“Organic” is in. Not only as a seal of quality on food: When it comes to generating alternative energies or developing new drugs, the knowledge of bioscientists is in demand. Life sciences? A whole new field of research and science has emerged under this heading . With regard to the newly created courses of study such as biochemistry , biotechnology , bioinformatics , biomedicine or neuroscience , a simple biology course seems downright outdated. As the individual names suggest, these courses link biology with other fields of science. There are also some degree programs that approach the field of life sciences from an interdisciplinary perspective. Some of these courses also fall under the heading of Life Science .
The Biosciences Study: An Overview
The life sciences cover more than a classic biology degree. The courses also aim to convey content from other areas to the students. These include, for example, chemistry , physics , medicine or IT . The aim is to optimally prepare students for an activity in research and to provide them with the right tools. The students therefore get to know the chemical and biological composition of living systems on the smallest level of cells and molecules. The subjects of study include molecular biology, bioinformatics and genetics.
Anyone who would like to gain further qualifications after completing their bachelor’s degree, for example for a career in research or business, can also follow a master’s degree . In addition to general Master’s programs in the field of Life Sciences / Life Sciene there is the possibility, in the master’s program at a for graduates portion of the life sciences to specialize. This includes subjects like
- biophysics
- biochemistry
- Molecular science
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology or
- Bioinformatics.
The biosciences / life sciences courses in the bachelor’s program in particular differ greatly from one another. Some universities have merely renamed the classic course in biology and left everything as it was in terms of content. For example, other universities tend to focus the additional content on chemistry, others on mathematics or physics. Find out beforehand whether the course at the university or college of your choice even meets your expectations.
Personal requirements and (possible) admission criteria
Biosciences students should definitely be very interested in all natural sciences . Good school grades in biology, physics and chemistry are a prerequisite – also because many courses have a high NC. In addition, knowledge of mathematics, English and computer science are useful in order to get through the course well.
Occupational fields
Most life science graduates later work in research . Some stay loyal to the university and do basic research in the university’s own laboratories. These jobs are often linked to teaching . At private and state research institutes, too, bioscientists primarily conduct basic research.
Many graduates work application-oriented after their graduation and are employed in the development and research centers of industry . The main industries in which life scientists work are biomedical, pharmaceutical, chemical, food and biotechnology. In addition to research, graduates work in the areas of quality control, marketing or project management.
Positions in nature and environmental protection are also sought after by graduates of bioscientific courses. You work for authorities and offices or are involved in nature conservation projects or state-sponsored environmental projects. More employers are state examination and supervisory authorities , where life scientists working in research or quality control. Bioscientists also find a field of activity in consulting, publishing or in the education sector.
Studying Life Sciences Abroad – Benefits
For bioscientists it is part of everyday working life to exchange ideas with their colleagues from all over the world . Knowledge of English is therefore not only crucial for studying, but also for professional life. One or more semesters abroad can significantly improve your English and also offer many other advantages: At a foreign university you will familiarize yourself with new teaching and learning methods and deal with other content. This not only gives you completely new insights, but also refines your scientific profile at the same time .
In addition, you will collect intercultural skills that will give you decisive advantages in your later professional life. You will learn to work in international teams, to make contacts in a short time and to train general soft skills such as flexibility, assertiveness and organizational talent. And of course a study visit abroad offers the unique opportunity to get to know a different culture and many interesting people in a relaxed atmosphere.
