MARINE BIOLOGIST

MARINE BIOLOGIST

As a marine biologist , you are concerned with everything to do with life in water . You study the origin , structure , functions and behaviour of living organisms , their relationships with each other , and how they are affected by environment factors . These studies will go towards conservation efforts .

Tasks include estimating and analysing populations of marine organisms and observing the structure of these communities . You carry out environment impact assessments to determine effects of man's activities , like development , on certain areas . You develop programmes to monitor environmental pollution or to encourage sustainable aquaculture development .

You also provide information and recommendations for the development of marine conservation and harvesting policies and provide research training for students and staff .

Work is based both in the laboratory and at sea or at shore-based field stations . Fieldwork includes working on fishing vessels and scuba diving .

What qualifications/skills do I need ?

You need a basic science (biology) degree and a postgraduate degree specialising in marine biology . Some universities also offer undergraduate degrees in marine biology but a postgraduate degree is still often necessary in most cases .

CAREER IN LIFE SCIENCE

BIOCHEMIST

As a biochemist , you study the chemistry of living organisms in order to understand basic biological processes in animals , plants and microbes . Why? To increase scientific knowledge and develop ways to apply the knowledge in areas such as medicine , veterinary science , agriculture, environmental science and manufacturing . It's a field of study that provides a basis for all the life sciences.

Besides studying chemical processes that occur within individual cells and processes , such as digestion and growth , you undertake detailed chemical analysis and prepare or supervise preparation of scientific reports and papers for journals based on your studies.

You can specialise as a clinical biochemist working in hospital laboratories studying chemical compositions of tissues and body fluids to assist the study , diagnosis and treatment of diseases ; industrial biochemist working in analytical and research work , such as checking purity of food and beverages ; or research biochemist working in universities , biotechnology companies and agricultural , medical and veterinary institutes studying things like metabolism , growth and reproduction of fungi , bacteria , plants and animals .

What qualifications/skills do I need ?

You need a degree in biochemistry or medical biochemistry . Postgraduate qualification is advantageous if you want to specialise in a specific area .