Career options for Molecular Biology at Murdoch University

Our Degrees are changing.

In 2014, Part I (first year) units will be introduced with Part II (second year and higher) units becoming available in subsequent years. Detailed information about Part II will be available here from mid-2014.

Find out more about our new degrees, or to get in touch and ask us what this means for you head to AskMurdoch. Continuing students can still access information for degrees commencing 2013 and prior in the Course Handbook.

Career options

The expansion of our knowledge in molecular genetics has taken genetic engineering out of the realm of science fiction and made it a reality. As a Murdoch graduate in Biotechnology or Molecular Biology, your employment outlook is brilliant, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.

Philosophers / Applied Ethics

Philosophers and Applied Ethicists research and debate on issues related to public ethics. These include ethical issues in Criminal Justice, Business, Environment, IT and Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Welfare, Political Violence and State Sovereignty. They work closely with other scientists and specialists in these fields to develop not just philosophical understandings to issues and solutions, but also practical applications to those in real life situations.

Forensic Biologist

Forensic Biologists investigate crimes by collecting and analysing physical evidence. Often, they specialise in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or on substances such as fibre, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation. Proper collection and storage methods are important to protect the evidence. They also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used, and they may provide information and expert opinion to investigators. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians often give testimony, as expert witnesses, on specific laboratory findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other evidence collected at the scene of a crime.

Biophysicist

Biophysicists apply the laws of physics to biology. A Biophysicist may develop and apply models and experimental techniques derived from physics e.g. electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to systems such as tissues or organs to benefit neuroscience or cardiology or muscle function.