Abstract

ARAMBURU, José et al. Professional pathways in Biology: an example of professionally-oriented teaching. Educ. méd. [online]. 2006, vol.9, n.4b, pp.221-228. ISSN 1575-1813.

One of the main challenges facing universities is to train professionals who possess the skills that society requires. This is difficult to achieve due to the rigidity of official curricula and the constantly changing needs of society. However, it remains one of the main goals of the Bologna process. This paper describes the experience of the professional pathways which form part of the biology degree offered by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, over a period of two academic years. Professional pathways are an essential part of the fifth year syllabus and provide students with specific training in one of the professional settings in which they may eventually work. Our experience shows that 83% of graduates are currently working in biology-related posts, while an additional 9% are engaged in postgraduate studies (non-PhD programmes). Only 3% of graduates are actively seeking employment. In summary, professional pathways may constitute a valid educational strategy for preparing biology graduates for successful professional activity in biology-related environments.

Keywords : education; entering the job market; biology; professional pathways.

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