Sir, - Uinsionn O'Maoltuille's letter "Studying Science" (December 21st) echoes the frustration, despair and disillusion of many young science graduates. I thoroughly agree that a B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree does not open the door to employment. One has only to read the Business 2 section of The Irish Times any Friday to see that there is no job category entitled "Science".
At least eight young science graduates of my acquaintance, from a small rural area, have not been able to find employment in their chosen field of study. Some have had to do a FAS course (hardly requiring third level education), others have had to emigrate. One (a 1.1 honours graduate) has had to take up a labouring job in order to survive.
At a recent careers fair, not one of the 30-plus companies recruiting had an opening for science graduates. The Higher Diploma in Education is also closed to those who have the "wrong" subject in their final year (for example, chemistry rather than biology).
I appeal to the Minister for Education and Science and to other academics, eager to promote the study of science, to identify clearly the areas of study which give employment and to ensure that all degree programmes in our universities are geared towards providing gainful and rewarding careers - so that after four or five years of hard study, these qualifications are not merely "dead ends", offering, in many cases, nothing but years and years of further research or, God forbid, the dole queue. - Yours, etc.,
V. Ni Liachtain, Caislean Nua, Gaillimh.