The optimization of biological production processes, such as in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, is also done on the basis of models. This is why it is important to include some Theoretical Biology courses in any biological training programme. A specialisation in Theoretical Biology is a choice for generalism, as a complement to specialised training programs. Scientific progress requires advanced forms of specialisation, but this comes with the handicap that it becomes progressively more difficult to learn from other specialisations. This is why modern research is multi-disciplinary, where specialists collaborate with generalists, who coordinate activities and promote exchange among specialists.
Fruitful exchange is only possible if shared knowledge is substantial.
Specialists in theoretical biology are well trained for the task to transfer specialised knowledge from one specialisation to another. Their own expertise on applied mathematics and methodology allows theoretical biologists to help specialists in the evaluation of their results. The types of jobs for persons with a training in theoretical biology directly relate to their function in research, as indicated above. Because of the general background, the training is also very suitable for teaching in high schools, universities and other education institutions that prepare for jobs in research.