While biological sciences are extremely wide-ranging, it is possible to identify a common thread connecting all the disciplines and sub-disciplines involved. All are essentially concerned with the study and characterization of living organisms by four underlying principles: cell theory, evolution, gene theory and homeostasis. From this basis, however this knowledge is used and whatever the ultimate goal of the study is, all biological sciences stem. As you may already know, subjects which fall under the remit of biological sciences are some of the most complex and rapidly evolving out there. As such, this is not a subject area for the half-hearted – be ready to immerse yourself fully in what will certainly be an intensive course of study. It would be nigh on impossible to give a full account of all the options available, but to give you an idea, you will be able to choose from courses such as cell & molecular biology, ecology & evolution, molecular biosciences, biophysics, computational biology, neurobiology, genetics, and many, many more. These may be offered as specific degree programs or as options in a wider biological sciences course – probably a good option for those who are not yet sure on what they wish to focus. At graduate level a far greater level of specialization is on offer – a necessity for a subject which requires a level of expertise that can only come from an extremely narrow focus. Find the world's best universities for biological sciences with the QS Rankings by Subject >

Your options as a graduate of a biological science subject will depend on the level of qualification that you attain. These subjects tend to lend themselves to graduate study, given that the three or four years spent studying for a bachelor’s degree will seldom be adequate to develop a professional level of knowledge in a narrow area. Push yourself to the highest level, and you will find few subjects lend themselves quite so well to a career in research. The fast-moving nature of the subject is due in part to the scores of experts consistently pushing the boundaries, for example in the development of new medicines and forms of medical treatment. Prove yourself to be among the stronger students of the biological sciences, and you could well be advancing the sum total of knowledge enjoyed by the entire human race, be it within the purely academic setting of a university, or the lucrative environs of a private firm. But of course, there are other careers open to biology graduates, who will leave their courses equipped with close analytical skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, and, of course, formidable scientific nous. These skills adapt quite well to the business world, to the extent where a joint BSc in biology and management is offered at some prestigious universities, for example Imperial College London. If it’s a more purely biological vocation you want, the knowledge you’ll possess will also always be in demand in the legal and forensic industries. And there is always teaching – the world will never have enough qualified and willing science teachers – or journalism (be it scientific or otherwise).