Skills you’ll develop
While studying Biology, you will take lecture, laboratory, or field courses. You’ll develop an appreciation for the diversity, adaptability, and complexity of life. You can also gain an understanding of all the fundamental aspects of biology such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and organismal diversity.
The skills you will develop may include:
- Experimental design, data collection, analysis, and presentation
- Laboratory and/or field work techniques and safety protocols
- Statistical analysis and quantitative reasoning
- Collaboration and communication with peers
- Critical reading and evaluation of relevant scientific literature
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including research, consulting, environmental issues, agriculture, education, park services, pharmaceutical development, medicine, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Agricultural scientist
- Agrologist
- Anesthesiologist
- Arborist
- Biostatistician
- Botanical technician
- Botanist
- Chiropractor
- Clinical research associate
- Cytogenetics technologist
- Dentist
- Ecologist
- Environmental biologist
- Forensic laboratory technologist
- Forester
- Geneticist
- Health care manager
- Health care researcher/planner
- Laboratory technologist
- Marine biologist
- Medical doctor
- Medical editor
- Medical journalist
- Medical librarian
- Mycologist
- Nurse
- Occupational therapist
- Optometrist
- Ornithologist
- Pharmacist
- Physical therapist
- Physician assistant
- Plant scientist
- Scientific writer
- Soil scientist
- Speech-language pathologist
- Taxonomist
- Teacher/Professor
- Toxicologist
- Veterinarian
- Veterinarian assistant
- Wildlife biologist
- Zoological technician
- Zoologist
Make the most of your specialization
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- UBC Biological Sciences Club
Attend an annual Biology student career night in term 2 or other events throughout the year. - UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability. - UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in biology between study terms. - UBC Life Sciences Institute
Find research opportunities, events, programs, and student competitions in life sciences. - Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Take selected field courses in coastal and marine sciences for university credit. - Zoology research opportunities
For research positions related to zoology, contact a faculty member directly. - Faculty of Medicine Summer Research
Gain experience in undergraduate medical research at UBC. - UBC Pathology and Laboratory Medicine summer program
Apply for funding and propose your research project to gain clinical experience in laboratory medicine. - BC Children’s Hospital research program
Participate in an undergraduate research project related to child and family health. - Online tutorials and training in ethics
Develop your understanding of research ethics and integrity through online training and tutorials. - UBC Medical Journal
Submit your academic research, case reports, reviews, commentaries, and news or letters for publication. - Let’s Talk Science
Check out volunteer opportunities to engage children and youth in STEM learning. - UBC Gearing Up summer camps
Volunteer as a camp instructor or counselor for high school and elementary school students. - Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Learn through exhibits and volunteer opportunities at the on-campus museum.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Institute of Biological Sciences
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Association of Professional Biology
- BC Nature
- BioTalent Canada
- BIOTEC Canada
- Botanical associations
- Canadian Association of Pathologists
- Canadian Association of Science Centres
- Canadian Botanical Association
- Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology
- Canadian Medical Association
- Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists
- Canadian Society of Zoologists
- Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
- Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences
- College of Applied Biology
- Entomological Society of Canada
- LifeSciences BC
- National Research Council Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Nature Vancouver
- Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology
- Zoological Association of America
Connect with alumni
Find UBC Biology graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.