Pursuing a degree in biological and life sciences abroad: what you must know

In order to understand the living world and how its many species—including humans—function, interact and evolve, we need to study biology.

Meanwhile, to improve human health, we need life sciences, to gain crucial insights into the processes of various diseases, develop medical devices and more.

When you combine both the study of biological and life sciences, you can not only gain a deeper understanding for yourself, but also tackle important societal issues such as environmental preservation and animal protection, among others.

Graduating from a biological and life sciences course will open up pathways to many science-related fields across different related industries from pharmaceuticals to medicine and healthcare.

Having said that, there are also great opportunities outside the industry, in the event you choose to explore other roles in different fields. As you’ll be equipped with transferable skills, there’s no doubt you will be able to shine even outside the science industry.

What are biological and life sciences?

Biological and life sciences cover the study of all earth’s living organisms.

With several different areas of study such as zoology, anatomy, genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering and more, biology is a more specific field of study.

On the other hand, life science is a broader term that can refer to a variety of disciplines including biology, physics and chemistry. Life scientists can bridge the gap between clinical practice and theoretical knowledge through research.

Future outlook of the industry

Whether we realise it or not, biology surrounds us and is linked to various fields. The new shirt you bought might be produced from a modified silkworm in a lab. Your favourite burger could very well be processed from a genetically engineered chicken.

With recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aging population, the need for biological and life science researchers is now greater than ever.

The demand is expected to continue soaring and there will be a world of opportunities for those who pick this career path.

In the US, the average annual salary for a career in biological sciences ranges from US$90,000 to US$150,000, which is much higher than the national average of US$45,000.

3 things you must know about studying biological and life sciences

1. The study options and costs

If you’re planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biological and life sciences, you’ll have to commit four years. In the US, this would cost you around US$25,000 per year.

After your bachelor’s, if you want to go a step further, you can consider enrolling in a master’s program. This could be a good move as you’ll stand out from your peers who only hold a bachelor’s degree and be more desirable to potential employers.

A master’s degree would cost around US$20,000 annually and last for up to two years.

Even if you have not studied biological and life sciences early on, you have the option of attending foundation programs or short courses to build your foundation and gain a basic understanding of it.

2. The jobs and careers in the field

After graduating, some career paths you can consider pursuing include:

• Microbiologist

• Lab technician

• Zoologist

• Epidemiology

• Research scientist

• Biotechnologist

• Pharmacologist

Apart from the jobs that made this list, there are also plenty of other biological and life science job opportunities out there, be it in the private sector, government agencies or universities.

3. The cross-industry opportunities

In the event that you decide to not work in the industry, the good news is that even with your biological and life sciences qualifications, there are other opportunities in different fields that you can pursue.

These jobs include working in scientific journalism, market research and consulting, healthcare informatics as well as business development.

Alternatively, you can consider being a teacher or lecturer if you wish to inspire the younger generation or take the entrepreneurial path and work for yourself.

Pursue your biological and life sciences degree abroad with IDP

There’s no doubt that studying biological and life sciences can lead to a stable, rewarding career.

If this is a career path you’re looking to embark on, the next step would be to enrol yourself in a suitable course in biological and life sciences.

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors who will be able to assist you throughout your application process – from course selection to accommodation preparation.

Also, they will be able to offer tailored guidance and answer all your questions about furthering your studies overseas.

Book your free counselling session to get started!