Careers in biology?

Question

Hi, i am interested in a career in biology, I am from Australia and am particularly interested in research. I definately do not want to go in the field of cancer research, or of any other genetic disease, or anything related to health for that matter. I am interested in evolution, and techniques such as DNA-DNA hybrisation sound very interesting. I am interested in gene technology and how it can be ultised to find relationships between organisms. If anyone has any suggestions of what careers paths, or university degrees to persue i would be most grateful. Thanking you

Answer 1

Hey, I just graduated with a biology degree. You can do many things with it, but you sound like you want to do some research. DNA-DNA hybridization is just a technique, not something that you can really explore more, but you can use it to do exactly what you are describing. It sounds like you should get a biology degree and specialize in ecology or evolution. You seem interested in relationships between organisms. I must tell you though, unless you want to work as an assistant doing only what the head researcher says, which most likely means the same thing over and over, you will definantely need a PhD degree, which is quite the years to get. And to do research of this kind you will probably have to be working at a university, so either as a professor or plain researcher, but you are almost assured to need a PhD degree and to be working at a university.

Answer 2

Start off with a biology degree unless you're sure about something more specific.  You'll get the exposure you need and then be able to better decide what direction you want to head.

There are many opportunities for what you're interested in.  What comes to mind are EEB (evolution, ecology, and behaviour), but also various food and agricultural technologies (e.g. plant breeding, food science, agronomy).  I've read New Zealand actually has the highest biotech output per capita (think it's based on patents), and a nice example of that is the golden kiwi.  Seeing as it's close to home, I'd check that out, though I'm sure Australia is similar to NZ.

You do NOT need a PhD to do research, nor do you need to be in a university to do research.  Most applied research is done in the private sector, while basic research is done in university.  You don't need to worry so far ahead.  To head a research project you essentially need a PhD, but much of the work is done by non-PhD people.  Some don't even have BScs (college diplomas instead).