• Question: Which A Levels or GCSEs aside from Biology do you think are important to have if you are considering a career in Microbiology?

    Asked by danrumford to Cat, Daz, Holly, Johnson, Pamela on 13 Jun 2011. This question was also asked by u27adamsm.
    • Photo: Darren Braddick

      Darren Braddick answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      Hi Dan.

      Good questions in the session earlier. As for this question, well a career in micro usually (but not always) comes from studying biology or biochemistry (or some variation of these) at university. To get to do these at university, you usually need GCSEs/A levels in subjects like biology, chemistry and maths. For my degree (biochem) they actually were more interested in chemistry and maths. I guess an alternative route to that career is medicine, or medial degree, for which the same kind of GCSEs/A levels are probably needed. If someone was really interested though – getting work experience in a company would be a fantastic help!

      I hope that helps

      Daz

    • Photo: Cat O'Connor

      Cat O'Connor answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      Hi Dan,

      You’re going to think I’m a parrot going on about chemistry the whole time, but yeah I think a good grounding in chemistry will be good for future studies. While maths may not seem like a very important subject to study bugs, it does play a big role in research with such things as statistics! And obviously biology 
      I agree with Daz, work experience is probably the best thing you could do to figure out if you like microbiology but remember, a degree in Science can really lead you anywhere. I have friends who’ve gone on to become doctors, accountants, dentists, physiotherapists, quality control technicians and tons of other jobs!

      Hope this helps
      Cat

    • Photo: Pamela Lithgow

      Pamela Lithgow answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      Hi,
      I agree with the answers already submitted.
      I think one of the most important extras to biology is maths particularily statistics. I think my foundation in maths has helped me on an almost daily basis.
      Pam

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