How to become a life scientist
Observe the substance, function and interactions of living organisms and their environments.
What does a life scientist do?
Life scientists study the substance, function and interactions of living organisms and their environments. They conduct experiments and studies based on research objectives. They should have scientific knowledge and strong attention to detail as well as strong analytical abilities to interpret data.
Duties and tasks
- Analyse information gathered from labs, research, observation or studies and manage progress and actions to be taken.
- Conduct experiments on the chemical configurations of cells, organs and tissue.
- Design research projects and experiments to test theories or advance information on a particular subject.
- Document lab, research and observational findings into database systems, lab reports, scientific papers and theoretical reports.
- Examine the structure and functions of organs and bodily processes and tissue through dissections and microscopic analysis.
- Explore the interactions of living organisms with their environments and analyse the effects of changed environmental conditions on species.
- Observe and analyse micro-organisms as they relate to humans, animals and plant species to identify adverse causes and create beneficial functions for them.
Professional bodies
- Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia
- AusBiotech
- Australian Institute of Marine Science
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Australian Society for Microbiology
- Australasian Systematic Botany Society
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Related jobs
- Agricultural farming scientist
- Anatomist
- Biological scientist
- Biologist
- Biomedical engineer
- Botanist
- Geneticist
- Immunologist
- Marine biologist
- Marine scientist
- Medical scientist
- Microbiologist
- Pharmacist
- Zoologist
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate SCU-MAR-DEG
Undergraduate MAQ-BSC-DEG
Available majors
- Core Zone: Major in Biology
Undergraduate UNE-DSC-DIP
Discover related subjects
Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX1310
Related degrees
Undergraduate UNE-GEOL202
Related degrees
Undergraduate LTU-BCM201
Related degrees
Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX3130
Related degrees
Step up your career with these resources
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
Humans of Open Universities Australia: Meet our Content Lead, Cat
A ‘braided river’ career path, a crystal ball moment from Bill Gates, and a heartfelt letter with complete disregard for the third wall—here's Cat.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.