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Careers in Biology: Where Can GCSE & A-Level Biology Take You?

We've already covered the reasons why you should study biology in another post, but what about careers in biology? Where can studying biology take you and what jobs can you do?

Well, to help to you explore your GCSE and A Level Biology career options, we've created this interactive infographic to help you understand the biology careers market better. No matter what stage you're at in school, simply click on an industry and follow the link to learn more about the career sector.

Click on the poster below to start exploring where biology can take you. If you can't view the image below, then click here to download.

Careers in Biology

Science and Research

Studying GCSE or A Level Biology can help set you up for a range of careers in Science and Research. If you enjoy studying Biology at A Level and want to pursue a career in the subject, then you might want to consider looking into research fields. Biology researchers work over a range of different disciplines that explore the 'make up' of living things. Typical jobs that require GCSE Biology include:

Biochemist

Biochemistry combines the study of Biology with Chemistry. Biochemists typically investigate living things like people, viruses and bacteria. To become a Biochemist, you'll need to have a good eye for detail and be able to work with a range of scientific equipment.

Botanist

An A Level in Biology could help set you up for a career in botany. Botanists work with all forms of plant life and help grow, preserve and discover various species of plants and flowers.

Forensic Scientist

If you think you'd enjoy working at crime scenes, then in a career in forensic science could be right up your street. Forensic Scientists typically study evidence to be used in court hearings. GCSE Biology will certainly help you break into this field.

Medicine and Healthcare

If you enjoy helping people and would like to work in a hospital or laboratory environments, then a career in Medicine and Healthcare could be for you. Typical jobs in this industry include:

Nursing

To become a nurse, you'll need to be a naturally caring person. Having your A Level Biology will be a big plus as most nurses have a degree in nursing. There are various different types of nursing jobs out there including ambulatory nursing, dermatology nurses and neuroscience nurses.

Doctor

Working as a doctor can be a very rewarding job if you're passionate about biology. To become a doctor you'll typically need GCSE and A Level Biology in order to apply to medical school an obtain a degree in medicine.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in medicine and give people advice about a range of health matters. To work as a pharmacist, you'll need to have a degree in pharmacy, so gaining your A Level Biology is essential.

Agriculture

If you enjoy being in the great outdoors and have an interest in nature, then a career in agriculture and the environment could be for you. Typical jobs in this sector include:

Farming

As a farmer, you'll be responsible for growing and maintain crops or caring for livestock. Many people become farmers as the result of a family business but having your GCSE Biology will certainly help you find a job if you're not from a farming background.

Ecology

Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment. This wide-ranging discipline would suit someone with an interest in the environment and preservation.

Landscaping

Landscapers help shape outdoor environments. Typically, a landscaper could design gardens, public parks or areas surrounding housing developments.

Sport and Fitness

GCSE and A Level Biology is well-suited to careers in sports and fitness. Whether you're an athlete yourself or have in interest in sports performance, studying Biology will help you find jobs like:

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer works closely with people who want to improve their physical fitness. As a personal trainer you could work with professional athletes or ordinary people who want to become fitter.

Professional Sportsperson

If you have a talent for a particular sport, then you may be able to study at university on a sports scholarship. Having a GCSE or A Level in Biology will definitely help you along the way.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists typically help people who have physical injuries as a result of playing sports or otherwise. If you enjoy helping people and coaching them back to fitness, then physiotherapy could be the perfect job for you.

Engineering

career in engineering may not be the first thing you think of when studying GCSE or A Level Biology, but the field has many opportunities for biologists. Some Biology jobs in engineering include:

Biological Engineer

Biological engineering lends itself well to A Level Biology. Biological engineers typically work in roles relating to the preservation of soil, water and natural resources.

Environmental Engineer

In this role, you'll be responsible for developing techniques to reduce waste created during product manufacturing. If you have an interest in the environment and recycling, then this job could be for you.

Biomedical Engineer

This specialist job role involves developing innovations in healthcare. For example, as a Biomedical Engineer, you could find yourself working in prostheses, health management and care delivery systems.

Police and Emergencies

Working as part of the emergency services, you'll play a vital role in upholding the law and helping people. Although Biology may not be the first subject you think of in these roles, having a GCSE or A Level in Biology can help you work in the following job roles.

Police Officer

As a Police Officer, you'll be responsible for enforcing the law in a variety of different situations. With a Biology qualification, you could find yourself specialising in crime scenes.

Firefighter

A Level Biology is a good subject to have if you're interested in becoming a firefighter. This job involves working in dangerous environments so you'll need to have a good awareness of health and safety.

Ambulatory Staff

Working as part of a team, as an ambulatory staff member, you could be responsible for taking care of patients on their way to hospital. An A Level in Biology will come in useful here as you'll also need to be able to medically treat patients

Related posts:

Why Should I Take Triple Science GCSE?

Why Study Biology?