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Life Scientist
Life scientists examine the anatomy, physiology and
biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living
organisms to better understand how living organisms function
and interact with each other and the environment.
A life scientist may perform the following tasks:
- study the genetic, chemical, physical and structural
composition of cells, tissues and organisms
- identify cellular and developmental events that ensure
continuity of life
- determine the influence of internal and external
environments on processes in animals (including humans),
plants and other organisms
- study organisms in controlled environments to gain an
understanding of their survival and growth in real
environments
- examine the way mixed communities and ecosystems
function in relation to their environment and the different
organisms found in them
- predict the way humans and other influences will affect
the structure and interactions in natural ecosystems
- apply their knowledge and findings from research to
maximise the long-term economic, social, environmental and
recreational return from living resources
- write scientific reports on research, investigations and
more general information for scientific, managerial,
political and general audiences
- provide advice to managers, politicians, primary
producers, health care workers and the general public.
Life scientists may specialise as a:
Biochemist who studies the chemistry of living
organisms to increase scientific knowledge and develop ways to
apply this knowledge in areas such as medicine, veterinary
science, agriculture, environmental science and manufacturing.
For further information see the entry for Biochemist.
Biological Scientist who studies the structure,
function, behaviour and interactions of living organisms to
increase scientific knowledge and develop practical
applications in fields such as agriculture, biotechnology,
medicine, the environment and fisheries.
Biotechnologist who applies scientific and
engineering principles and practices to develop new materials
or modify micro-organisms, plants and animals. Biotechnology
covers a wide field of employment from pure research to
industrial applications in the food and pharmaceutical
industries. Recent developments in biotechnology have been
used in disease diagnosis and control in humans and animals,
animal and plant production, the production of alternative
fuels and in more efficient treatment of wastes.
Botanist who studies the biology of all types of
plants to increase scientific knowledge and find ways to apply
this knowledge in areas such as conservation and management of
natural resources, agriculture, forestry, horticulture,
medicine and biotechnology. For further information see entry
for Botanist.
Marine Biologist who studies the origin, structure,
functions and behaviour of all forms of life in the sea and
connected water bodies, their relationships with each other
and how they are affected by environmental factors. For
further information see the entry for Marine Biologist.
Marine Scientist who uses principles and techniques
of natural sciences, maths and engineering to study the
coastal zone and oceans: their movements, physical properties
and biological organisms. Marine scientists assist in
developing practical methods for weather forecasting,
environmental assessment, locating and developing fishing and
mining resources and improving national defence. They may
develop new technologies to protect the seas from pollution
and the coasts from damage by waves and tides. Marine
scientists make use of special instruments, satellites,
cameras, sounding devices and research vessels when
undertaking ocean exploration work. They may also make
underwater dives.
Microbiologist who studies micro-organisms such as
bacteria, viruses and fungi to increase scientific knowledge
and develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and
other practical applications. Microbiology is central to the
science of molecular biology, including DNA technology/genetic
engineering, which forms the basis of the area now known as
biotechnology. Some examples of the successful application of
microbiology are the production of vaccines to prevent viral
and bacterial diseases and the development of antibiotics to
treat disease. Microbiologists work mainly in the fields of
research regarding the interaction between micro-organisms and
humans, animals, plants or the environment, medical and
veterinary microbiology, food and industrial biology and
molecular biology.
Pharmacologist who studies the actions of drugs and
other substances on tissues, organs and the bodily functions
of animals and humans. Pharmacologists are concerned with the
ways in which drugs and other substances can affect the normal
functioning of animals and humans. Pharmacologists study how
and why drugs change the normal processes which occur in
living animals and how they produce these effects by mimicking
or interfering with the action of other substances normally
found in the body. Pharmacologists devise and carry out
experiments to determine how drug concentrations in the body
change over time and test newly discovered or manufactured
substances for their safety, activity and possible use as
drugs.
Zoologist who studies the structures,
characteristics, functions, ecology and environments of
animals to increase scientific knowledge and develop practical
applications in wildlife management, conservation, agriculture
and medicine. For further information see the entry for
Zoologist.
Required Skills - Life Scientist
- enjoy and have aptitude for science and research
- able to think logically and analytically
- able to carry out detailed and accurate work
- good communication skills
- flexible
- able to work as part of a team
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