The ‘teaching toolbox’ life science schools should offer students

09 May 2019

Last month, vast advancements were made in the global life sciences field.

From the rise of gene therapy and its paradigm-changing technology to the world’s first AI-powered PCR platform being launched by Thermo Fisher Scientific, there has been a multitude of recent scientific revelations.

If you’re aspiring to be a life scientist and you want to make a real-world impact with your solutions, you must first take into account what skills employers seek in today’s graduates.

According to Silicon Republic, “For candidates who want to work in the life sciences sector, it seems the overriding trait you need to demonstrate is a passion for the work you will be doing because patients are at the forefront of every company in this industry.”

What drives your passion for life sciences? Source: Christian Fregnan/ Unsplash

So when you’re selecting a school to dedicate your life sciences talent towards, ensure that it is driven by student passion, innovation and direction.

Passion

When you look around on open days or speak to faculty members over the phone, do they sound passionate about what they’re doing?

Are they telling you about the latest successful projects happening at the school or upcoming events you should participate in if you have the chance?

If not, question the levels of passion taking place and review how invested they are in your personal aims and goals.

By homing in on your academic preferences and learning style, future success and fulfilment is likely to come with ease.

Congrats to Brandon Favre, graduating with his Master of Science in molecular biology! Doing ‘cool’ science in high school biology class sparked his passion for the life sciences. Now, he’s making a career out of it. Way to go, Brandon! https://t.co/H2GABzE2Rf pic.twitter.com/Wk4KWYrFlq

— ASU Life Sciences (@asuSOLS) April 17, 2019

Innovation

Does your future life sciences school have entrepreneurial initiatives set up to inspire and influence students?

Thriving in a culture of innovation will work wonders for your academic progress and career.

Giving life to the next big idea from students also benefits the greater good.

If your life science school understands that innovation isn’t restricted to age or experience, you can be sure it’s a school worth working alongside.

You also need professors who push you to achieve your full potential. Without mentors leading you towards a bright future, you may fall behind in the continuous pool of life sciences graduates.

.@HHMIJanelia is looking for the next big idea in the life sciences. Pre-proposals are due in one month, but you can apply even if your idea is not fully developed. https://t.co/g4WYCtrdUa pic.twitter.com/bfzS5YkfYO

— HHMI NEWS (@HHMINEWS) May 3, 2019

Direction

Where will your life sciences degree take you?

Does the school outline career progression or expected job roles from the degree?

A great school will be aware of student direction and where certain life sciences disciplines could lead.

You should also outline what you wish to gain from your higher education experience and why you want to get to that level.

The UK’s life sciences sector is a thriving hub of research and innovation but with a loss of access to international talent, the vitality of the sector is at stake, writes @dodsmonitoring‘s Nabil Rastani. https://t.co/0NDwDT7AJK

— PoliticsHome – Central Lobby (@CentralLobby) May 3, 2019

So, if it’s clear that the school’s teaching toolbox contains drive, innovation and direction, you’re set to secure an education in the life sciences field!