If you are naturally inquisitive and interested in how all living things survive and function, Biological Sciences is a rich, diverse field. It encompasses the study of organisms at a molecular and cellular level and their interaction with the environment. As a Biological Scientist you can play a key role in some of the most challenging problems in society such as combating disease, global food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Studying Biological Sciences will give you a thorough understanding of the biology of plants, animals and micro-organisms. You will gain a firm foundation in laboratory and field based skills used to carry out scientific investigations. You will learn how to interpret and present the results of your research. You may find it very satisfying to see your research being used to make informed decisions on issues of global concern such as habitat loss or emerging plant diseases. The scientific, mathematical, team working and problem solving skills you will gain from studying Biological Sciences are highly transferable and prized by a wide range of employers.
Career Paths
It is notable how many different career paths are open after graduation and opportunities exist to progress into many professional fields. Those wishing to pursue a career in research will normally obtain a PhD.
While most positions require a third level qualification there are opportunities to complete a Laboratory Apprenticeship which is open to school leavers or those who wish to upskill or retrain.
Industry Sectors
As a Biological Scientist you have the choice of a wide variety of work environments such as a university, laboratory, industry or even out in the field. You may be involved in research, adding to our knowledge of biological processes, and how they can help to solve real world problems. Or you may prefer to work in healthcare or industry developing new drugs or vaccines, insecticides, or drawing up government policies to protect humans, animals and plants.
Some examples of the many diverse career paths you may follow as a Biological Scientist are outlined below. Some would require further postgraduate study.
Agriculture/Food Production/Climate Change - increasing crop production and developing new crop varieties, developing sustainable food systems, food security, plant sciences, animal sciences, wildlife management & conservation, managing ecosystems, protecting biodiversity
Medical & Healthcare - from the discovery of Antibiotics in 1928 to Gene Therapy in 1990, Biological Scientists have been at the forefront of developing new medicines to fight viruses and drug resistant bacteria. They play a pivotal role in developing new therapies thus improving human health and extending patient’s lives who are living with serious diseases.
Pharmaceutical/Medtech - manufacturing, product design, medical devices, quality assurance, laboratory work, regulatory & compliance, clinical data administrator, technical sales & marketing.
Education/Government/Research/Journalism - post primary teacher, lecturer or academic research in universities or industry, public policy, government agencies, technical writer.
Biotechnology - the intersection of biology and technology where biological science is used in the development of a wide range of products including medicines, medical devices, pollution controls, biofuels, biomaterials and to optimise the fermentation process in brewing & distilling.
Biomedical Scientists also work in the Biological Sciences Sector.
Skills and Abilities
Biomedical Scientists study the human body and the science of health and disease. Many biomedical scientists go on to work in hospital laboratories on completion of a postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Placement. They work at the heart of the health system using cutting edge technology to diagnose and analyse fluid & tissue samples to assess the effectiveness of treatments. Others work in a diverse range of industries including Research & Academia, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies, Diagnostics, Health sciences and the thriving Medtech sector. Further postgraduate qualifications may be required for some positions and many complete Masters or PhD qualifications in areas such biotechnology, molecular & cell biology, cancer, genetics, regenerative medicine and neuroscience. Further information on Biomedical Science is available here.