Grade 9 career guidance | Choosing Life Sciences in High School

James Messian, Life Sciences Teacher at Abbotts College Centurion • August 21, 2019

One of the most interesting subjects in high school

Life Sciences or biological sciences comprise the branches of science that involve the scientific study of life and organisms such as microorganisms , plants , and animals including human beings.

Life Sciences is one of the two major branches of Natural Science , the other being Physical Science , which is concerned with non-living matter.

Some life sciences focus on a specific type of organism. For example, Zoology is the study of animals , while Botany is the study of plants. Other life sciences focus on aspects common to all or many life forms, such as anatomy and genetics. Some focus on the micro scale (e.g. molecular biology , biochemistry ) and other on larger scales (e.g. cytology , immunology , ethology , ecology ). Another major branch of life sciences involves understanding the mind i.e. neuroscience.

Discoveries made in Life Sciences are helpful in improving the quality and standard of life and can be applied to health, agriculture, medicine as well as the pharmaceutical and food science industries.

In the Grade 12 syllabus, Abbotts covers a section on genetics and the study of DNA. Genetics is a branch of biology concerned with the study of genes , genetic variation , and heredity in organisms.

Though heredity had been observed for millennia, Gregor Mendel , a scientist and Augustinian friar working in the 19th century, was the first to study genetics scientifically. Mendel studied "trait inheritance", patterns in the way traits are handed down from parents to offspring. He observed that organisms (pea plants) inherit traits by way of discreet "units of inheritance". This term, still used today, is a somewhat ambiguous definition of what is now referred to as a “gene” and therefore the term “genetics”.

As complicated as what it sounds, genetics is the section that most teachers are passionate about. There is such a sense of gratification when learners ask questions about why they have certain characteristics from their mom or dad and, once you go through the content with them, the light bulb switches on. As a teacher, it’s remarkable to witness says James Messian, Life Sciences Teacher at Abbotts College Centurion.

The study of the Life Sciences gives important insight into disease processes and allows the development of novel therapeutic and innovative medical devices, thereby directly improving human health. Life Sciences also enables an understanding of the environment and the other living species with which we share the earth. This knowledge guides conservation efforts and helps us to save our shared planet.

Life Sciences empowers us to answer fundamental questions about ourselves: Where did we come from? What are we made of? What is the basis for the miracle of our existence? What is our place in the natural world, in the tree of life? Life Sciences reveals the truth of our existence and shines a light on our real identities, so that we discover our true reality.

If you take Biology or Life Sciences as one of your subjects, it can open a lot of opportunities. It is a multi-discipline field that requires you, as a student, to learn, apply, evaluate and to do practical work.

While many people view Life Science as one of the hardest, and the most boring subjects, it is really one of the most interesting.

Important ways to help one master this subject are:

·to listen carefully in class

·immediately review what has been taught

·keep reading.

One thing that learners need to remember is that after mastering the subject, there are plenty of career opportunities available to them.

Those who are interested in the field of Biology can either decide to become social or medical researchers or go the industry route. This is vast, and includes tourism, conservation, agriculture, journalism, veterinary science, environmental law, biotechnology, biochemistry and medicine.

Students who choose this subject must prepare themselves for a lot of work.

There is lots to learn, meaning that the workload may seem overwhelming at times, but they need to know how to apply knowledge as well as how to evaluate and understand it. Here’s a handy summary of the different jobs you will find in the Life Sciences sector:

Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical scientists examine medical samples, for example, blood and tissue, thereby helping doctors to diagnose and treat diseases. They use their knowledge and test results to advise and support doctors and other medical staff. Biomedical scientists need in-depth knowledge of areas such as pathology, anatomy and physiology.

Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists combine Biology, the science of living things, with technology. They research and develop the use of Biology to solve problems in areas such as health care, the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, agriculture, food production and environmental protection

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemistry of life. They investigate life's processes at the level of molecules, using their knowledge to identify and solve biological problems. They research and develop new products and processes to benefit a wide range of areas, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and agriculture.

