BEST COURSES TO STUDY IN THIS ERA

BEST COURSES TO STUDY IN THIS ERA

 As the world changes,  the need for new and brilliant things emerges. Education and scientific studies have produced so many changes, breakthroughs and innovation to our lives and culture, that our existence on this planet is at the moment deeply attached to them. These gave rise to technology, systematic ways in which our services, solutions and products are provided through the organized knowledge of science. Productivity is associated with technology which is derived from scientific education, and science is propagated via formal education.

Education creates the avenue for man to reap the utmost benefits that abound in our modern World. Education lights up the way, as it serves as the medium for modernization and socioeconomic advancement by widening our horizon and helping us to attain our goals while creating balance between things.

  As humans, we strive to make ends meet to reach our goals or meet expectations of our lives. No matter our predilections or societal inclinations, we humans strive to get the necessities of life. Our material needs are not always free or readily available, so we have to by means of our instincts and intellect work to gett our material needs. It could be by mere exchange of goods(trade), by farming(or extractive process), by providing services or finally by creating products for the modern society in return for some rewards which may come as profits, wages, prizes, awards, pensions, salaries, incentives, royalties, interest, gifts and rents. Education is one thing that is deeply connected with productivity.

 Hence, one needs to be educated in one form or the other in order to be productive. People can acquire knowledge or education in many ways. In the modern civilized societies, education is organized and coordinated to achieve the best results. People pass through the organized stages of education to reach their dreams and achieve their goals. And these and many more had given rise to countless fields of human endeavors.

  Higher institutions are centers of great learning where members of the society pursue their personal academic areas of interest.

In this article, I will list out the best courses offered at the higher institutions in our modern times. That is to say they provide at least any two or more of these below ;

·     Prestige and honour

·     Employment

·     Plethora of opportunities

·     Reasonable and or great salaries

f  Future career or professional relevance

·     Fulfillment and satisfaction.

In no particular order

1.                        Biomedical engineering: sometimes called medical engineering is simply the application  of the principles, design, concepts and problem-solving techniques of engineering to medicine and biology such that it tends to close the gap between engineering and medicine. It also includes the maintenance, testing and management of medical equipments within the hospitals. Its applications are found in therapeutic/diagnostic medical devices, tissue regeneration, biocompatible prosthetics, therapeutic biologics, pharmaceutical drugs, etc.                                                  Aspects of other engineering fields are integrated in this field which includes but not limited to electrical engineering, material science, chemical engineering, computer science and engineering, mathematics and chemistry. Areas of sub-disciplines are wide, giving room for specialization. Genetic engineering, medical imaging, tissue engineering, stem cell engineering, neural engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, medical implant, bionics are just a few of it’s divisions. BME engineers are one of the most paid engineers in the World.

2.                        Aeronautic engineering: One must have been interested in engineering and aviation to pursue this field. This field deals with the creation, design and maintenance of air or atmosphere travelling vehicles. It is closely related to aerospace engineering. There is however the difference between the 2 despite their huge resemblance. One major difference between the two is that aerospace include in it’s application the development of spacecraft and space facilities while aeronautical engineering could be seen as a major branch of Aerospace engineering while the other being astronautical engineering. There are many areas of specialization for these engineers in this field, which includes but not limited to structural design, instrumentation and communication, manufacturing and maintenance, flight mechanics and so on.

  The fields of employment includes science, technology, military, space agencies, research. For one to work in this field you must obtain a Bachelors degree in aeronautics or aerospace engineering.

 Some of the topics encountered in this field includes; statics and dynamics, solid mechanics, material science, fluid mechanics, electrotechnology, propulsion, avionics, aeroaccoustics, control engineering etc.

3.                        Chemical engineering: This entails changing raw materials into useful products, e g ; dyes, drugs, perfumes, food, germicide etc. Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering that employs the knowledge and principles of maths, physics, biology and chemistry to produce or transform chemicals/materials and energy.

  They design processes that transform raw materials, chemicals, cells and microbes into useful forms and products.

