The decision to major in biology is made by students for a variety of reasons. They might have a specific career in mind that requires a biology degree, or they might just be fascinated by the human body or the natural world. Biology has topics and components that will interest a wide range of students. Biology is a required subject for many degrees in biological science and medically related fields of study.
Careers related to Biology:
Medical professions, pharmacies, physical therapy, biomedical engineering, research science (life sciences), microbiology, marine biology, conservation, and ecology, environmental management, food science, agricultural engineering, and zoology are among the occupations directly related to biology. The acquired transferable skills would also be helpful in a variety of professions, such as law, business analysis, and psychology (Biology is a requirement for some psychology degrees).Careers in Biology: Where Can GCSE & A-Level Biology Take You? | Careers with a Biology degree
The study of biology is essential for careers in the scientific and medical fields, but there are many other paths you can take with this degree.
Police and Emergencies
- Police Officer
- Firefighter
- Ambulatory Staff
Agriculture
- Farming
- Ecology
- Landscaping
Science and Research
- Biochemist
- Botanist
- Forensic Scientist
Medicine and Healthcare
- Nursing
- Doctor
- Pharmacist
Engineering
- Biological Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
Sport and Fitness
- Personal Trainer
- Professional Sportsperson
- Physiotherapist
Any point in taking A level Biology without Chemistry? What about for Pharmacy, Biomedical sciences, Biotechnology or Sports Science at university?
You won’t likely be able to enrol in any degree courses, let alone chemistry ones, if you don’t take chemistry at the A-level level. Without A-level Chemistry, it will also be much more difficult, if not impossible, for you to enrol in a course related to medicine or dentistry, for which you will probably need to take chemistry and biology at A-level. A-level chemistry is also necessary if you want to pursue a career in chemical engineering or biochemistry. Many universities may also demand it if you want to pursue a degree in biology. Chemistry may be one of the required science subjects for some Geography, Geology, or Earth Sciences degree courses.
What Can You Do With a Biology Degree? What jobs can you get with Biology and Chemistry A levels?
The following careers are especially suited to those with a background in biology:
- Academic researcher
- Biotechnologist
- Higher education lecturer
- Marine biologist
- Microbiologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Nature conservation officer
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Secondary school teacher
- Soil scientist
- Teaching laboratory technician
A degree in biology would be advantageous for the following jobs:
- Anatomical pathology technologist
- Animal physiotherapist
- Clinical scientist, cardiac sciences
- Dental hygienist
- Dental technician
- Dental therapist
- Dentist
- Genetic counsellor
- Health improvement practitioner
- Medical science liaison
- Neuroscientist
- Physician associate
- Prosthetist/orthotist
- Science writer
- Sustainability consultant
- Veterinary nurse
- Zoologist
Jobs you can you get with Biology and Chemistry A levels
Positions in the sciences, such as biology and chemistry, are available in the positions listed below:- Research associate
- Research analyst
- National average salary: $60,086 per year
- Laboratory technician
- Forensic science technician
- Biomedical technician
- Clinical specialist
- Environmental scientist
- Microbiologist
- Medical Technologist
- Senior science teacher
- Laboratory director
- Biostatistician
- Ecologist
- Chemist
- Biologist
- Chemical engineer
What A-Levels Do I Need To Apply For Med School? Is Math Required?
Applicants to medical schools typically need to have three A-Levels with high grades in each. It’s a good idea to take A-Levels in both biology and chemistry so you can widen your net for medical school. Many medical schools specify that you must have an A-Level in chemistry in order to apply, and other medical schools specify that you must also have an A-Level biology. Some medical schools say they will consider you if you take Chemistry and either Physics or Math as a second subject in place of Biology. Some medical schools will consider you if you have biology along with another science subject or math instead of A-Level Chemistry. However, a second subject in some medical schools is psychology. In the UK, admission in medical school does not require mathematics at the A level. Chemistry and biology are required courses. It is necessary to have at least one other academic subject; this could be math or physics.Biology careers in healthcare
Consider it to be the point at which biology and medicine intersect! Here are some of the Biology careers in healthcare:- Industrial Hygienist
- Genetics Counselor
- Health Communications Specialist
- Health Educator
- Pharmaceutical / Medical Product Sales Representative
- Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Research Scientist
- Anesthesiology Assistant
- Biological Technician
- Biochemist
- Perfusionist
- Medical writer
- Pharmacology
Careers in Environmental Conservation, Agriculture and Geography for Biology grads
Environmental Conservation Biology graduates will need ecosystem, natural environment and environmental science knowledge for the following career options: Environmental Conservation- Environmental Conservation
- Wildlife Technician
- Conservation or Wildlife Biologist
- Conservation Specialist
- Field or Lab Technician
- Wildlife Researcher
- Animal Care Specialist
- Wildlife Educator
- Public Outreach Coordinator
Agriculture
Jobs in agriculture for biology graduates vary in educational qualifications and job training. Potential careers may include Natural science managers, Research and development scientists, Agribusiness sales representatives, Technical or Scientific sales representatives, Extension agents, Farmers, Farm managers, Agricultural scientists and Range scientists.
Geography For a career in geography as a biology grad, you'll need to have a thorough knowledge of related subjects. You'll also need to consider today's global challenges through both a biological and geographical perspective, from evaluating the impact of medication on the human body to investigating ways to stop species extinction to addressing issues like global warming and natural hazards.
- Environmental consultant
- Ecologist
- Marine biologist
- Microbiologist
- Cartographer
- Environmental Consultant
- Geographical Information Systems Officer
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- Residential Surveyor
- Science Teacher
Careers in education and in research for Biology Graduates
Not only is scientific research important for society, but it is also a fascinating career for biology graduates. By examining living things, a researcher aims to learn more about the world around them. With a degree in biology, research careers may offer the most scope because research can be done in all areas of specialisation. Research skills, knowledge of scientific methods, data analysis, and analytical skills would be instrumental for a career in education and research. Research in the medical and life sciences, which covers topics like health and disease, neurology, genomics, microbiology, and pharmacology, is the most prevalent. Researchers contribute to advancing societal knowledge in various fields and, with the appropriate additional training, can be found in academic institutions, research organisations, healthcare facilities and hospitals, as well as in business and industry.Careers in forensic science
Biology grad can have a remarkable career in forensics because biology covers a range of topics and practical skills. To test and process the evidence gathered during criminal investigations, you'll work in the legal field alongside police departments or other law enforcement organisations.
Related articles about Biology careers in government and policy
Careers in government will require you to work alongside legislators and regulators on pressing issues like the expansion of research and the protection of the environment. A major part of your job will be to check that any proposed changes to the law are supported by evidence. Working as a political advisor for scientific organisations and agencies or non-profit organisations can take you anywhere in the country. As an alternative, you could represent a political committee or organisation.
Careers in business and industry
The pharmaceutical industry is always looking for qualified biologists to work in research and development, as well as test new products and get them ready for the market. Companies that provide scientific services, marketing, sales, and public relations are some of the other commercial industries in which you would find many employment opportunities.