“DNA is like a computer program but far, far more advanced than any software ever created.”
― Bill Gates
1) Why would you want to study biology?
Biology is the study of living things and how they interact and react with each other. It is the study of the
building blocks of life - from why leaves are green, to how our muscles react after exercise. By studying
Biology at A Level, Highers or IB (or equivalent) you will learn about disease, living organisms, populations,
cells and lots more. Biology plays a big part in a number of different industries including animal science,
conservation and the environment, health and medicine, food and drinks industry, education and sport.
2) Choosing other subjects to combine with biology at school
Universities often prefer you to combine your science subjects at school level, for example; biology
combines well with chemistry, physics, maths, or depending upon your interests; geography and
psychology.
3) What could you with Biology at University?
If you enjoy Biology at school you can go on to study the subject in more depth at university. Many Biology
degrees will offer you a broad range of optional modules in first year, with the opportunity to specialise as
you progress through your degree. This flexibility can be helpful if you haven’t decided on a particular area
to specialise in. It is important to research the course content carefully, as this can differ greatly from
university to university.
Biology can also be studied alongside a range of subjects including:
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Business
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Languages
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·
Psychology
These joint degrees are a good way of a acquiring a broad range of knowledge and experience - however
you won’t be able to cover the same level of biology content as you would in a single honours degree.
There are also other degrees that cover aspects of biology including; Biological Sciences, Medicine,
Dentistry, Veterinary, all Health Care degrees (Nursing, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy) as well as Zoology,
Microbiology, Ecology, Plant and Crop Sciences, Forestry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Oceanography,
Genetics and Marine Biology.
Use the UCAS course finder to find out where you can study Biology, including joint degree options.
4) What can you do with Biology if you don’t go to University?
Doing a degree is not the only route into a career using Biology. You might choose to do an apprenticeship,
which combines work experience with the opportunity to gain an industry recognised qualification.
Higher apprenticeships in Biology and life sciences are available for students after A Levels, Highers or IB
(or equivalent). These schemes often offer foundation degree study. Advanced apprenticeships including;
Lab Technician or Pharmacy Technician are also available.
Alternatively, colleges offer Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/D’s) in subjects like
Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences and Applied Science.
5) What careers can you consider with Biology?
Some examples of jobs directly linked to Biology include:
Life science researcher - A Life Science Researcher researches living things to find new ways to benefit
the population including; creating new drugs, conservation of the planet and genetic studies.
Microbiologist - A Microbiologist studies tiny life forms, often known as microbes to understand their effect
on the human body and the world around us.
Nature Conservation Officer - A Nature Conservation Officer helps look after and maintain important
areas of nature and scientific interest.
Pharmacologist - A Pharmacologist researches the effects that living organisms can have on medicine
and cures for diseases.
Plant Research Scientist - A Plant Research Scientist researches plants effects on humans and the world
around us.
As well as these scientific roles Biology is an excellent subject for keeping your career options open
because of the range of transferable skills it gives you, including;
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Project Management
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Advanced Data Analysis
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Problem Solving Skills
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Advanced Computing Skills
Due to the ability to learn these important skills, Biology graduates can often be found Accountancy and
Finance, Management Consultancy, Sales and Marketing and Project Management.
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