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Biology · Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology
Careers in Biology
Careers you can choose after studying biology in Pakistan: doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, veterinarian, agriculturist, biotechnologist and more, with their study paths.
Key termRememberExampleWatch out
01Concept
Studying biology opens the door to many careers. Some help people stay healthy, some grow our food, and some protect nature or make new discoveries. In Pakistan, most of these careers start with F.Sc. Pre-Medical (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) after Matric.
Medical and health careers
| Career | What they do | Usual study path in Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor (Medicine) | Diagnoses and treats diseases | MBBS (5 years) after F.Sc. Pre-Medical and the MDCAT entry test, then a one-year house job |
| Surgeon | Treats diseases and injuries by operating | MBBS, then several years of specialist training |
| Dentist | Treats teeth, gums and mouth problems | BDS (4 years) after F.Sc. Pre-Medical and MDCAT, then a house job |
| Pharmacist | Prepares and checks medicines and advises patients | Pharm-D (5 years) |
| Nurse | Cares for patients in hospitals and clinics | BS Nursing (4 years) |
| Physiotherapist | Helps patients move and recover after injury or illness | DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy, 5 years) |
| Medical lab technologist | Tests blood and other samples to help diagnose disease | BS Medical Laboratory Technology (4 years) |
Careers with animals and plants
- Veterinarian: treats sick animals such as cattle, goats, poultry and pets. Study: DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 5 years).
- Agriculturist: improves crops and farming methods. Developing wheat that needs less water.
- Horticulturist: grows fruits, vegetables and flowers, and designs gardens. Growing better mango and guava orchards.
- Animal husbandry expert: raises and cares for farm animals to produce milk, meat, eggs and wool.
- Fisheries expert: breeds and manages fish in rivers, lakes, the sea and fish farms.
- Forester: grows and protects forests and the wildlife living in them.
Research, technology and the environment
- Biotechnologist: uses living things to make useful products. Making medicines with the help of bacteria.
- Geneticist: studies genes and inheritance, for example to understand inherited diseases.
- Microbiologist: studies bacteria, viruses and fungi, including those that cause disease.
- Environmental scientist / conservationist: protects nature. Saving the Indus river dolphin and mangrove forests.
- Food scientist: makes food safe, healthy and long-lasting.
- Biology teacher or professor: teaches and inspires the next generation of students.
02Real World Examples
Hospitals and clinics
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lab technologists work together in every hospital, from small village clinics to large city hospitals.
National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad
Scientists here work on disease testing, vaccines and public health for the whole country.
NIBGE, Faisalabad
The National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering develops improved crops and new methods to test for diseases.
Protecting nature
Organisations such as WWF-Pakistan employ biologists to protect wildlife, wetlands and forests.
03Practice Questions
Try to answer in your own words first, then open the model answer.
Short questions
Q1.Name four careers related to biology in the medical field.Show answer
Answer
- Doctor (medicine)
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Nurse
(Surgeon, physiotherapist and medical lab technologist are also correct.)
Q2.What is the role of a veterinarian?Show answer
Answer
A veterinarian diagnoses and treats diseases of animals, such as cattle, goats, poultry and pets. Veterinarians also help prevent animal diseases and keep animal products safe.
Q3.Differentiate between horticulture and animal husbandry.Show answer
Answer
| Horticulture | Animal husbandry |
|---|---|
| Growing fruits, vegetables and flowers | Raising and caring for farm animals |
| Mango and guava orchards | Dairy cattle and poultry farms |
Q4.Which group should a student choose in F.Sc. to become a doctor? Which entry test is needed?Show answer
Answer
The student should choose F.Sc. Pre-Medical (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and then pass the MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) to get admission to MBBS.
Long questions
Q5.Describe the different career options available to a student of biology.Show answer
Answer
Biology leads to careers in three main areas:
- Medicine and health: doctor, surgeon, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, physiotherapist and lab technologist. They diagnose, treat and care for patients.
- Agriculture and animals: agriculturist, horticulturist, veterinarian, animal husbandry and fisheries experts, and foresters. They produce food and care for plants and animals.
- Research and environment: biotechnologist, geneticist, microbiologist, environmental scientist, food scientist and teacher. They make discoveries, protect nature and educate others.
Most of these careers begin with F.Sc. Pre-Medical after Matric.