rehabilitation.

    • Neuroscientist
      Specialise in injuries and diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system and muscle tissue.

    O

    P

    Q

    • Quarantine border protection
      Control the entry of agricultural and horticultural produce, plants, animals, microorganisms and viruses that are at risk of crossing national and international borders, to minimise biosecurity risks and hazards.

    R

    • Research scientist
      Design, conduct and analyse experiments with an intended end use or to broaden scientific understanding.

    S

    • Science communicator
      Combine a love of science with a love of communication to help the world understand the role and contribution of science.

    • Science teacher
      Educate the next generation of STEM and science leaders and prepare them for a future that is not yet known.

    • Seismologist
      Become an earth scientist specialising in geophysics to study the genesis and propagation of seismic waves in geological materials.

    • Soil scientist
      Study soil formation and classification, and map the physical, chemical, biological and fertility properties to improve soil use and management.

    • Space scientist
      Investigate the solar system and the practical use of space.

    V

    W

    • Winemaker
      Lead the production of wine, working closely with viticulturalists who manage the growing process.

    Z

  • Technology

    A

    • Animator
      Bring 2D and 3D characters and objects to life for film, TV and games.

    B

    • Biotechnologist
      Create and improve products and processes within agriculture, medicine and conservation using biological organisms.

    C

    • Communications engineer
      Communications engineers design and manage complex hardware and software, such as mobile, Internet and broadcast networks. They are in high demand in industries like defence, mobile networks, satellite communications and infrastructure systems.

    • Computational scientist
      Solve complex, multifaceted problems across industries: environmental, financial, mining, manufacturing, health and defence.

    • Computer systems engineer
      Design and develop computers to control devices, equipment and processes, including robots, automated infrastructure, and autonomous devices.

    • Computer programmer
      Build software solutions, design and implement websites, or work on highly complex programming solutions for industry and government.

    • Cyber intelligence expert
      Investigate, develop and deliver secure and robust systems and devices to protect information and privacy.

    D

    I

    N

    • Nanotechnologist
      Apply scientific and engineering principles and practices to develop new materials on the nanoscale.

    • Network engineer
      Work with universal computer systems to ensure efficient design and maintenance of computer networks.

    O

    P

    • Plant biotechnologist
      Carry out innovative plant research and development aimed at producing superior crop varieties.

    R

    • Robotics engineer
      Design, construct, operate and apply complex mechatronic and robotic systems, or automated machines, that can take the place of humans in performing tasks.

    S

    • Satellite engineer
      Design new satellite technology or lead in the areas of control, communications and radio communications.

    • Software engineer
      Design and maintain high quality software and large computer programs.

    • Systems analyst
      Design computer information systems, modify and optimise systems and advise on ways to expand existing systems.

    T

    W

    • Web designer
      Design efficient and user-friendly web applications.
  • Engineering

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  • Mathematics

    A

    • Actuary
      Determine the probability of events by compiling and analysing statistical data, creating strategies that minimise risk, drafting reports that outline implications of research and explaining results to various stakeholders.

    D

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