213 Life Science Professionals

Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals study living organisms and their interactions with each other and with the environment, and apply this knowledge to solving human health and environmental problems. They work in diverse fields such as botany, zoology, ecology, marine biology, genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, bacteriology and virology. Tasks include - (a) undertaking research in laboratories and in the field to increase scientific knowledge of living organisms, to discover new information, to test hypotheses, to solve problems in areas such as the environment, agriculture and health, and to develop new products, processes and techniques for pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental use; (b) designing and conducting experiments and tests; (c) gathering human, animal, insect and plant specimens and data, and studying their origin, development, chemical and physical form, structure, composition, and life and reproductive processes; (d) examining living organisms using a variety of specialized equipment, instruments, technologies and techniques such as electron microscopes, telemetry, global positioning systems, biotechnology, satellite imaging, genetic engineering, digital imaging analysis, polymerase chain reaction and computer modelling; (e) identifying, classifying, recording and monitoring living organisms and maintaining databases; (f) writing scientific papers and reports detailing research and any new findings which are then made available to the scientific community in scientific journals or at conferences for scrutiny and further debate; (g) designing and carrying out environmental impact assessments to identify changes caused by natural or human factors; (h) providing advice to governments, organizations and businesses in areas such as conservation, management of natural resources, and the effects of climate change and pollution. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Animal behaviourist - Bacteriologist - Biochemist - Biologist - Biomedical researcher - Biotechnologist - Botanist - Cell geneticist - Marine biologist - Microbiologist - Molecular biologist - Molecular geneticist - Pharmacologist - Zoologist Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Ecologist - 2133 Notes Medical research professionals who participate in biomedical research using living organisms and do not undertake clinical practice are classified in Unit Group 2131: Biologists, Botanists, Zoologists and Related Professionals. Those who also undertake clinical practice are classified in Minor Group 221: Medical Doctors.

Farming, forestry and fisheries advisers study and provide assistance and advice on farm, forestry and fisheries management, including cultivation, fertilization, harvesting, soil erosion and composition, disease prevention, nutrition, crop rotation and marketing. They develop techniques for increasing productivity, and study and develop plans and policies for land and fisheries management. Tasks include - (a) collecting and analysing data and samples related to produce, feed, soil, water quality and other factors affecting farm, forest or fishery production; (b) advising on techniques for improving the production of crops, livestock and fish, and alternative production options; (c) advising on livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and feeding programmes; (d) studying the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, animal breeding, fish stocks and the growth and health of forest trees; (e) studying the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects, diseases and fisheries practices on animal, crop, forestry and fisheries yield; (f) studying fish migration, growth, feeding and spawning, and devising methods of collecting, fertilizing, incubating and hatching fish eggs; (g) researching into characteristics, use capability and productivity of soils, and applying findings to development of improved agricultural, horticultural and forestry practices; (h) developing procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving the efficiency of production; (i) managing forest and fisheries resources to maximize their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits; (j) studying the propagation and culture of forest trees, methods for improving the growth of stock, and the effects of thinning on forest yields; (k) investigating, planning and implementing management procedures to cope with the effects of fires, floods, droughts, soil erosion, pests and diseases; (l) preparing scientific reports and conducting advisory information sessions and lectures for farming, forestry and fishing communities and other groups. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Agronomist - Fisheries adviser - Forestry adviser - Forestry scientist - Horticultural scientist - Silviculturist - Soil scientist.

Environmental protection professionals study and assess the effects on the environment of human activity such as air, water and noise pollution, soil contamination, climate change, toxic waste and depletion and degradation of natural resources. They develop plans and solutions to protect, conserve, restore, minimize and prevent further damage to the environment. Tasks include - (a) conducting research, performing tests, collecting samples, performing field and laboratory analysis to identify sources of environmental problems, and recommending ways to prevent, control and remediate the impact of such problems; (b) assessing the likely impact that potential or proposed activities, projects and developments may have on the environment, and recommending whether such developments should proceed; (c) developing and coordinating the implementation of environmental management systems to enable organizations to identify, monitor and control the impact of their activities, products and services on the environment; (d) conducting audits to evaluate the environmental impact of existing activities, processes, wastes, noises and substances; (e) assessing an organization’s compliance with government and internal environmental regulations and guidelines, identifying violations and determining appropriate remedial action; (f) providing technical advice and support services to organizations on how best to deal with environmental problems in order to reduce environmental damage and minimize financial loss; (g) developing conservation plans. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Air pollution analyst - Conservation officer - Conservation scientist - Ecologist - Environmental adviser - Environmental auditor - Environmental consultant - Environmental research scientist - Environmental scientist - Park ranger - Water quality analyst Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Environmental engineer - 2143.