Biology Career Options

Scoobydooo

Hi guys,

I'm about to make my choice of biology moderatorship after 2 years of studying general science in TCD. Basically I've narrowed it down to the following options:

Neuroscience, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Zoology, Immunology

Basically my question is which one of these courses offers the best job prospects at the moment and in the future? I have a slight preference at the moment but obviously the availability of jobs is an important factor and I'd really appreciate any advice.

MisterEpicurus

Scoobydooo wrote: »

Neuroscience, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Zoology, Immunology

Basically my question is which one of these courses offers the best job prospects at the moment and in the future?

Wouldn't it be better to focus on your interests? Or do you assume that you'll pass anything that's thrown in your face?

Scoobydooo

I have a slight preference for one of them but obviously I want to weigh up all my options. If it appears difficult to find a job in that area I would have to think twice about it.

woodchuck

For jobs outside academia I’d say microbiology is probably the best bet (this is just based on my own recent job hunting). Having said that I know from a few years back that getting a 1st in this course is extremely difficult (not sure if that is still the case or not), so if you plan to do a postgrad afterwards you might want to take that into consideration.

I did neuroscience myself and loved it! The only thing I’d say about it though is that a lot of the modules are shared with other courses. So while you get a broad view of a lot of different things, I don’t really think it’s as specialised as the other courses are. But this can also be a good thing for your CV as you’ll have more things to draw on to tailor your job/postgrad applications. Eg you’ll do bits of genetics, biochemistry and zoology, so you could technically apply for jobs in all these areas. But say if you’re applying for a genetics position, your skills wouldn’t be as strong as somebody who had specialised in genetics.

Make sure you pick something you’re interested in though… studying it for 2 years will be that much easier!

Gotfoodforphil

Woodchuck is right in saying that you should do a course that you enjoy first and foremost but I can see why so many courses look attractive. I can give you my 3rd year Biochem opinion on the matter;

Do zoology only if you really have a love of the area as thats why most people do it, they love nature and animals and thats all that matters. Zoology can have some great travel opportunities but career prospects might not be the best. Zoologists are lovely people too.

Genetics will be a VERY popular choice amongst your year no doubt and so if you're not expecting top marks it might be a waste putting it down on the form. That said, the genetics dept. is one of the best in Europe and the course is meant to be very good. Genetics is always a good career choice and should have a big involvement in the medical/drug field in the future.

Microbiology is an incredibly difficult course, and I would be cautious about picking it. I had it as my second choice on the form and I can honestly say I'm so glad I didn't get it. They mark incredibly hard and the lecturers are unapproachable/intimidating. I share modules with micro and they are much harder than they should be. Again you're always looking at good career prospects here in relation to medicine/disease research. Be careful with this one.

Immunology is another very popular course too, but again be careful. Immunology is a hugely interesting field and the college has some top researchers in the area but it is also perhaps a bit specialised for and undergraduate degree. The immunologists are generally a nice bunch, but you won't be able to keep your grades and personal study habits to yourself, if you know what I mean. If you want to do immunology you can always do a masters after your undergrad.

And finally my own love, Biochemistry. I'm a little biased here but I'll just say that this is the best option if you don't want to limit yourself as to what you could do. We encompass all the above courses and as such we have a much broader knowledge base. I love the friendliness of the dept. including the very approachable lecturers. Its also based in the new BioScience building which is great. The specific course material (mainly proteins) is incredibly interesting and, in essence, is a more dynamic area in terms of research then genetics or immunology. Biochemists are perhaps the most generally hire-able of the moderatorships.

Unfortunately I don't know much about Neuroscience but I'm sure its another great choice. Hopefully someone else can enlighten you, best of luck! :-)

Scoobydooo

Thanks woodchuck and Goodforphil, really appreciate your help!

darjeeling

I think genetics has good employment prospects, and the dept is - as said - very good.

doctoremma

Scoobydooo wrote: »

Hi guys,

Neuroscience, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Zoology, Immunology

I'm in the UK, so answers might not apply...

If I was interviewing, I'd view zoology as a rather soft option.

Job prospects: Immunology, microbiology, neuroscience.

(Immuno/micro = good for industry research, neuro = stacks of money available for research).

Best foundation for further study: Biochem*

*But I'm biased, Biochem undergrad, Developmental Biology PhD, Genetics research. Not doing a specific Genetics course (or part thereof) hasn't hindered me remotely in my research. Lots of it was covered in Biochem anyway.

Kevster

Genetics is a must, I feel. It is a huge area and can be difficult when starting off. However, I really do feel that it should be your top choice, solely considering job prospects.

starfish1

Hi guys,

I'm in a semi similar situation to the op except i'm just finishing up a 4 year degree in science and teaching in UL-i found that, while i was in the course, i took a strong liking to the animal physiology modules moreso than anything and i've always been one for working with animals and whatnot (had veterinary medicine on the CAO and all...)..so just wondering if anyone knows a good area i could pursue for a postgrad? Also any ideas where i could get volunteer work just to build up some experience and see if it is the right area for me? I was thinking the zoo or somewhere but somehow i don't think it would be an easy place to get into.


Many thanks