Biological scientists
and biochemists

Description

Biological scientists and biochemists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

Tasks

studies the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organismsidentifies and studies the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of diseaseperforms tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organismsresearches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organismsobserves the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environmentadvises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of diseasemonitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by jobholders in MINOR GROUP 214: Conservation and Environment Professionals.

Educational Requirements

Entrants usually possess a degree. Entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III, or other academic qualifications. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Some employers may expect entrants to gain professional qualifications.