Donald Palmer's job involves studying, and teaching others how, the human body protects itself from infections and malfunctions, including cancer. He is especially interested in the way the immune system changes with age, and examines the surfaces of human cells using chemicals and instruments.

As a child...

Scottish Higher Qualifications: English, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics

Computer modellers use computers to help them understand how the world works and to help predict what might happen in the future. Sea ice modellers use computer software to simulate how ice freezes, melts and moves and how different things such as ocean temperature affect it. A Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Biology...

This resource aimed at 9-11 year olds, provides a video showing  Edward Jenner's work on developing a vaccine for smallpox over 200 years ago. A follow-up activity explores how modern-day scientists make sure a new vaccine works and is safe. Children use what they have learned to...

Marine biologists study organisms in the world's oceans, ranging in size and complexity from viruses to whales. They examine how these organisms interact with the environment and with each other and measure the effects of human activities and environmental changes on marine ecosystems. A Levels: Biology, Maths,...

Microbiologists study microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa. They are involved in many areas of work, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water and agriculture. A Levels: Biology, Maths, Chemistry

Geosciences, or geology, are the scientific study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the earth and its natural resources. A Levels: Biology, Geology, Chemistry

An ecologist is a biologist who studies the relationship between organisms and their environment. A Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Maths

A Volcanologist studies the impact of volcanoes on the atmosphere and our planet as a whole. Volcanologists often work to try to understand how to better predict eruptions and minimise the effects on people arising from them. They may use computer modelling or satellite imagery and often work on or around volcanoes...