Complete the sentences with one of the words given in brackets

1. Most biochemists are graduates with a degree in biochemistry or ______ (physics, chemistry, philology).

2. If you can get some work experience in a lab while studying for your ______ this is also really useful. (credit, degree, diploma)

3. To work as a ________ you need a degree in a subject such as biotechnology, bioscience, microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering or a related biological science. (biotechnologist, ecologist, forensic scientist).

4. This is a highly competitive graduate entry profession - _______. The most relevant degrees are biology, chemistry, biochemistry, crop and soil science, materials science, pharmacology and physiology. (Food scientist, forensic scientist, horticulturist)

5. _________ have particular expertise in the management and maintenance of landscape materials, both hard and soft, based on established principles of construction, horticulture and ecology.(landscape managers, marine scientists, biomedical engineers).

6. ______________ may be able to get into laboratory work without formal academic qualifications. (assistant laboratory technicians, environmental economicts, commercial horticulturists).

7. For most jobs ________ need a degree, preferably in a subject such as ecology, geography or environmental conservation. This is a very competitive field, so you also need some good practical skills. (countryside conservation officers, environmental engineers, biotechnologists).

In this exercise you will see different qualities and skills that are necessary when applying for the job you are willing to get. You must decide which job is being referred to in each case. Choose the job from following list. Each job is referred to once only. Be careful because some of the jobs you are looking for require similar qualities and skills from applicants.

Biochemist Biotechnologist

Professional engineer Landscape architect

Countryside conservation officer Forensic scientist

Horticultural scientist Clinical or bio-engineer

1 You need all the skills of a good scientist. You must be a good problem solver and be able to think creatively. You need to pay great attention to detail, follow procedures carefully and be highly observant. You should be practical with reasonable IT skills. You must be able to work as part of a team, or capable of working on your own. 2 In whatever discipline you choose to specialise, you require excellent problem solving, scientific and technical skills. You need to be imaginative in finding solutions to difficulties and they need to have a rigorous and thorough approach to research and testing. You also need good team-work skills and good project management and human resource management skills. Working at technician or more junior levels, you may need good numeracy skills and good manual dexterity.
3 These vary according to your particular responsibilities and tasks, but a love of the countryside is always essential. Interest in geography, botany and zoology may be important. You should be good at keeping records and measuring scientific data of various kinds. You should be prepared to work outside, but also be able to communicate effectively at meetings or in an educative role. 4 A real enthusiasm for plants and an interest in how to provide the ideal conditions for growing them is essential. You have to be prepared to work in all weathers, to be patient when awaiting the results of your work, and you should be observant – quick to note changes or potential problems. Good commercial and marketing awareness is often useful. You should be able to work as part of a team, as well as feeling comfortable working on your own.
5 You must have an enquiring and logical mind. You should be patient and able to pay attention to really small details. You should have good scientific skills and knowledge and you must be persistent. Excellent written and oral communication skills are also vital.   6 An enquiring mind and an interest in biology and chemistry are essential. You need to be a good, imaginative problem solver, but also highly meticulous and accurate in the way you work. Good IT and writing skills are also important. You have to be able to work well as part of a team, but also be good at working on your own without supervision.
7 You need creativity, imagination, a practical outlook, interest in the landscape and an enthusiasm for working outdoors. Those in management require good organisational and interpersonal skills, consistent application and a practical outlook. Scientists need enthusiasm for the subject, technical commitment and good communication skills. 8 You design equipment for monitoring, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation or research. You may design laser equipment or electronic aids for patients with disabilities. You examine the mechanics of the human body to see how to replicate the functions of particular organs or systems. You develop a detailed knowledge of materials and of engineering processes and apply this technical knowledge in a medical environment.

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