Degrees within the Biological Sciences include Microbiology, Genetics, Biomedical Science and many more. There are a wide range of careers you can go into with a degree in a Biological Sciences, let’s take a look at them!
Research Scientist
Many Biological Science graduates move into further study, taking master’s and PhD’s in order to carry out research or assist in research groups within university. A postgraduate degree is usually needed to move into a career in research, however, with a biological sciences degree, you may be able to work within a research lab. Roles include:
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Laboratory Internship
- R&D Lab Assistant
- Clinical Research Assistant
Professional scientists carrying out their own research, need a postgraduate qualification such as a PhD. Around 1/3 of biological science graduates do go into further study after their undergraduate degree. However, you can still work within research with an undergraduate degree within a Biological Science, working to aid a research team, carry out laboratory tests and processing samples.
Clinical Science
Clinical scientists work within laboratories to develop, carry out diagnostic tests, advise medical staff, work directly with patients, and develop treatments. Clinical scientists in the UK usually take part in the NHS Scientist Training Programme, which allows you to pick a specialism and work within the NHS, whilst also gaining a master’s degree in Clinical Science. Clinical Scientist careers include:
- Clinical Immunology
- Clinical Microbiology
- Genomics
- Vascular Science
- Health Informatics
Clinical scientists likely work within a hospital setting to help large teams of doctors, scientists and researchers investigate treatments, carry out diagnostic procedures and more depending on their specialty. Clinical scientists work in laboratories such as pathology, haematology and genetics, for example.
Biomedical Scientist
Biomedical scientists carry out specific laboratory tests to help teams of clinicians identify causes of illness and disease, and work the define the best method of treatment. Biomedical scientists have a key role within hospitals and can work with a range of different departments or can work within private companies, government bodies and various other organisations. Careers as a Biomedical Scientist are:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Blood Sciences
- Cell Sciences
- Genetics
Biomedical Scientists work within a lab to carry out testing on different biological samples such as tissue, blood, cells, saliva etc. These samples can be used to sequence a genome to assess an individual’s risk of certain diseases, test for a virus to provide the correct treatment, type matching for transfusions and much more.
Field/Conservation Biology
Degrees with a focus on plant science, zoology and the environment will allow graduates to move into roles within conservation, behaviour, sustainability, and the environment. Individuals within these areas may work within national parks, zoos, wildlife services, NGO’s (non-governmental organisations), and consultancies. Careers include:
- Plant scientist
- Conservationist
- Zoologist
- Social Scientist
- Horticulturist
- Ecologist
Scientists working in these areas will often be working in the field and observing the natural environment/animal behaviours. You may also be taking samples from natural environments and working within a lab to perform specific tests on these to better understand an ecosystem, behaviour etc.
Science Education/Communication
Roles within science are not always laboratory based. There are also roles within science communication, this involves presenting findings and ideas to the wider scientific community in a way that can be easily understood and helps the community to plan for further research. Careers within science education and communication include.
- Science Journalist
- Public Information Officer
- Science Publishing
- Public Engagement
- Science Policy
Roles within science communication will require good written and communication skills, and will often be based within an office setting. A science communicator will need good grammatical skills alongside their knowledge within the area they are involved in.
