Applied Plant Biology
What Next?
Applied Plant Biology
at UCC
Applied Plant Biology
involves using living
organisms to solve problems or to
generate new products.
Plants are the ideal living organisms
to use in biotechnology as they are
highly flexible, adaptable organisms;
they are the basis of all our food as
well as being important in medicine.
Applied Plant Biology (APB) deals
with the use of plant biology to solve
environmental, medical and food
problems and is one of the most
exciting areas of biology.
What can Applied Plant Biology Graduates
offer employers?
A graduate of applied plant biology will have developed the ability to:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Demonstrate a good knowledge of the issues regarding the exploitation and conservation of natural resources, leading to an understanding of the natural environment at all scales.
Think in an integrated and holistic way and appreciate complexity and change.
Analyse data and information critically, and their setting within a theoretical framework.
Deploy appropriate practical and presentational techniques and methodologies including data analysis and the use of statistics to communicate results.
Apply practical skills including designing, planning, conducting and reporting on investigations through individual or group projects, paying due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations and procedures for obtaining informed consent.
Apply numeracy, communications and information technology skills efficiently.
Use effective interpersonal and team working skills including demonstrating an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view.
Think flexibly between different spatial representations and timescales.
Apply project management capability including planning, execution and evaluation, using skills such as time management, risk assessment and problem solving and analysis.
Apply well-developed numeracy, image processing and ICT skills.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability including the ability to deal with the unexpected.
Identify, select, organise and communicate information concisely through the sharing research findings via written reports and oral presentations.
Biotechnology What Next?
First destinations of APB Graduates
Each year, UCC Career Services produces a First Destination Report based on an annual survey of graduates six months
after graduation. According to first destination survey reports collected from graduates over the past five years, less
than half of APB graduates of UCC progress to employment within six months of graduation since 2007. As the following
table illustrates, the percentage of APB graduates who moved directly into employment after the degree has decreased
incrementally over the past five years, from 50% in 2007 to 33.3% in 2011. The following table presents the 5-year trend for
graduates of APB:”  
2011
In Employment 50% 40% 20% 12.5%
33.3%
In Further Study or Training 50% 60% 60% 75%
0%
Seeking Employment 0% 0% 20% 0%
66.7%
Not Available for Employment or Study 0% 0% 0% 12.5%
0%
Who Employs APB Graduates?
Many of the APB graduates who progressed directly to employment within six months seem to have taken up scientific
laboratory-based roles in the bio-pharmaceutical, food and nutritional companies. The following table provides a sample
of the roles listed by APB graduates on FDR surveys returned to the Career Services.
Role
Employer
Assistant Production Manager   Rowa Pharmaceuticals
Scientist Enfer Scientific
Microbiology Analyst Mercy University Hospital
Production Biochemist Trinity Biotech
QC/QA Analyst Wexport Ltd.
Laboratory Technician Wyeth Nutritionals
Positive Relief Technician Dawn Foods
Plant Scientist Sydney University
What Postgraduate courses do APB Graduates Choose
Of those who progressed directly to postgraduate study, some chose postgraduate courses related directly to APB and
some chose to move to an alternative field that builds on their existing qualification. The next list provides a sample of the
postgraduate courses that are listed by APB graduates on FDR surveys returned to the Careers Service:
Many graduates of Applied Plant Biology choose postgraduate courses that relate directly to APB:
Course Title
Institution
MSc (Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future) University Abroad
MSc in Applied Science Biotechnology UCC
MSc in Applied Science (Ecological Assessment) UCC
MSc in Environmental Pollution University Abroad
MSc in Pharmacognosy University Abroad
MSc (Bioinformatics) DCU
PhD (Science) UCC
Area
Course Title
Institution
 Marketing Accounting Accounting Economics Psychology Law Journalism Public Relations Computing Film Studies Masters in Management & Marketing HDip Accounting & Corporate Finance PGDip Accounting HDip Economic Science HDip Psychology PGDip Law MA Journalism MA Public Relations HDip Applied Computing Technology MA Film Studies UCC
UCC
DIT
UCD
UCC
DIT
DIT, CIT, DCU, UL
DIT, CIT
UCC
UCC
Biotechnology What Next?
