Careers in biology

What is Biology?

Biology is all about the study of living systems.

It covers everything that happens in the living world around us. Biology can work on a very small scale – looking at how each cell in our body interacts with others; how tiny microbes cause disease and devastation; and how there are DNA codes for every visible trait we can see. It also looks at things on a larger scale like how organs in animals are put together, the relationships between plants, animals, fungi and bacteria, and how living creatures evolved over time.

What do biologists actually do?

Biologists use the latest tools and techniques in laboratories and the natural environment to study the relationships between living things and understand living systems.

Some areas biologists can go on to specialise in include:

• ecosphere: the relationship of living things to each other and to what is around them.
• marine biology: the study of the ecosystems and environments under the sea.
• cell biology: the interactions and processes of living cells.
• biochemistry: the chemistry of living things.
• evolutionary biology: how living things are related and evolve.
• genetics: study of DNA and all the variation seen in the living world.

Where do biologists work?

Biologists work in a variety of areas including:

• medical laboratories,
• research laboratories,
• marine environments (marine biologists),
• genetics laboratories,
• government organisations (biodiversity and environmental policy).

What type of person do I need to be?

A career in biology may be for you, if you:

• have an interest in the natural world,
• have an aptitude for science,
• have an ability to make clear and precise observations,
• think logically and analytically,
• can carry out detailed and accurate work,
• can identify and analyse problems,
• enjoy the thrill of innovation and problem solving.