Life Science
This broad skill represents a character’s training in the life sciences. Skill checks involving this skill are made the same as Knowledge skill checks.
Some of the specialties under this broad skill can be used as complementary skills to knowledge-first aid. And medical science specialty skills at GM discretion.
For example, a character has the Medical Science-Surgery and Life Science-Genetics skills. If the character is treating a genetic-related condition, the character can receive a bonus depending on his Life Science-Genetics skill level.
Psionics
This specialty skill represents the scientific study of the biological and biochemical nature of psionic abilities.
Rank Benefits
⊗ Rank 3, 6, 9, 12 [Increased Effect] A character receives a -1 bonus at rank 3, -2 at rank 6, -3 at rank 9, and -4 at rank 12 on certain other skill checks that can be assisted by this specialty. These skills include Telepathy—drain, Bio-Kinesis—bioluminescent, and Bio-Kinesis—bioweapon.
Biology
This specialty skill represents the character’s knowledge of biology and the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
It can be used to ascertain information about the biochemical processes of living beings.
Rank Benefits
⊗ Increased Effect: A character receives a -1 bonus at rank 3, -2 at rank 6, -3 at rank 9, and -4 at rank 12 on certain other skill checks that can be assisted by this specialty.
Botany
This specialty skill represents the character’s knowledge of plants and the study of plant life, from the smallest mosses to the giant trees of a rainforest.
It can be used to identify, classify, and understand plants. It can also be used to determine the properties of plants, such as whether they are poisonous or medicinal.
Rank Benefits
⊗ Rank 3, 6, 9, 12 [Increased Effect] As a character achieves higher ranks in this specialty, they become more efficient at studying plants. They receive a -1 step bonus to botany checks at rank 3, -2 at rank 6, -3 at rank 9, and -4 at rank 12.
Genetics
Genetics is the study of heredity and genes, forming the basis of genetic engineering and cloning.
Rank Benefits
⊗ Rank 3, 6, 9, 12 [Increased Effect] A character receives a -1 bonus at rank 3, -2 at rank 6, -3 at rank 9, and -4 at rank 12 on certain other skill checks that can be assisted by this specialty. These skills include Medical Science—treatment, Forensic Science, and certain Bio-Kinesis or Mutation checks.
Zoology
Zoology is the study of animals and animal life, of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin.
Rank Benefits
⊗ Rank 3, 6, 9, 12 [Increased Effect] A character receives a -1 bonus at rank 3, -2 at rank 6, -3 at rank 9, and -4 at rank 12 on certain other skill checks that can be assisted by this specialty. These skills include Animal Handling (with alien creatures), Medical Science—xenomedicine, and Survival (in alien environments).