Skills Developed through a Biology Degree

Studies in Biology can develop many different personal and professional abilities and can introduce you to a vast body of technical and theoretical knowledge.

Core Biology Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of physiology, cell biology, molecular biology or population biology
• The ability to gather data, formulate and test hypotheses
• The skills to perform laboratory work
• The ability to comprehend detailed scientific material

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

• The capacity to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
• The ability to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• BioTalent Canada
• Canadian Federation of Biological Societies
• The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
• Canadian Society for Molecular BioSciences
• Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology
• The Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists