For some of these career options, post-graduation work experience will be required. Some careers may require additional qualifications.
| Careers |
Description |
Areas of Study |
Profiles |
| Botanist/plant scientist |
Modern botany uses
techniques sourced from all
areas of science to study the
biology of plants from fertilised
cell through to flowering plant.
Botanists are employed in drug
companies, plant breeding and
biotechnology, seed and nursery
industries. They also work in research
and technical roles in many
government departments such as
herbaria and national parks. |
- Chemistry
- Botany
- Zoology
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Cell biology
|
|
| Ecologist |
An ecologist studies the
relationships of organisms
(plants, birds, insects,
microbes, etc.) to their
environment and to one another
and predicts how individuals,
populations and communities will respond under particular
circumstances, including those
caused by human activity. Ecological
research provides a scientific context
for evaluating environmental issues
and managing biological and natural
resources. |
- Ecology
- Biology
- Evolution and adaptation
- Applied biology
|
|
| Evolution and adaption biologist |
The study of evolution
examines the origin and
diversification of life throughout
its 3.5 billion year history. The
genetic and functional basis of
adaptation provides insights into
specific characteristics of
organisms. |
- Genetics
- Evolution and adaptation
- Biology
- Zoology
|
|
Environmental/
conservation biologist |
Scientists in these areas
work towards solving the
growing number of problems
revolving around environmental
and conservation issues including
pollution, resource exploitation and
management, overpopulation, habitat
destruction and protecting and
maintaining biological diversity. |
- Resource and environmental management
- Geography and environmental science
-
Applied biology
- Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
|
|
| Geneticist |
Geneticists work at the
interface of whole organism
biology, including descriptive
studies of structure and function,
and molecular biology, with its
study of the molecular workings
of the cell. So geneticists are found
at the laboratory bench isolating DNA
of particular genes, in the bush
collecting specimens, or at the
computer designing models of gene
interaction. |
- Genetics
- Mathematics
- Biology
|
|
| Human geneticist |
Human Geneticists are
particularly interested in
the identification of genes
involved in inherited diseases.
Geneticists also work in diagnostic
areas such as the genetic testing
and counselling of families for specific
diseases or in the forensic
identification of a suspected criminal. |
- Genetics
- Biology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Mathematics
|
|
| Marine or freshwater biologist |
Scientists need an
understanding of the
dynamics of marine and
freshwater ecosystems and
the role of humans in disturbing
and exploiting aquatic ecosystems.
Scientists are then able to help solve
the growing number of problems
associated with managing these
essential ecosystems. |
- Geography and environmental science
- Marine and freshwater biology
- Biology
- Genetics
|
|
| Microbiologist |
Responsible for the
detection culture and
identification of micro-
organisms. These skills have
applications in medicine, the
food industry and environmental
fields. |
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
|
|
| Oneologist/Winemaker |
Responsible for
controlling fruit selection
and processing steps through
to fermentation, blending and
maturation, and finally bottling. |
|
|
| Park Ranger |
Responsible for the control, supervision and management of national parks and reserves. Work in a range of areas including: re-vegetation, pest plant and animal control, habitat preservation, fauna and flora research and management, the protection of indigenous and historic sites, interpretation and public education programs. |
- Biological sciences
- Environmental chemistry
- Environmental science and resource management
- Geography and environmental science
- Plant sciences
- Marine and freshwater biology
- Zoology
|
|
| Research scientist |
Work as part of a
research team in industry
or in research institutions
such as universities, museums,
CSIRO and the Department of
Primary industries. |
|
|
| Zoologist |
Zoology is the study
of animals - their diversity
and structure, and how they
function. It involves the study of
animals living on land, in the
sea and in freshwater
environments, from the scale of
genes and molecules to ecology. |
- Zoology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Ecology
|
|
