Why study biology?

Biologists are scientists who study the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our very own microscopic DNA.

They use this knowledge to stop the spread of disease, improve public health, care for animals and conserve our ecosystems.

‘Studying biology could lead to a career preventing disease, caring for animals or assessing the impacts of pollution’

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What is biology?

Biologists explore life and the intricate systems that sustain it, studying everything from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals.

As well as helping us understand life itself, the work biologists do has loads of real-world applications too. Biology helps us develop vaccines against viruses like Covid-19, come up with new treatments for disease, cultivate sustainable farming practices and understand the impacts of climate change – to name but a few.

In biology, you’ll study life at every scale, from DNA – the blueprint for life – to complex ecosystems. This makes the study of biology essential to careers in fields such as medicine, ecology and conservation.

Teachers, bring biology careers into your classroom…

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What employability skills will I get?

From working in the lab and collaborating on group projects to communicating science to the public and carrying out investigations in the field, biologists rely on a wide range of skills to do their jobs. You’ll develop many of these by studying biology in school, including:

Analysis – you will collect and analyse data, looking for trends and patterns to draw conclusions.
Communication – you’ll translate your findings into written and verbal reports, explaining them to your teachers and classmates.
Problem solving – every experiment starts with a problem to solve. How do you find answers using the scientific methods at your disposal?
Research – through experiments and investigations, you’ll learn how to use techniques to produce knowledge.
Teamwork – you’ll often carry out experiments and demonstrations with classmates, learning to split the workload and work together collaboratively to find answers.

What subjects does biology go with?

Biology will support your study of other sciences and maths as you develop and apply the same skills and acquire knowledge that is relevant across the sciences.

However, it will be useful in subjects such as psychology and geography, where you may need to carry out practical research and field work. The knowledge you gain in biology may also be useful in these subjects as well.

Studying biology alongside an essay-based subject like English will hone your research skills, as you learn to communicate ideas and findings in writing.

What degrees do I need biology for?

Biology is part of that gang of four subjects, which also includes chemistry, maths and physics. You’ll often need at least two of these four subjects to get onto lots of different science based courses, so it’s a useful all-round choice.

You’ll specifically need biology for courses in medicine, biology (surprisingly enough…), biomedical sciences, dietetics (studies in food and nutrition), dentistry, orthopics (treating eye disorders), physiotherapy and veterinary science.

Biology is usually required or recommended for degrees in: biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, geology, environmental science, materials science, nursing and midwifery, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, sports science, psychology and speech therapy.

It is also useful for: anthropology, civil engineering, geography and psychology.

An A-level or BTEC in biology may help you get onto a higher apprenticeship in healthcare or biological sciences – e.g. researching diseases or biochemistry.

GCSE biology might also come in useful for intermediate or advanced apprenticeships in animal care, environmental conservation careers, horticulture and veterinary nursing.

What apprenticeships is biology useful for?

A lot of apprenticeship programmes from level 2 all the way up to a level 7 master’s degree level programmes are science-based, and many have a biology focus. Here are some examples of programmes you could pursue:

Bioinformatics scientist – Combine biology and data to study things like genetics and disease, helping to shape the future of medicine.
Community nurse – Support people with their health in their own homes or communities, using biology knowledge to understand illness, treatment and care.
Dietician – Use your understanding of biology and nutrition to help people improve their health through better eating habits and diet plans.
Ecologist – Study wildlife and habitats, collect data in the field and help protect the natural environment.
Soil scientist – Study soil health and how it affects plants, farming, and the environment—perfect if you’re into biology and sustainability.

What careers can biology lead to?

Biology is a key subject for lots of STEM careers, particularly in healthcare, medicine and jobs involving plants or animals. The list is pretty long and includes: nursing, dentistry, forensic science, psychology, physiotherapy, botany, environmental science, zoology, geology, oceanography, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, genetics and research.

Roles include:

Top five Career Zones to explore:

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Image credits

Lead image by Luc Viatour