It is usually called universal engineering as it transforms/converts one thing to another thing. It is really a broad area of engineering for one to choose. Competency in math, physics, chemistry and economics make the field unique and valuable. Wondered why economics was added to the list, because it is important to know that chemical Engineers develop economic ways of using materials and energy.

  Chemical engineers design, create and optimize the systems and processes, equipments and safety control used in biological, industrial, chemical and environmental processes.

  In terms of safety and hazard assessments, chemical engineers play an vital role in making industries and plants safer and more efficient.

They produce innumerable products like fuel, food, drinks, polymers, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals etc.

  Chemical engineers find employments in a wide area of settings including laboratories, research institutions, processing plants, academic institutions, engineering design offices, oil and gas, mining, government ministries, agriculture and other many industries connected with synthesis, refining and fabrication. They can work in any of the following areas below;

·     Minerals

·     Petrochemicals

·     Process control

·     Environment

·     Bioprocesses

Some branches of chemical engineering are, biochemical engineering, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, process design, process control, chemical reaction engineering, plastics engineering, polymer, unit operations, fluid dynamics, natural environment, biotechnology etc.

4.                        Agriculture: This is the process of producing food, feed, fiber and other useful products (e.g. biofuel ) by the cultivation of plants, fungi and related life forms and the rearing of animals for human benefits. Just like other technical fields, agricultural science courses are infused with practicality.

         The B.Sc Agriculture requires specialization for e.g. agric engineering, agronomy, crop science, food technology, agric economics etc.

  Agricultural science is therefore a broad multidisciplinary field of biology which comprises of natural and social sciences employed in the practice, development and understanding of agriculture.

Major branches include; agricultural economics, agronomy, animal science, agrophysics, soil science, agric engineering, fishery, weed science, agrochemistry, agrobiology, food science and technology, aquaculture, crop science, horticulture, agric biotechnology etc.

  Graduates of agric science have wide areas of job applications. Agriculture provides essential products for humanity which includes; income, food, shelter, fiber, medicinal plants, dyes, biofuel and so on.

It also encompasses the conversion of primary products into end-user products, prevention and correction of adverse environmental effects and research and development geared towards sustainable food production. Graduates can venture into private, public and nongovernmental agencies, agribusiness, private consulting companies, quarantine services, research and development organizations, academic institutions, production in agro-based industries/mills, crop husbandry/horticulture, floriculture, finance and management positions in agro-allied firms.

5.                        Environmental engineering: A professional engineering field that work to create solutions that will enhance and protect the environment. It is the application of science and engineering principles to improve the environment to ensure good air, water, and land for survival of humanity and other living things. It seeks ways to remediate polluted areas in the environment while trying to create balance between human activities and the natural environment.

  It is a sub-discipline of chemical and civil engineering and draws its topics from mathematics, chemistry, hydraulics, geology, ecology, microbiology and general biology to enhance the living qualities of humans and other organisms. Its critical aims are to protect human health and protect the natural ecosystems. These are achieved through the devising of solutions for air and water pollution, improving sanitation standards, creating waste water management, recycling waste disposal just to mention about few.

 Some important topics treated in the curriculum are mass and energy transfer, environmental chemistry, risk assessment, growth models, water and air pollution, pollution modeling, biogeochemical cycles, solid waste management and resource recovery.

  Environmental engineers carry out the following;

·     Prepare, review and update environmental reports

·     Analyse scientific data including quality control assessment

·     Device means and methods to protect the environment e.g. water management systems, air pollution control systems and so on.

·     Give technical support and assistance as regards to environmental investigation, remediation and protection projects

·     Monitor the progress of environmental management programs.

·     Inspection of municipal infrastructure and industrial facilities, to ensure compliance to environmental regulations.

·     Conduct hazardous waste management studies to determine the significance of a hazard and ways to control them.

  When in government, they advice the government or help develop programs, policies and regulations to avert environmental deterioration or hazards

Areas of work are given below;

Government departments, construction, defense, energy, environmental consultancy, land and property development, mining, manufacturing, agriculture

6.                        Architecture: This is the art and technique of designing and erecting structures or buildings, fulfilling both its practical and expressive requirements. It thus serves both utilitarian and aesthetic ends. Architectural engineering is the application of engineering principles and technology to building designs and construction. People, government, companies and organizations require the services of architects and architectural engineering graduates. Architectural engineering is also known as building engineering.

