Biological Sciences is an exciting and rapidly developing subject area, with many applications in fields as diverse as conservation biology and molecular genetics. The study of living things has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years, and topics such as cell biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology and ecology are advancing rapidly. These developments will have a considerable impact on society, in areas such as medicine, the environment and agriculture. The rapid expansion has been accompanied by a blurring of the distinctions between disciplines: a biologist with an interest in tropical plants may well use many of the tools and techniques that are indispensable to a molecular geneticist.

A significant proportion of Oxford biologists embark on a professional, scientific or technical career after graduating, whilst more than one third go on to further study such as a research doctorate, or a postgraduate course in an applied field. Others will take up careers in fields such as industry or finance, where their scientific problem-solving skills are excellent training. Recent Biological Sciences graduates include an occupational therapist and a scientist within a multinational pharmaceutical firm. Jenny graduated in 1996. After several years in a medical communication agency environment, she now has her own business, working directly with major global pharmaceutical companies. She explains that ‘the tutorial system and writing opportunities during my degree were critical in developing the skills needed to analyse and interpret data, present them clearly and concisely in context and discuss results of clinical trials with leaders in the oncology field.’ Jeremy graduated in 1975 and has spent his career in business and finance, specialising since 1994 in media and marketing services. He now has a number of business interests in the media and communications industry. He says that studying Botany required a combination of analytical and communication skills which is invaluable for a financial professional and businessman. And the challenges of the weekly tutorial system helped produce independence of thought and a willingness to challenge convention.