Biology Courses overview
Biology is the study of life. Biology examines life in all its forms, from the tiniest microorganisms invisible to the naked eye to the largest mammals existing on the earth. Biology studies these creatures, as well as their ecological context and relationship to their surroundings.
The broad umbrella of biology is also referred to as life science. To study biology is to note the interactions between organisms, how they relate to their environment, and how they evolve to meet their changing needs.
Life is complex, which is why there are many branches of biology that study why the world is the way it is. You can focus on the genetic makeup of an organism, or observe the way a form of life interacts with its particular ecosystem. You can use statistics to make your biological conclusions, or study the cells that make us what we are. Life science programs may focus on a particular form of life, from mammals to cold-blooded creatures, from trees to the fungus growing at their base.
Is biology for me?
Biology is for those with a curiosity about why the world is the way it is. Biology allows the study of life using scientific principles, examining life down to its molecular building blocks.
There are many different branches of biology you can study, with some having more mathematical leanings (such as biostatistics), and others more scientific (such as molecular biology). The wonderful thing about such a varied discipline is that you can choose an area that plays to your natural strengths and interests.
Study pathway
Your study pathway will depend on which area of biology interests you. Different fields of biology have different study pathways; the professional technical requirements of someone working in conservation biology will vary from someone working in molecular biology.
Graduate diplomas and certificates in biology often focus on biostatistics and biotechnology, which provide foundation knowledge for future studies in a master’s program.
Master’s degrees of biology are a chance for students to learn the finer points of their area of interest, whether as preparation for a PhD thesis or to enter into the occupational world of life sciences.
While there are various professional societies for different branches of biology, it is not necessary to register as a biologist before commencing work in the field.
Employment options
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use numbers and data to develop knowledge and solutions to the problems with the health behaviours and issues of certain populations (read more).
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemical reactions of matters like enzymes, acids, sugars and proteins in living things. Biochemists are vital to understanding many other disciplines of biology, including cell biology and physiology (read more).
Geneticist
A geneticist works with genetics to understand how genes influence the inheritance of certain traits (read more).
Molecular biologist
Molecular biologists aim to understand life at the level of molecules, or how cells function to give us life (read more).
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals, either in the field or in controlled laboratory environments. The tasks of a zoologist include studying the genetic makeup of their animal subjects, how they interact with their environment, ecology, and evolution (read more).