Computational Biologist

Computational biology involves the development and application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modelling and computational simulation techniques to the study of biological, behavioural, and social systems. The field is broadly defined and includes foundations in computer science, applied mathematics, animation, statistics, biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, ecology, evolution, anatomy, neuroscience, and visualization

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study the biology and chemistry of microbes. They apply their knowledge to solve problems in areas like agriculture, food production, the water industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals, and to manage and protect the environment.

Clinical Research Associate

Clinical research associates organise and run trials to test the safety of new medicines and to see if they work efficiently. They choose and set up sites where tests take place, supervise trials and monitor the quality of data from the trials.

Industrial Pharmacist

Industrial pharmacists are involved in the discovery and development of safe, effective drugs and medicines. They can work at any stage of the process, including research, development, clinical trials, overseeing production, quality testing, marketing and applying to have the drug legally registered.

Research Assistant

A research assistant is a researcher employed, often on a temporary contract, by a university or a research institute, for the purpose of assisting in academic research. Research assistants are not independent and not directly responsible for the outcome of the research and are responsible to a supervisor or principal investigator. Research assistants are often educated to degree level and might be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program and teach at the same time.

Bioinformatician

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data. As an interdisciplinary field of science, bioinformatics combines computer science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering to study and process biological data.

BALANCING SCREEN TIME AND SCHOOL WORK: A GUIDE FOR TEENS AND PARENTS

February 17, 2025
In today's fast-paced digital world, screens have become an integral part of everyday life, especially for high school students. With technology now deeply embedded in education, communication, and entertainment, it is easy to overlook the potential consequences of excessive screen time. For adolescents, screens serve a crucial role in learning, as many educational tools and resources are available online. However, the same devices that support them on their educational journey also contribute to recreational screen time, such as social media, gaming, and streaming services, which can easily become distractions. As a psychologist and school counsellor, I often engage with students and parents who struggle to find a healthy balance between screen use and academic responsibilities. With the increasing reliance on technology for learning, the challenge of managing screen time has grown. The Impact of Excessive Screen Time Excessive screen use can have far-reaching consequences, affecting students' cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and physical health. Academic Performance- Studies indicate that students spending more than four hours per day on non-educational screen activities tend to have lower grades. The lure of social media, gaming, and video streaming often leads to procrastination and multitasking, reducing focus and productivity. Many students attempt to complete homework while texting or watching videos, which decreases cognitive efficiency and retention of information. Mental Health Challenges- The connection between excessive screen time and mental health struggles is well-documented. A 2020 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers who spend significant time on social media are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. The pressure to maintain an ideal online persona, cyberbullying, and constant social comparison can contribute to lower self-esteem and heightened stress levels. Additionally, blue light exposure from screens can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Physical Health Concerns- Beyond academic and emotional consequences, excessive screen time is also linked to sedentary behaviour, contributing to obesity, poor posture, and eye strain. Prolonged screen use can cause headaches, back pain, and digital eye strain, negatively affecting overall well-being. Establishing screen-free periods and incorporating physical activity into daily routines is therefore essential for counteracting these risks. The Role of Parents in Supporting Healthy Screen Habits Parents play a crucial role in helping their children develop balanced screen habits. Open communication and a supportive environment can encourage teens to make mindful choices about their screen use. Rather than imposing strict rules, collaborative discussions about the impact of screen time and its management foster better cooperation. Encouraging offline activities such as sports, reading, or creative hobbies can help students cultivate interests beyond screens. Parents can also set a positive example by managing their own screen use and prioritising family activities that do not involve digital devices. Here are some practical strategies for managing screen time: Create Screen-Free Zones and Times : Designating areas where screen use is restricted, such as bedrooms at night or the family dining table, promotes healthier habits. Implementing a no-screen rule at least an hour before bedtime can significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Utilise Technology for Learning: Not all screen time is detrimental. Encouraging the use of digital tools for educational purposes, such as online courses (e.g., Khan Academy, Coursera) and research platforms, helps foster a love for learning beyond the classroom while keeping screen time purposeful. Model Healthy Technology Use: Children often mimic their parents' behaviours, making it essential for adults to demonstrate balanced screen habits. Engaging in outdoor activities, reading, and family discussions instead of excessive screen time help reinforce positive behaviour in teens. Striking the Right Balance  Screens are an unavoidable part of modern life, but finding a healthy balance is essential for academic success and overall well-being. By setting boundaries, fostering open discussions, and promoting alternative activities, parents and educators can help students navigate the digital world responsibly. When teens develop self-regulation skills and prioritise their responsibilities over distractions, they are better equipped to succeed in school and maintain their mental and physical health. Encouraging balance does not mean eliminating screens altogether, but rather using them mindfully to enhance learning and personal development.