Intending students are expected to attend high school classes in chemistry, physics, geometry and calculus and computer science

Areas of architectural engineering;

Life systems, structural systems, fire safety, building environmental control, project management, sustainability

  Architectural engineering is different from architecture. Architects are design-based, i.e. they focus more or are responsible for the aesthetics of a building.  Architectural engineers on the other hand, are responsible for the structural and mechanical systems of a building, focusing more on scientific applications of the design and construction of a building and its required needs. Architectural engineering is closely related to civil engineering and in some cases is seen as an offshoot of civil engineering.

7.                        Computer engineering: It integrates fields of computer science and electronics engineering to develop computer hardwares and softwares. Computer engineers are involved in hardware and software aspects of computing.

  Hardware engineers focus on computer systems and components, designing microprocessors, microcontrollers, routers, circuit  boards and other embedded devices, while software engineers create, test and debug programs and applications that run on computers, mobiles and more.

The application of computer science and engineering transcends all areas of human endeavors from telecommunication, aerospace , forensics to healthcare and environment, ranging from the design of microprocessors, individual microcontrollers, PCs, supercomputers and to circuit design.

  Tasks in the field of computer engineering includes writing softwares and firmware, designing analog sensors, VLS, chips, mixed signal circuit boards and operating systems.

 Branches are as follows; computer architecture, coding, hardware engineering, cryptography and information protection, artificial intelligence, software engineering, computer networks and networking, robotics etc.

Some of the employers of computer engineers are research labs, digital consulting firms, cyber-security departments, technology manufacturers, semiconductor companies, telecommunication firms, government departments,  banks etc.

Computer engineers are also suited for AI, CA and robotics research. Mental dexterity and creativity are important skills needed in this field.

 The computer science aspect of the course includes algorithms and data structure, operating systems, programming/coding, software development.

8     Accounting/Accountancy: This is another wonderful profession on the list. It is concerned with the summary, analysis and reporting of financial transactions of a business.

Accounting is therefore defined as the systematic and comprehensive detailing/recording of financial transactions of an organization. It also incorporates the process of summarizing, analyzing and reporting of financial transactions to oversight agencies, regulators and tax-collection entities.

  Being called the language of business, it measures, processes and communicates financial information of economic entities like government, businesses, and corporations.

 It also measures and analyses an organization’s  economic activities and conveys the information to variety of users.

  The several fields of accounting include; financial accounting, management accounting, cost accounting, external auditing and tax accounting. Professionals in the field are primarily called accountants.

 The services of accountants are required in different establishments. Accounting and finance is usually studied as a single major in many institutions.

  Relevant subjects covered include; law, management, mathematics, statistics and economics

9     Computer science: This is another field of human endeavor. BSc in computer science deals with concepts and techniques applied in the creating, design, and development of improved and novel software systems. Unlike computer engineering, computer science deals mainly with software which includes their theories, design, development and their applications. It is a field which enables the use of algorithms in the storage, manipulation and communication of digital information.

The discipline has both theoretical and practical sub-disciplines.

  Computer scientists probe and explore and create the theoretical cum practical foundations of computer science viz; algorithms, programming language, software and so on.

   Some of the areas dealt under computer science are artificial intelligence, database systems, graphics, computer networks, data science etc.

  Computer science graduates are suited for work in numerous fields of human endeavors. The knowledge and skills acquired during the course of training can help you work in other fields as well.

 Knowledge of mathematics is essential for computer students and scientists.

Common employers are IT service providers, IT consultancies and IT departments of many organizations including government agencies

  You can work as; data analyst, IT consultant, systems analyst, web designer, web developer, game designer/developer, cybersecurity expert, applications analyst, computer forensics expert, programmer, data engineer etc.

 Computer science finds applications in telecommunication sector, banking and finance sector, aerospace, military, healthcare and business.

