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Graduate programs in biological and life sciences
Biochemistry and biotechnology are very important branches of biological research and the solution to many biological problems are thought to be found in the detailed studies at the molecular level. Thus there are many courses that offer advanced training in these subjects, and they lead to a wide range of careers in industry, as well as publicly funded institutions. For example, protein structure, gene sequencing, and genetic engineering continue to be intensively studied and applied to many areas of biology. Also, more effective food production depends on adequate crop protection measures that in turn require people trained to masters level in subjects including plant biochemistry, plant disease control, crop protection, entomology, fertilisers, storage techniques. Masters courses in all these areas are available; for something completely different there is at least one course in Biomolecular Archaeology.
Increasingly, medical problems are solved by teams of scientists equipped with a range of training, including zoologists, biochemists and microbiologists. As a result, there are substantial opportunities for students who wish to turn their biological degree towards medicine. When considering this possibility you need to look closely at the requirements because some courses require a medical qualification. This is usually because they require direct access to patients. However, most do not, and the courses are open to any biologically trained student. So you will need to look at medical schools as well as biology departments. They allow interested students to move into areas of medicine such as dietetics, endocrinology, forensic science, genetics, neuroscience, physiology, psychology and social medicine. Remember that in the USA students do not start medical training until they become postgraduates, therefore you need to look very carefully at the courses offered in that country.
"Overall there are enormous possibilities, so it is best to start investigating them early on. This will give you the best chance of finding the course that suits you and your needs."
Some courses do not fit so neatly into broad categories. For example, adequate records of the world’s known species require the application of biology and statistics. Thus there are courses offered in Biosystematics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Numerical Taxonomy. Other possibilities include anatomy, animal studies and viticulture. Overall there are enormous possibilities, so it is best to start investigating them early on. This will give you the best chance of finding the course that suits you and your needs.
