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Mastering your view of biology
US statistics indicate that the median annual earnings of biochemists and biophysicists were US$76,320 in 2006, while those employed in scientific research and development services were US$79,990.
Similarly positive, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics 2007 handbook argues that: �Biotechnological research and development should continue to drive employment growth, with employment projected to grow at nine percent in the next decade. Efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean up and preserve the environment will continue to add to job growth,� certainly a good sign that this is one of the more exciting sectors to enter with an advanced qualification. There is also good news in terms of potential salaries for the future � US statistics indicate that the median annual earnings of biochemists and biophysicists were US$76,320 in 2006, while those employed in scientific research and development services were US$79,990.
However, the reasons Noura Aljandal from Kuwait chose to study a PhD, have little to do with her potential to earn a high salary in the future. Currently enrolled at the University of Exeter in the UK, her motivation is one of an entirely different focus. Specializing in what she describes as: �One of the hot topics in biological sciences at the moment � ecotoxicology,� she intends to develop her academic career while at the same time benefiting from the experience of studying in another country. �I have enjoyed living in a new country and believe my academic background has really helped me to make the most of what Exeter has to offer. The research group I belong to is friendly and cooperative, and both my supervisors are supportive, full of knowledge and they are always ready to answer any question and help. I started the program by attending a number of compulsory courses and workshops, beside that I�m doing a laboratory technique training to develop my practical skills to start my experiments with more knowledge, confidence and experience. I�m sure that my real scientific future will start from here."
While a graduate degree in biological sciences qualifies the recipient for a range of careers, there can be no real doubt that considering this area of study will lead you to a more specific career path than many other subjects. With fields such as medical and biotechnology becoming increasingly significant in both the public and private sectors, your prospects are good in either context. And it certainly does seem quite a different world from your formative lessons in a high school laboratory!
