4 answers
Mahnoor
Student
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
3
Questions
Asked
507 views
What career should I choose as someone interested in chem and bio but apprehensive of medicine?
What career path can I choose as someone who is mainly interested in biology and chemistry but doesn't wanna do medicine?
I am currently finishing my O levels and contemplating on the subjects i will be taking in A levels.
Login to comment
4 answers
Grant Conrad
Risk & Financial Advisory Analyst
25
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Grant’s Answer
Hi Mahnoor!
There are plenty of careers that allow you to explore your interest in chemistry and biology without going into medicine. Here are a few options:
1. Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists use living organisms to design and develop practical products for a range of fields, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.
2. Biochemist: Biochemists study the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. This could involve researching diseases, studying genetic traits, or developing new drugs.
3. Chemical Engineer: Chemical engineers use principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems related to the production of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.
4. Forensic Scientist: Forensic scientists use their knowledge of science to analyze evidence for criminal and civil cases.
5. Environmental Scientist: Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. This might involve working on issues like climate change, pollution, and conservation.
6. Pharmacist: If you're still open to working in the healthcare field but don't want to be a doctor, you might consider becoming a pharmacist. Pharmacists use their deep understanding of chemistry and biology to dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice on their safe use.
7. Agricultural Scientist: Agricultural scientists study commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to improve the productivity and sustainability of farms and agricultural industries.
8. Food Technologist: Food technologists use their knowledge of biology and chemistry to develop and improve foods and beverages; ensuring they are safe, sustainable and nutritious.
Remember, choosing a career is a personal decision, and it's important to consider what you're passionate about, as well as job prospects and your own lifestyle preferences. You may want to consult with a career counselor or mentor to help you explore these options further.
I hope this helps!
There are plenty of careers that allow you to explore your interest in chemistry and biology without going into medicine. Here are a few options:
1. Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists use living organisms to design and develop practical products for a range of fields, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.
2. Biochemist: Biochemists study the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. This could involve researching diseases, studying genetic traits, or developing new drugs.
3. Chemical Engineer: Chemical engineers use principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems related to the production of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.
4. Forensic Scientist: Forensic scientists use their knowledge of science to analyze evidence for criminal and civil cases.
5. Environmental Scientist: Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. This might involve working on issues like climate change, pollution, and conservation.
6. Pharmacist: If you're still open to working in the healthcare field but don't want to be a doctor, you might consider becoming a pharmacist. Pharmacists use their deep understanding of chemistry and biology to dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice on their safe use.
7. Agricultural Scientist: Agricultural scientists study commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to improve the productivity and sustainability of farms and agricultural industries.
8. Food Technologist: Food technologists use their knowledge of biology and chemistry to develop and improve foods and beverages; ensuring they are safe, sustainable and nutritious.
Remember, choosing a career is a personal decision, and it's important to consider what you're passionate about, as well as job prospects and your own lifestyle preferences. You may want to consult with a career counselor or mentor to help you explore these options further.
I hope this helps!
Your advice was so helpful!
Mahnoor
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mahnoor,
Answer:
As someone interested in biology and chemistry but hesitant about pursuing a career in medicine, there are numerous alternative career paths you can consider that still allow you to leverage your passion for these subjects. Here are some potential career options for individuals with a background in biology and chemistry:
Biotechnology: Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that combines biology and chemistry to develop products and technologies aimed at improving human health and the environment. In this field, you could work on developing new pharmaceuticals, genetically modified organisms, or biofuels.
Pharmaceutical Research: If you are interested in the pharmaceutical industry but not in becoming a medical doctor, you could pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. This involves conducting experiments to develop new drugs or improve existing medications, utilizing your knowledge of biology and chemistry.
Environmental Science: Environmental science is another field where your background in biology and chemistry would be highly valuable. You could work on issues such as pollution control, conservation efforts, or sustainable resource management.
Forensic Science: Forensic science combines elements of biology and chemistry to analyze evidence from crime scenes. This field offers opportunities to work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or as independent consultants.
