General Description
LIFE SCIENTISTS examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live.
Indicative Skill Level
ANZSCO Skill Level: 1
In Australia and New Zealand, the majority of occupations in this unit group have:
- A level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification.
In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
Task Information
- designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff
- studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination
- investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms
- examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes
- investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth
- planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants
- studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications
- investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories
Occupations in this group:
（1）234511 LIFE SCIENTIST (GENERAL)
Alternative Title: Biologist (General)
Studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live.
（2）234513 BIOCHEMIST
Studies the biochemistry of living organisms and the molecular structure and function of related components.
Specialisations: Enzyme Chemist、Protein Chemist
（3）234514 BIOTECHNOLOGIST
Studies the anatomy, physiology and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules, and develops new materials for applying to a range of purposes.
Specialisations: Cell Geneticist、Molecular Biologist、Molecular Geneticist
（4）234515 BOTANIST
Studies the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and ecology of plants.
Specialisations: Plant Pathologist、Plant Physiologist、Plant Taxonomist
（5）234516 MARINE BIOLOGIST
Studies the anatomy, physiology, functions, characteristics, behaviour and environments of all forms of life living in the sea and connected water bodies.
（6）234517 MICROBIOLOGIST
Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
Specialisation: Bacteriologist (Non-medical)
（7）234518 ZOOLOGIST
Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour and environments of animals.
Specialisations: Entomologist、Mammalogist、Ornithologist
（8）234599 LIFE SCIENTISTS NEC
This occupation group covers Life Scientists not elsewhere classified.
Occupations in this group include: Anatomist、Animal Behaviourist、Neuroscientist、Parasitologist、Pharmacologist (Non-clinical)、Physiologist、Toxicologist