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In the wake of the mid-year exams, there is much that parents and students can learn from their results, which should be used to consider the way forward, an education expert says. “I was fortunate to have one child who was very diligent as a scholar, starting to study way ahead of the exams, even from the lower grades, using her midterm break to study year after year. She never had to be asked to go and study and her study breaks were actual breaks from studying,” says Mignonne Gerli, Principal: Abbotts College Pretoria East. “This was not true for all my children. Another of my children thought that studying the day before the exam would do just fine. I remember always catching this child on a study break or as she had just finished studying. I can confidently say that I never, in five years, caught her studying. You can imagine the fights and stress (felt by me) during this time.” As parents, we know how important it is to achieve good results at school. Prior to Grade 11 and 12, students already need to have developed a mature and diligent work ethic. “We know which doors can be opened and which firmly shut, based on your school results,” says Gerli. “For this reason, we fight the good fight which means that exam periods can be extremely stressful and highly unpleasant in many households. We try various methods to cajole our less than diligent children to put effort into their studies and in some cases loathe the day that the reports are published.” Whether exam time is a breeze for you as a parent, with your model child, or absolute hell, with your sweet/funny/kind but less committed child, the end of the exams and results need to be reflected upon. And for those who suffered through the past exams, it is time to come up with different strategies for the next set of exams. “Reflection for those who appear to prepare well for exams, will take the form of considering whether their study methods were effective or if they need help with the way in which they study.” “During these exams, I watched my one granddaughter study. “Not once did I catch her on a break on the days she was with us. What I also noticed was that she studies by copying out the textbook, not something that can be remedied when she is shoulder deep into the exams. This is not an effective way to study and she will definitely need to be taught better study methods in preparation for her next exams.” What have you as a parent noticed about your child’s study methods? Can you assist or will you need a professional to help with better study methods? “Students who achieved excellent results for their exams can reflect on why they did so well and how they can build on this going forward. “The students who put little to no effort into their preparation for the exams, will need guidance and assistance from their parents to try remedy their approach to their work. There needs to be an open, calm discussion about why they did not study for the exams and what would motivate them to study and put effort into their preparation for their next exam session.” Approaches could include: Negative consequences for poor effort, such as having their phones taken away for a period of time, grounding them or taking away certain privileges. Offering a reward for effort, this may be in the form of a cash incentive for improved results or achieving a certain mark per subject, it could be purchasing them something they would like, it could be additional privileges. Reasoning with them, explaining the importance of developing a mature work ethic and achieving good results. This is something teenagers struggle to fully comprehend so some true-life examples of success and failure of family members and friends, when it comes to financial and career success, may be useful here. Go through university courses they may be interested in with them and show them what is required to qualify for the courses. I have found that many teenagers have no idea what is required to gain access to a career they wish to pursue. A reality check is sometimes all they need. Help them think about their future and what they want to achieve in life. It needs to be concrete as having a goal is a great motivator for hard work. Usually, it is the students who have no real vision for their future and what they would like to achieve who struggle to motivate themselves to study. They simply don’t get why it’s important and of value.  “Exam time can be very stressful, but taking some time to consider how to make the next exam session less so, and working towards establishing a positive trajectory, can make all the difference for the future,” says Gerli.

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