Food Science: Food science involves studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food to ensure its safety, quality, and nutritional value. With a background in biology and chemistry, you could work in food product development, quality control, or regulatory affairs.
Research Scientist: As a research scientist, you could work in various industries such as academia, government agencies, or private companies conducting research in areas like genetics, biochemistry, or environmental science.
Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineering applies principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and economics to efficiently use chemicals and energy to solve societal problems. It offers diverse career opportunities in fields like manufacturing, energy production, or environmental protection.
Science Communication: If you have a passion for both biology and chemistry but prefer non-laboratory roles, science communication could be an option. You could work as a science writer, journalist, educator, or public relations specialist focusing on scientific topics.
When choosing your A-level subjects based on your interest in biology and chemistry but reluctance towards medicine, consider selecting subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Physics, Environmental Science if available at your school to keep your options open for pursuing these alternative career paths.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is a leading biomedical research agency that provides valuable information on various careers related to biology and chemistry outside of traditional medicine.
American Chemical Society (ACS): The ACS is a reputable organization that offers insights into different career paths within the field of chemistry beyond medicine.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO): BIO represents biotechnology companies globally and can provide information on careers in biotechnology that do not necessarily involve medicine.
These sources were consulted to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided regarding alternative career paths for individuals interested in biology and chemistry but not inclined towards pursuing medicine specifically.
GOD BLESS YOU!
James Constantine Frangos.
Answer:
As someone interested in biology and chemistry but hesitant about pursuing a career in medicine, there are numerous alternative career paths you can consider that still allow you to leverage your passion for these subjects. Here are some potential career options for individuals with a background in biology and chemistry:
Biotechnology: Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that combines biology and chemistry to develop products and technologies aimed at improving human health and the environment. In this field, you could work on developing new pharmaceuticals, genetically modified organisms, or biofuels.
Pharmaceutical Research: If you are interested in the pharmaceutical industry but not in becoming a medical doctor, you could pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. This involves conducting experiments to develop new drugs or improve existing medications, utilizing your knowledge of biology and chemistry.
Environmental Science: Environmental science is another field where your background in biology and chemistry would be highly valuable. You could work on issues such as pollution control, conservation efforts, or sustainable resource management.
Forensic Science: Forensic science combines elements of biology and chemistry to analyze evidence from crime scenes. This field offers opportunities to work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or as independent consultants.
Food Science: Food science involves studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food to ensure its safety, quality, and nutritional value. With a background in biology and chemistry, you could work in food product development, quality control, or regulatory affairs.
Research Scientist: As a research scientist, you could work in various industries such as academia, government agencies, or private companies conducting research in areas like genetics, biochemistry, or environmental science.
Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineering applies principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and economics to efficiently use chemicals and energy to solve societal problems. It offers diverse career opportunities in fields like manufacturing, energy production, or environmental protection.
Science Communication: If you have a passion for both biology and chemistry but prefer non-laboratory roles, science communication could be an option. You could work as a science writer, journalist, educator, or public relations specialist focusing on scientific topics.
When choosing your A-level subjects based on your interest in biology and chemistry but reluctance towards medicine, consider selecting subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Physics, Environmental Science if available at your school to keep your options open for pursuing these alternative career paths.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is a leading biomedical research agency that provides valuable information on various careers related to biology and chemistry outside of traditional medicine.
American Chemical Society (ACS): The ACS is a reputable organization that offers insights into different career paths within the field of chemistry beyond medicine.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO): BIO represents biotechnology companies globally and can provide information on careers in biotechnology that do not necessarily involve medicine.
These sources were consulted to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided regarding alternative career paths for individuals interested in biology and chemistry but not inclined towards pursuing medicine specifically.
GOD BLESS YOU!
James Constantine Frangos.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Mahnoor
Arianna Jue
Product Development Specialist - Beverage and Dietary Supplements
1
Answer
Cumming, Georgia
Updated
Arianna’s Answer
The folks who posted before me provided fantastic answers, but I wanted to expand upon two specific specialties. Both food and environmental sciences can provide fulfilling careers that align with your interests and skillset.
