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Encompassing many diverse branches of Biology like Marine Biology, Virology and Genetics, Life Sciences is increasingly being used as a broader synonym for the stream of ‘Biology’ itself. In particular, Life Sciences is the molecular study of all species of living organisms, their bodily systems, nervous structure, genetic makeup, as well as the environment, forestry and agriculture. Technological advancements in monitoring, observation and computation has introduced an interdisciplinary and diverse approach, in terms of research opportunities and career scope. Here is a detailed blog on Life Sciences courses, their key components and what this field entails.
Overview
Life Sciences in India and abroad has grown immensely when it comes to knowledge development, career-related opportunities and its offered specialisations. Typically, while the traditional bachelor’s and master’s degrees are most sought-after courses, many interested individuals are also going for higher research qualifications such as doctorates to devote their career in research. Industries where Life Science courses are weighted highly are agriculture, chemical laboratories, food regulation, academic institutions, research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, animal care organisations, amongst others.
What are the Subjects Covered in Life Sciences?
The vast stream of Life Sciences encompasses a wide range of subfields. Given below are the list of subjects that the Times Higher Education Rankings has mentioned within the ambit of Life Sciences.
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
- Anatomy and Morphology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Biophysics
- Ecology, Evolution and Environment
- Entomology
- Forestry
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Paleontology
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology’
- Plant Sciences
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Sciences
- Virology
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- BSc Agriculture
- How to Become a Veterinary Doctor?
- List of Top Microbiology Courses
- Make A Successful Career in Microbiology
Bachelor’s Degree Courses in Life Sciences
Counted amongst the most opted-for Life Science courses, an undergraduate degree provides individuals with the knowledge of fundamentals of Life Sciences. Many universities provide students with the opportunity to specialise/major in one particular subject with a host of electives on offer to provide a much-needed diversity in the varied fields. Further, on-campus research projects under professors and internships also help in solidifying theoretical knowledge with practical experiences. Interested students hoping to venture into Computational Biology can also opt for software training programs.
Also Read: Genetic Engineering Courses
Master’s Degree Courses in Life Sciences
A handful of motivated students vying for a career in research-oriented areas can enrol in Life Sciences Courses offered at the master’s degree level. An MSc in Life Sciences-related disciplines such as Genetics, Microbiology and Physiology amongst others provides an individual with the necessary theoretical and practical exposure for a strong career. An MSc degree, for instance, MSc Bioinformatics, MSc Biochemistry is an advanced qualification which explores a specialised field in greater detail. Research projects, assistantships, internships are a staple portion of the program and professors encourage students to participate in these projects. Theses and dissertations are also included in the study curriculum.
Doctoral Degree Courses in Life Sciences
Well-advanced in terms of research portion as well as complexity, a doctorate or PhD degree is undertaken by a handful of interested individuals who wish to delve deeper into a particular topic of research in Life Sciences. Common topics may stem from fields of Computational Biology, Nanotechnology, Genetic Variation, drugs and their improved uses, Developmental Biology, amongst others. Research methods and techniques are hugely incorporated as analysis, experimentation and case-studies form a major part of a PhD course in Life Sciences.
Top Universities Offering Life Science Courses Across the Globe
Here are a few universities and their offered Life Sciences courses that you can choose from:
- University of Edinburgh, UK
Programs: MSc by Research Paleontology and Geobiology; MSc Systems and Systemic Biology; MSc Drug Discovery and Translational Biology etc.
- King’s College London, UK
Programs: BSc Physiology Intercalated (Hons); MSc Clinical Neuroscience; MPhil/PhD Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology etc
- University of Manchester, UK
Programs: MSc Medical Microbiology; MSc by Research Paleontology; PhD Biomolecular Science; PhD/Mphil Genomics etc.
- University of Toronto, Canada
Programs: BSc Human Biology(Hons); BSc Molecular Biology(Hons); MSc Medical Biophysics; PhD Fundamental Immunology etc.
- University of Chicago, USA
Programs: BSc in Biological Sciences; BSc Biological Chemistry; MSc in Biomedical Informatics; PhD in Human Genetics etc.
- Duke University, USA
Programs: BSc Biology-Genetics/Marine Biology/Neurobiology; MSc/PhD in Entomology; PhD in Developmental and Cell Biology etc.
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Life Science courses attract scores of enthusiastic individuals every year from all corners of the world. Further, besides intricate topics in the curriculum, graduates are also expected to be well versed in diverse research tools and techniques. If you are interested in pursuing a career in Life Sciences, you can take the help of Leverage Edu counsellors who can guide you in selecting the right course and help you begin the application process at the earliest to take the first step to a vibrant career in Life Sciences.
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