Others choose a “conversion” postgraduate qualification that builds on their degree by providing them with the skills and
knowledge to work in a new area.
Graduate career paths 3-5 years after graduation
BSc. Applied Plant Biology
UCC
Intern – Tozer Seeds, UK
(plant breeding company)
BSc. Applied Plant Biology
UCC
Postgraduate Diploma
in Education UCC
Plant Breeder
Tozer Seeds, UK
Science Teacher
Long term prospects for APB Graduates
APB graduates have entered a wide range of careers and in many cases work directly with plants, as plant breeders, crop protection
scientists etc. Associated skills graduates hone during this programme mean that they are also employed in other, broader areas such
as biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, agricultural support, health, environmental protection industries, journalism, computing and
scientific research. APB graduates can progress to a wide range of interesting roles in these sectors through postgraduate study and/or
experience. The following table provides a sample of the some of the possibilities:
Jobs Related to APB:
Jobs where APB is useful:
· Plant Scientist
·Biotechnologist
· Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
· Environmental Educational Officer
· Agricultural Scientist
· Clinical Research Associat
·
·
·
·
·
·
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Health Practitioner
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Education Officer
Environmental Management/Law/Policy
Food Scientist
Consult the following recommended
website to research these and all
graduate roles in more depth:
www.prospects.ac.uk
www.gradireland.com
www.careersportal.ie/
Applied Plant Biology is a relatively new and fast-developing field that integrates knowledge from several traditional sciences:
biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, and chemical engineering. Applied plant biology is a source of great promise for innovation
ranging from the production of more environmentally friendly herbicides and pesticides, to microbial processes to clean up the
environment.
Where can I find out more?
Biotechnology Ireland
www.biotechnologyireland.com/
National Institute For Cellular Biotechnology www.nicb.dcu.ie/
Biotech Ireland www.biotechireland.com/
Life Science Recruitment http://lifescience.ie/biotechnology-jobs-ireland
Marine Biotechnology Ireland www.marine.ie/home/research/SeaChange/NationalMarineBiotechnology/
Biotechnology Europe www.biotechnology-europe.com/Irleand.htm
EPA Ireland
www.epa.ie/
EPA – USA www.epa.gov/
Teagascwww.teagasc.ie/
Biodiversity and Environmental Change Research
www.biochange.ie/
8 ways to put your degree to work
Did you know?
Employers want graduates with a healthy balance between study, work and extracurricular interests. A three-dimensional CV is evidence of maturity, life skills and active
citizenship, indicating that you will be a sociable, committed and reliable colleague.
You can boost your job prospects greatly by taking the following steps throughout your
degree years:
·  Get involved in the Students’ Union or a club/society that interests you.
·  Gain relevant paid/voluntary work experience during holidays.
·  Sign up for training courses that will strengthen your skillset, e.g. languages, ECDL.
·  Set up a LinkedIn profile and start building your network.
·  Go to the UCC Career Services for careers advice and assistance with regard to CV and interview preparation, job search strategies, and postgraduate options.
·  Attend careers events organised on campus and advertised on www.ucc.ie/careers
·  Use careers events to initiate relationships with potential employers.
APB can contribute to a more
sustainable future by developing
beneficial fungi to protect plants
against crop pests (no need for toxic
pesticides). APB can also produce car
fuel from renewable sources such
as plant oils (less dependence on
fossil fuels), breed higher yielding or
nutrient-rich crops (increasing food
security), and de-contaminate land
and wastewater, such as that
surrounding Chernobyl.
·  Check job vacancies regularly on www.ucc.ie/careers  and www.gradireland.com 
While this resource provides you with an overview of the career options available with your degree, each person carves
their own career path based on their personal values and interests. Your college years are an ideal time to explore career
options while gaining new experience and learning new skills. Why not speak to a careers adviser to help you get
started?
As a student of UCC, you are entitled to book a free personal consultation with a careers adviser at UCC Career
Services. You can return as many times as needed because we understand that it makes sense to begin planning your
career from first year onwards – don’t wait until final year! We look forward to meeting you, no matter what your
year of study. For your convenience, we now have a web-based booking system. Book your appointment online via
our website – www.ucc.ie/careers - in the Meet an Advisor section.