Environmental sciences can provide a fulfilling role where chemistry, and the ability to apply its principles to living things and systems, is paramount. If you prefer to study or work with plants, animals, water, atmosphere, soil, all of those are options you can explore, and more. You can study air pollution and weather, water treatment and waterway health, soil productivity and health, how to best restore an area that has been over farmed, determine the best methods to combat desertification in your area, to name a few.
Food sciences (this can include frozen foods, baked goods, meats, beverages, dietary supplements, and more) utilize chemistry very heavily, be it determining a product's shelf life, safety, flavor, texture, color, and more. Food science is what makes it possible for food normally made at home to be purchased on a store shelf, or for food that normally lasts 2 weeks in a refrigerator to be able to last 2 weeks outside of the refrigerator.
With that being said, all of these specialties do not exist on their own; the health of the environment affects what crops are available for food scientists to be able to work with, for example. The health of an animal population is directly affected by the health of the water and plants/animals they eat to survive. The interests and skillsets that you listed opens a huge number of doors spanning a wide variety of disciplines. I wish you the best in your learning path!
Environmental sciences can provide a fulfilling role where chemistry, and the ability to apply its principles to living things and systems, is paramount. If you prefer to study or work with plants, animals, water, atmosphere, soil, all of those are options you can explore, and more. You can study air pollution and weather, water treatment and waterway health, soil productivity and health, how to best restore an area that has been over farmed, determine the best methods to combat desertification in your area, to name a few.
Food sciences (this can include frozen foods, baked goods, meats, beverages, dietary supplements, and more) utilize chemistry very heavily, be it determining a product's shelf life, safety, flavor, texture, color, and more. Food science is what makes it possible for food normally made at home to be purchased on a store shelf, or for food that normally lasts 2 weeks in a refrigerator to be able to last 2 weeks outside of the refrigerator.
With that being said, all of these specialties do not exist on their own; the health of the environment affects what crops are available for food scientists to be able to work with, for example. The health of an animal population is directly affected by the health of the water and plants/animals they eat to survive. The interests and skillsets that you listed opens a huge number of doors spanning a wide variety of disciplines. I wish you the best in your learning path!
Mashiat Ricky, MLS(ASCPi)CM
Medical Laboratory Technologist
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Mashiat Ricky,’s Answer
I always like to advice, whenever researching career paths, always look into the country & state/city where you’re planning to practice and the steps it will take to get to the point of securing a professional job. This is something often overlooked, and could result in years of unexpected education and training/internships.
The previous answers offer great career options for you to consider, and in addition to those I would encourage you to look into the Health Sciences field. There are several professions under this umbrella that offer a rewarding career in the medical field: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Medical Laboratory Science. Depending on your location of practice, you will need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree first, that could include 6-12 months of internship during the final year or right after graduation, followed by passing the standard licensing board exam that certifies you as a professional in the field. For example, in the USA Laboratory Technologists are recognized for having the ASCP license, while in the U.K. all healthcare professionals are recognized by the HCPC licensure.
Career fields that require you to be licensed by a standardized organization/government generally offer a more clear pathway into the job field, as opposed to others that might require you to go through years of internships/assitantships, and/or additional educational requirements on top of your Bachelors degree in order to work yourself up to get to your desired position.
All the best on your journey, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy every moment of the ride you’re on!
The previous answers offer great career options for you to consider, and in addition to those I would encourage you to look into the Health Sciences field. There are several professions under this umbrella that offer a rewarding career in the medical field: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Medical Laboratory Science. Depending on your location of practice, you will need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree first, that could include 6-12 months of internship during the final year or right after graduation, followed by passing the standard licensing board exam that certifies you as a professional in the field. For example, in the USA Laboratory Technologists are recognized for having the ASCP license, while in the U.K. all healthcare professionals are recognized by the HCPC licensure.
Career fields that require you to be licensed by a standardized organization/government generally offer a more clear pathway into the job field, as opposed to others that might require you to go through years of internships/assitantships, and/or additional educational requirements on top of your Bachelors degree in order to work yourself up to get to your desired position.
All the best on your journey, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy every moment of the ride you’re on!