Biology is the study of life and different ecosystems. A biologist is a scientist who specializes in this field. Biologists spend their time researching and understanding the mechanics behind living and dead organisms, while also looking at how they interact with the ecosystem. Understanding the duties and career path to become a biologist can help you achieve your career goals. In this article, we discuss what a biologist is and the steps you can take to become one. What does a biologist do?
A biologist studies organisms and their interactions with their environment. Biology is a broad field of study, so biologists often specialize in specific areas, such as marine biology or microbiology. They may develop a basic understanding of biology before pursuing their major. Biologists are very interested in understanding how living systems work. Here are some of the responsibilities of a biologist:
Research in the anatomy, biochemistry and physiology of living organisms
Investigate how these organisms interact with their environment
Investigate environmental effects on plants and animals
Develop and test hypotheses
Collect samples of organisms for research
Use lab equipment such as a microscope
Record data and report on findings
Contribute peer-reviewed research articles for educational purposes, reports, scientific magazines and dissertations
Types of biologist jobs
A biology degree is a great foundation for many post-graduate degrees. If you're thinking about becoming a biologist, these are the areas you could work in and types of jobs you could do:
Environmental science
A biology degree provides an excellent background for work in the field of environmental science. Environmental scientists study the environment to expand environmental knowledge and develop plans and strategies for protecting its elements, such as its water, air, flora and fauna. Some examples of environmental science jobs you can do with a biology degree are:
Environmental scientist
Environmental consultant
Ecologist
Fisheries biologist
Medical research
Medical researchers investigate diseases and subsequent treatments through experiments and studies. Biologists who wish to enter this field usually require a Ph.D. Some examples of medical research jobs you can do as a biologist are:
Clinical research associate
Histology scientist
Medical scientist
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms. Choosing specific units in your science degree can allow you to specialize in the field. Most roles in microbiology require graduate training. Here are some examples of microbiology work you can do as a biologist:
Microbiologist
Microbiology lab technician
Nurse
If you are organized active and interested in helping people, nursing could be the perfect field for you to put your biology knowledge to good use. After graduating with a biology major, you can apply for a graduate entry master's program and then get a license.
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How to become a biologist
To become a biologist, you can undertake study and training. Most jobs require postgraduate studies. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a biologist:
1. Obtain an undergraduate degree
The first step to becoming a biologist is to obtain a degree in science. This may be a Bachelor of Science majoring in biology, which takes approximate three to four years to complete when studying full time.
Each university course may different slightly in content. Some basics they can cover are ecology, genetics, cellular biology and biochemistry. Some courses offer practical research projects. This is a great way to determine which speciality you enjoy and want to pursue.
2. Obtain a postgraduate degree
Many universities offer a master's degree after you have completed your undergraduate studies. This can be a more focused and specialized course of study. A master's degree usually takes around one to two years to complete when studying full-time.
There can be a larger focus on practical research during this phase of study. You can also learn more specialized knowledge. This can give you a good base understanding of biology and give you pathways to enter the workforce. A master's degree typically requires a thesis for completion.
3. Obtain a Ph.D.
Optionally, the final point of study is to gain a Ph.D. If you want to conduct your own research in the field of biology, you can earn a Ph.D. A doctoral degree focuses on individual research, which you choose. A Ph.D. typically takes around three years to complete when studying full time.
Most universities can award doctoral degree students the experience of becoming teaching assistants. This is a great way to learn about leadership and gives you practical experience.
4. Practical training
Practical experience is the best way to begin a career as a biologist. An internship is a great way to gain this experience. Through an internship, you can learn on the job and make contacts in the industry. Internships may be paid or unpaid roles depending on the institution.
At university, you may have the opportunity to work as a laboratory technician. You can learn how laboratories work and how to use all the equipment. This is a great skill to add to your resume because knowing how to use this equipment is necessary to become a biologist. You may also find opportunities to work as a research assistant. This can prove invaluable if you decide to earn a Ph.D. A research assistant role can teach you skills like how to collect evidence, conduct testing and collate data, which are important for biologists
How to become a biologist
To become a biologist you can do research and training. Most jobs require a higher level of education. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a biologist:
1. Get a college degree
The first step to becoming a biologist is to get a science degree. This can be a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, which takes about three to four years to complete when studying full-time.
Each college course may vary slightly in content. Some of the bases they might cover are ecology, genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry. Some courses offer hands-on research projects. It's a great way to identify a specialty you're interested in and want to pursue.
2. Earn a Postgraduate Degree
Many universities offer a master's degree after completing your undergraduate degree. It can be a more focused and specialized program of study. A master's degree usually takes about one to two years to complete when studying full-time.
More focus could be on actual research during this research period. You can also acquire more specialized knowledge
It can give you a good basic understanding of biology and provide you with pathways into the job market. A master's degree usually requires a thesis to complete.
3. Obtaining a Ph.D.
Optional, the end point of study is obtaining a ph. If you want to do your own research in the field of biology, you can get a ph. A doctoral degree focuses on individual research, of your choice. A Ph.D. usually takes about three years to complete full-time studies.
Most universities can provide graduate students with teaching assistant experience. It's a great way to learn about leadership and gives you real-world experience.
4. Practical training
Real experience is the best way to start a career as a biologist
Internships are a great way to gain this experience. Through an internship, you can learn about the job and make industry connections. Internships can be paid or unpaid depending on the institution.
At university, you may have the opportunity to work as a laboratory technician. You can learn how the labs work and how to use all the equipment. This is a great skill to add to your resume as knowing how to use this equipment is essential to becoming a biologist. You can also find job opportunities as a research assistant. This can prove to be invaluable if you decide to pursue a ph. A research assistant role can teach you skills like gathering evidence, performing tests, and collecting data, skills that are important to biologists.
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