Australian study finds "nerdy boy science students" most likely virgins

William Atkins
Sunday, 07 December 2008 20:20

Science - Biology

Author’s comment: As one of those “nerdy male science students” in the early 1980s, I totally agree that science majors spend most of their days and nights in laboratories, libraries, and at home studying. This is for one very good reason: the strenuousness of science classes is much, much more than the classes of an art major.

I remember getting a “B” in Appreciation of Art (general requirements) without even buying the book. I also remember getting a “C” in organic chemistry and being happy because it was my first try at the class--many other students in the class were taking it for the third and fourth time.

As a physics and math double major, the students with majors in physics, chemistry, and biology had consistently the lowest grade-point-averages on the Illinois State University campus. Of course, we were taking such courses as Advanced Calculus ("B"), Finite Mathematics ("B"), Electricity and Magnetism ("C"), Astronomy/Astrophysics ("A"), and Organic Chemistry ("C").

But, for such nerds, the salaries are better once leaving college. The U.S. Department of Labor states the following statistics for the 2006-2007 year. Art, drama, and music teachers (postsecondary) have an average salary of $58,250, with those in the top 10% making on average $94,270.

Chemistry teachers (postsecondary) were making, on average, $70,100, with the top 10% reaching $116.910.

For other salaries, please go to the StudentsReview.com website: “Job Salaries, & Links to descriptions.”

However, each person, as the saying goes, "must march to the beat of their own drum." [which is derived from the writings of U.S. philosopher Henry David Thoreau, who said, "If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away."]