Australian Bureau of Statistics

• Summary
• Downloads
• Explanatory Notes
• Related Information
• Past & Future Releases

UNIT GROUP 2345 LIFE SCIENTISTS

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:
In Australia and New Zealand:

Most 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).

Tasks Include:
• 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:
234511 Life Scientist (General)
234512 Anatomist or Physiologist
234513 Biochemist
234514 Biotechnologist
234515 Botanist
234516 Marine Biologist
234517 Microbiologist
234518 Zoologist
234599 Life Scientists nec

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.

Skill Level: 1

Studies the anatomy and physiology of humans.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

Embryologist
Neuroanatomist

Studies the biochemistry of living organisms and the molecular structure and function of related components.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

Enzyme Chemist
Protein Chemist

Studies the anatomy, physiology and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules, and develops new materials for applying to a range of purposes.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

Cell Geneticist
Molecular Biologist
Molecular Geneticist

Studies the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and ecology of plants.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

Plant Morphologist
Plant Pathologist
Plant Physiologist
Plant Taxonomist

Studies the anatomy, physiology, functions, characteristics, behaviour and environments of all forms of life living in the sea and connected water bodies.

Skill Level: 1

Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisation:

Bacteriologist (Non-medical)

Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour and environments of animals.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

Entomologist
Mammologist
Ornithologist

This occupation group covers Life Scientists not elsewhere classified.

Skill Level: 1

Occupations in this group include:

Animal Behaviourist
Parasitologist
Pharmacologist (Non-clinical)
Toxicologist