biology prospects

When pursuing a course in biology, students acquire in-depth, subject-specific knowledge of biological systems and concepts. In addition, you develop a range of practical and technical skills from laboratory sessions and learn how to use specialist techniques and technical equipment. A biology course teaches students to confidently handle masses of diverse data and to draw conclusions.
A biology course also allows students to develop more general skills. Communication skills are learned through report writing and making presentations. Teamwork skills are developed through group projects and seminars. Biology courses also help students develop organisational skills, problem-solving skills, project and time management skills, self-reliance, initiative, business awareness and strong interpersonal skills. All of these skills are attractive to employers in all sectors.
A biology course may include an extended research project, possibly based in an existing research group. This type of work may enable you to demonstrate an ability to understand complex scientific data and information.
Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes

Jobs directly related to your degree

The majority of these jobs will require you to gain further skills or do further study to enter and/or progress:

• Research scientist (life sciences) - analyses and interprets the results of experiments and field work and communicates findings to the scientific community through presentations at seminars and conferences and by publishing work in specialist literature.
• Research scientist (medical) - plans and conducts experiments to increase the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine. May also aim to develop new, or improve existing, drugs or other medicine-related products.
• Pharmacologist - investigates how drugs and chemicals interact with biological systems. A pharmacologist’s aim is to understand drugs and their actions so they can be used effectively and safely. Pharmacologists also carry out research to aid drug development.
• Secondary school teacher - teaches one or more subjects to classes of pupils aged 11-18. Subjects are determined by the national curriculum but how they are taught depends on the professional judgment of the teacher.
• Higher education lecturer - teaches academic or vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students from age 18 upwards. You may also undertake research activities.
• Soil scientist - interprets and evaluates soil and soil-related information to understand how soil contributes to agricultural production, environmental quality, human health issues, climate change and biodiversity.
• Clinical molecular geneticist - uses biochemical and molecular biology techniques to identify genetic abnormalities associated with disease. Individuals are screened both before and after the appearance of symptoms.
• Nature conservation officer - works to protect, manage and enhance the local environment, including promoting and implementing local and national biodiversity action plans in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

Again, you may have to do further study or demonstrate particular skills and experience to enter these professions:

• General practice doctor - provides primary and continuing medical care for patients and are usually the first contact for patients needing medical services.
• Dentist - provides preventive and restorative treatments for problems that affect the mouth and teeth.
• Science writer - researches, writes and edits scientific news articles and features for business, trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the general media.
• Public analyst - provides scientific expertise to local authorities to enable them to enforce government regulations in technical areas. Public analysts may be involved in consumer safety, safety at work, waste disposal, toxic waste analysis and emergency planning.
• Education administrator - organises and oversees administrative activities and systems that support and facilitate the smooth running of an education institution. The majority are based in higher or further education (HE or FE), but opportunities are increasingly available in schools and private colleges.
• Training and development officer - manages the learning of an organisation's workforce. The training element of the work gives staff the knowledge, understanding, practical skills and motivation to carry out particular work-related tasks.