Biology is the study of life in all its forms, from microbes and maggots to hydrangeas and humans. It is one of the oldest academic disciplines in the world – people have always sought to discover how living things work. While past theories about blood circulation and reproduction seem a bit odd to us now, modern biology is among the most high tech of the sciences.

Biology can stretch to cover a wide range of disciplines including biotechnology, ecology, anatomy, genetics, molecular biology and biomedical science. All are concerned with the structure, function and behaviour of organisms and conduct study at the molecular, cellular, organismal and environmental levels. This can involve the examination of such functions as reproduction, growth and development and look at how organisms capture and use food and energy.

Biology is the science subject maybe closest to the natural world, so if you are interested in science and in nature, then maybe a third level course in the biology area might be worth considering.

Education

 

Students interested in taking a course in biology or a related science subject are spoilt for choice. You can take biology subjects as part of a general Science degree and other options include degree programmes in Biological and Chemical Sciences, Applied Biosciences, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology and Biomedical Health and Life Sciences. There are also higher certificate options available including courses in Science (Applied Biology), Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Applied Biosciences and Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science.

Subjects you will encounter on a dedicated Biology course might include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Ecology and Environmental Studies. Other related courses will have most of these plus some other specialist subjects – e.g. If you decide to take Biotechnology degree you will encounter subjects such as Bioinformatics, Proteomics, Gene Cloning, Animal and Plant Cell Culturing and Bioprocess Engineering.

Students interested in the biological sciences might also consider courses in Environmental Science, Nutrition or Bioprocess Engineering.

Options after Qualification

 

Biology graduates work in a number of different areas due to the diverse range of biological applications in modern society. As well as this, a large number of graduates find work in areas unrelated to biology, as employers value their analytical and research skills.

Many larger companies take on graduates into their own professional training schemes and provide on-the-job training, while many biology and general science graduates go on to study or research at postgraduate level in many different biology related subjects.

The Work

 

Professional biologists can be involved in developing and testing new products. Research scientists in biology study topics such as disease, reproduction, growth and development and micro-organisms. Their findings contribute to the existing body of scientific knowledge and can help develop new products, fight diseases and publicise their findings.

Entry-level jobs in biological sciences and similar areas are often lab technician positions. Lab techs assist scientists by setting up equipment, carrying out experiments and reporting on their findings. In a medical laboratory, for example, they could be involved in the examination of body fluids, tissues and cells, analysing the chemical content of fluids or matching blood for transfusions. As you gain experience and knowledge you then move on to be a fully fledged biologist.

Biologists work in a team with other scientists and technicians. They design and conduct experiments, make observations, and write up the work in reports and scientific papers. They will often supervise the work of support staff and carry out administrative work. Biologists working in universities or teaching hospitals are usually also involved in teaching and supervising students.

Increasingly, scientists are working for small or medium-sized companies as larger companies outsource work to specialist companies which may have links with research institutes or universities.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

 

Personal qualities required for biology are generally similar to other science careers. An inquiring mind, problem-solving skills, an interest in science and maths and good attention to detail are all useful things to have.

Biologists generally work in a laboratory setting, where white coats and protective goggles are the norm. There can sometimes be travel involved including fieldwork and sharing findings with others e.g. giving presentations and attending conferences. 

The Money

 

Generally speaking science graduates can start off on around €25,000, with salaries rising over time and with experience. Senior biologists and other can potentially earn towards €80k or more a year.

 

Jargon

Cloning – making an identical copy

Immunology – the branch of biomedical science that covers the study of the immune system of all organisms

Proteomics - the study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions.

 

Job Titles

Biologist

Research Scientist

Microbiologist

Lab Technician

Biotechnologist

Biochemist

Biomedical Expert