Immunologist | Career Planet

OFO No:

What is an Immunologist?

Does developing a therapy or cure to improve the quality of life of someone suffering from a disease interest you?

If you said YES, why not follow a career in Immunology?

An Immunologist is a research scientist or specialist who studies the functions of the body’s immune system. They study harmful organisms like viruses or bacteria or parasites that get into the body. With this knowledge they try to find treatments and cures for diseases, disorders and ailments.

An Immunologist has to know exactly how the body cells work in order to try and find a ‘trigger’ to treat, fix or to stop the disease getting any worse.

Immunologists can work and specialise in many different fields:

Universities: Research and or lecturing
SA Health Department: Research
Pharmaceutical companies: Research and finding cures/treatments
Biotechnical industries: Research to develop new products and improve old ones
Veterinary science: Improving the healthcare etc of animals

What does an Immunologist do?

conducts research
diagnoses infections
treats and prevents infections
works in a lab or in a private surgery
conducts experiments
writes reports
documents and captures data on a computer
uses very technical, up to date equipment
attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

scientifically minded?
curious?
patient?
methodical and organised?
empathic?
analytical?
self-motivated?

How do I become an Immunologist?

It takes a long time to become a fully qualified Immunologist!

To start, you will need a BSc degree in Biotechnology/Microbiology/Molecular and Cell Biology.

Most universities in South Africa offer a BSc degree. Check with the university closest to you for their programme and minimum requirements.

Once you have your BSc you can get a post graduate (honours) degree or PhD in a medical or life science subject, for example:

biology
biochemistry
physics
engineering
genetics
microbiology
immunology

TRAINING:

CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.