Biology : Your skills

When pursuing a course in biology, students acquire in-depth, subject-specific knowledge of biological systems and concepts. In addition, you develop a range of practical and technical skills from laboratory sessions and learn how to use specialist techniques and technical equipment. A biology course teaches students to confidently handle masses of diverse data and to draw conclusions.

A biology course also allows students to develop more general skills. Communication skills are learned through report writing and making presentations. Teamwork skills are developed through group projects and seminars. Biology courses also help students develop organisational skills, problem-solving skills, project and time management skills, self-reliance, initiative, business awareness and strong interpersonal skills. All of these skills are attractive to employers in all sectors.

A biology course may include an extended research project, possibly based in an existing research group. This type of work may enable you to demonstrate an ability to understand complex scientific data and information.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.