10                     Nursing: Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, then prevention of illness and the care of ill, disabled and dying people[WHO]

  The nursing field binds together the healthcare systems of nations. It is a very crucial and integral facet of the healthcare system.

  There are variety of nurses with varying areas of specialization and mode of training and practice. They provide a plethora of daily care to all ages, patients, groups and communities and can work in different occupational settings. They also serve as liaisons between patients and other healthcare practitioners e.g. physicians and may in some cases even fill their roles e.g. advanced nurse practitioners.

  They provide care, monitor patient health, provide medications, educate patients about health and help alleviate suffering in patients.

  Although hospitals are the major place of employment, many also work in schools, military, legal, research labs, private clinics, maternity homes and the rest.

  Empathy, compassion, stamina and good judgement are some of the qualities required of nurses. Shortage of nurses is one problem faced by some countries and women always dominate the field.

  There are different types of nursing, ten of the most common are listed below;

RN, LPN/LVN, NP, Travel nurses, emergency room nurses, telemetry nurses, Nurse manager, medical-surgical nurse, clinical nurse specialist. Others include staff nurse, pediatric nurse, labor and delivery nurse, oncology nurse to mention but a few.

11                     Medical radiography and radiology: Radiography and radiology have applications in industry, aviation, medicine and engineering.

But I will discuss the medical aspect, hence, medical radiography and radiology.

  In a simple man’s understanding, the field entails the process and techniques of using some types of radiation generated from specific systems to probe the internal structures of a body.

  Technically, it is an imaging technique using radiations like x-rays or similar ones to view the internal structures of a body (human subject in case of medicine). A detector is used to get captured rays that passed through the body for interpretation. The x-ray generator provides the beam of x-rays used in radiographical operations.

 Medical treatment procedures involving the use of these radiation is collectively called radiotherapy. Some techniques employed in this field are;

·      Projectional radiography: creation of internal images of a body by means of exposing the body to high energy EM radiation (typically x-rays) and capturing the remnant beam, ie, rays that successfully passes the object, as a form of image. Then they can be processed further with other devices to get clear analysis and details.

·      Computed tomography: Usually called in short form as CT scan and formerly called CAT scan. The tomo’ in tomography means slice, therefore, images gotten from this technique gives an impression of a human body like a sliced bread form. This employs ionizing radiation with the assistance of computer to give images of hard and soft tissues of the patient.

·      DEXA (Dual energy x-ray absoptiometry): Also called bone dosimetry. It is a non-position tomography used for osteoporosis tests. It is used to determine the T-score, a measure of the amount of Ca in bones. Radiographers are also known as radiologic technologists.

Other techniques include; angiography, MRI, fluoroscopy, PET etc.

 Radiology on the other hand, is the healthcare specialty which uses medical imaging in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of medical conditions. A radiologist is therefore, a medical doctor who has completed his/her postgraduate training usually working in a team of healthcare givers.  He interprets medical images and relates the information gotten to physicians and nurses.

  These fields are good for tech-savvy individuals and for those who want to be in medical field without taking the roles of physicians and nurses.

12  Physiotherapy: Also known as physical therapy. This is another vital medical profession usually classified as an allied medical profession is based on the treatment and management of diseases, injuries, disorders, chronic and acute pain, trauma and other health conditions like disabilities by means of exercise, manipulation, massage and electrotherapy.

  Physiotherapists work with people of all ages to manage, alleviate or treat problems associated with diseases, accidents, disabilities and ageing which affect functions and movement.

  Physiotherapists could also undertake other tasks outside clinical practice in areas of research, consultation, education and administration. They treat many problems affecting the bones and joints, brain, body circulation, lungs and heart.

  They work in hospital departments, military, sports and athletics, medical rehabilitation centers and other health and fitness centers or open up private practice.

 They can go on to get higher qualifications and specialization in areas of interest which can also grant them the right to prescribe some medications and administer injections within their scope of practice.

  Skills required for the profession include;

·     Good communication skills
    Persistence and consistency

     

·     Empathy and concern for the general well-being of others

·     Time management

·     Patience

·     Problem-solving knack

Students offering physics, chemistry and biology are eligible for this course. Degrees are awarded to students who had completed their internship satisfactorily.

