5 Signs Biological Sciences is Right For You

Biological Sciences is a vast subject area and, depending on your interests, you have the chance to specialise in the human body, plants, marine life or even something as tiny as single celled organisms. With so many specialisations, you can really focus on an area of study you are genuinely interested in.

You might have already spent some time finding your area of interest, but should you take it to the next level with a PhD? We have five signs that will help you decide whether a PhD in Biological Sciences is the right way for you.

#1 You are constantly in search for answers

From the depths of the oceans to even how our own body works, there are so many unknowns and uncertainties when it comes to the world of the living. Your research as a PhD student, will strive to find the answers to these questions. The constant urge to find the answers to the unknown is what is going to drive your study and research

#2 You are an excellent record keeper

You’ll be spending a lot of time running experiments as a Biological Science PhD student. You’ll be conducting multiple experiments with just tiny differences until you find the one that is successful. You will have to be on top of all of this with meticulous and thorough record-keeping. They are crucial for when you have to justify your experiments and delivering results.

#3 You are good at Maths

Yes, I said that right! Even as a Bio Sciences researcher, you need to have a good grasp of Maths. Your experiments will need you to calculate how much of a chemical you need, what temperatures and environmental conditions are most suitable. And then keep watch on which combinations yielding the best results. Even though it won’t involve complex equations to solve, you’ll have to remain on top of basic and quick calculations depending on your area of research

#4 You’re up for years of self-study

If you’ve already completed a Masters, you know the course structure is intense. Doing a PhD is like dialling that up a few notches. You’ll need to remain dedicated to your research and commit to long research sessions. Since you’ll be working as a researcher in your own right, the success and failures of your experiments are all your own. It can take some time for an experiment to show results buy you’ll have to be willing to be patient and put in the hours it requires. Once you’re through securing your degree, whether you’re working in the industry or academics, you’ll still continue to study as new things are discovered.

#5 You pay attention to the minute details

Whether you’re conducting an experiment in the lab or analysing theory, the key is in the details. Experiments in a biology lab hinge on small details like temperature, humidity and amount of chemical agents. You’ll be expected to be as accurate as possible for them to be a success. You could be working in Genetics and one miscalculation means an unwanted mutation. Since Biological Sciences deals with delicate and time consuming and a simple misstep can set you back a few days You’ll also be handling delicate (and expensive) lab equipment so you’ll need a steady hand and to be measuring every step.