Patna University vice-chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh addresses the interactive session at Patna Science College on Monday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Students aspiring to build a career in science learnt about various career options during an interactive session at Patna Science College on Monday.

The session, the first of its kind, was organised to educate the students clearing the entrance test, held on July 6. Besides informing the students about the subjects, the senior teachers of the college told them about the job prospects after completing each course.

The teachers also spoke on some career options for students, which have been in demand in the past few years:

Subject: Zoology

Scope: Forensic science

Places to flourish: Central Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigation Department

Subject: Statistics

Scope: Survey

Places to flourish: Central Statistical Organisation, National Sample Survey Organisation

Speaking at the session, which lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours, S.K. Srivastava, the former head of zoology department, Patna University, said: “Studying zoology is not limited to just joining the medical fields. After graduation and masters degree, a student can pursue a career in forensic science, the demand of which has increased considerably in the recent years. Besides, one can also pursue a career in pharmaceuticals after studying zoology.”

Amarendra Mishra, the head of the postgraduate statistics department of the college, said: “Large-scale planning and development activities in various sectors have increased the scope of statistics in recent times.”

Students, after completing their masters degree in statistics, have the option of joining the census department, Central Statistical Organisation, National Sample Survey Organisation and others, he said.

Apart from around 100 students, who cleared the entrance test, senior teachers of all undergraduate and postgraduate departments and some parents took part in the session inaugurated by Patna University vice-chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh.

“Students should be inquisitive and must keep asking questions. That would help in the development of both students as well as teachers,” said Singh, adding that the university decided to organise the session to emulate various premier institutes of the country.

The students, who attended the workshop, were happy to know about the career opportunities ahead of them.

Shruti Suman, a student who scored 91 per cent in the CBSE Class XII examination, told The Telegraph: “I have applied for chemistry honours. By attending this session, I have come to know about the various career opportunities the subject has to offer. I also learnt about the different kinds of research works that I can pursue after completing my masters degree.”