What can you do with a biology degree?

A biology degree covers concepts like genetics and evolution. It also equips you with valuable laboratory skills. This can lead to a number of rewarding careers.

Biology is a respected degree, which covers everything from cells to disease. It will ground you in scientific principles and methodology. This includes laboratory skills and data analysis. These are highly sought after in a number of careers, both directly related to biology and further afield.

This article will cover:

Skills for your CV

A biology degree will equip you with a number of transferable skills. Here are some to highlight in your CV.

Careers in biology

There are a number of biology-related fields which you can go into.

A lot of biology graduates go into research. This could be in cell biology, pharmacology, cancer research and more.

Your biology degree will equip you with the laboratory skills you need to conduct research. This includes how to set up equipment and collect data. You'll also then have the data analysis skills to turn results into knowledge or actions. 

You will probably start out as a research assistant and work your way up. This could be at a university or in industry.

Other careers

You don't have to work in a career directly related to biology. You will have lots of transferable skills which can lead to success in other industries. Here are just a few other careers you could do with a biology degree:

You could become a teacher, imparting your knowledge of biology onto the next generation. This could be at either primary or secondary school.

Your responsibilities would include planning lessons, teaching and marking work. As a biology teacher, you might also have to plan laboratory experiments or dissections as well.

You will need to complete a PGCE to become a teacher. This will involve teaching training at a school.

Study a biology degree

At the University of Central Lancashire, our biology degree equips you with the knowledge and skills you need for a successful career. We focus on employability, with lots of opportunities for work experience.

During your first year, you'll gain a foundation of knowledge in biology. You'll gain vital study skills, like use of databases and literature searching. You'll also learn about the scientific method, ethics and health and safety. 

In your second year, you will complete a module on laboratory skills. You can also choose from a range of optional modules to meet your career goals. You might choose to study cellular biology further, or genetics, or human organs.

In your final year, you'll complete a research project on a topic of your choice. This will include setting up and carrying out your own research. You'll also need to analyse, interpret and present your data. 

You can also complete a work-based module in your third year. This will give you the practical, real-world skills you need to get a job. You can also apply for a summer internship with the biology team at the university. This again will give you real-world skills and experience, and can help your studies.

Where next?

We hope this has helped you understand what you can do with a biology degree. It is a versatile degree with a lot of transferable skills, especially within scientific professions. Take a look at out courses and guides below.