Some of the topics encountered in the course of training are listed below;

Physiology, anatomy, psychology, biochemistry, communication skills, pharmacology, exercise therapy, kinesiology, neurology, rehabilitation science, medical ethics, first aid, orthopedics, etc.
Branches; sports medicine, neurophysiotherapy, orthopaedics, geriatrics etc.

13   Medical Laboratory Science: Reputed to be the third largest medical profession after MBBS and Nursing. It plays a vital role in the diagnoses, treatment and management of patient conditions. Most medical diagnoses, evaluations and treatments are based on medical laboratory tests. Medical laboratory scientists are also referred to as clinical lab scientists and ab initio as medical technologists, as they are clinical experts that help isolate and identify infectious/disease-causing agents or malfunctioning/diseased body components.

  They also study and test for compatibility of body components e.g. blood and other tissues and other vital signs of medical importance.

  They make use of various instruments and devices to perform diagnostic analysis and microscopic studies e.g. high power microscopes.

  This profession is an integral aspect of the medical field as most medical decisions are based on results from medical laboratory science. Medical lab scientists can undertake specialization in any of the following specialties; Virology, mycology, genetics, cytogenetics, hematology, clinical biochemistry, bacteriology, immunology, histocompatibility, electron microscopy, clinical chemistry, pathology and few others.

These professionals receive the patients specimen, test and analyse the specimen and report results.

  Some of the common lab tests carried out by medical lab scientists are; CBC tests, CMP, liver function tests, electrolyte panel, urinalysis, blood type, semen analysis, renal function test, lipid profile tests and others.

  Medical laboratory scientists work in hospital labs, diagnostic labs, pharmaceutical labs, biotechnology, nonmedical industrial labs (esp. chem, agric, envt, etc.), forensic labs, public health labs, reference labs and the rest.

14   Surgery: This is one of the two subdivisions of the MBBS degree. One needs to pass through the medical schools first before pursuing a career in surgery. Surgeons tend to earn higher than the physicians in medicine.

  Surgery, being a specialty of medicine is concerned with the treatment of injuries, diseases, disorders, deformities by use of manual and instrumental operative techniques.

  Some branches of surgery include; general surgery, onco-surgery, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, laparascopic surgery, robotic surgery, abdominal surgery, ophthalmic surgery, ENT surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, transplant surgery, dental and   maxillofacial surgery, urological surgery, obstetric surgery, pediatric surgery, colorectal surgery and others.

  The journey to become a licensed surgeon is one that entails long and continuous learning and practice. Surgeries are carried out in operating rooms lasting for some few minutes to some hours, where the patient is laid on operating tables and usually anaesthetized.

  Surgical instruments are used to perform surgical procedures, which include; surgical staplers, scopes and probes, retractors, needle drivers, forceps, positioners, cutters, etc.

  Some surgical procedures are listed below;

Rhinoplasty, vasectomy, resection, amputation, excision, minimally invasive techniques, anastomosis, ligation, arthrodesis, grafts, liposuction, cholecystectomy, mastectomy, gastrectomy and many others.

15   Theatre Arts: Not least to mention, the impact of this field in the modern civilized world. Wonder how the world itself would be without the fun, entertainment and creativity that comes from this field. It is also a form of education that goes alongside entertainment. Theater arts is a form of fine art which employs performers (actors) to portray imagined or real life experiences to the audience.

These are achieved by combination of means of speech, music, gesture and dance.

  Knowledge of literature, arts and language proficiency are essential requirements for a theatre artist. Confidence, self-discipline, communication, team work, open-mindedness, stamina are some of the abilities expected in an artist.

   Career opportunities open for theater arts students are;

Makeup artist, costume attendant, actor, lighting designer, comedian, dancer, musician, playwright, movie director, choreographer, film producer, singer, scriptwriter, etc. 

Hope you will find the article great. Note this should not be your sole professional consultation or guide, you are also advice to seek guidance, advice and information from other viable and down-to-earth sources.
     feel free to express your opinion