What makes a biologist

Marine biologists study marine populations and physiology, working off boats, at oceanography centers, at aquariums, and at a variety of coastal sites. Biochemists spend most of their day in a laboratory analyzing tissue samples and designing and carrying out research projects to test new hypotheses. Agricultural scientists analyze crop yields produced from different soils, fertilizers, or chemicals. Biologists study life to uncover its secrets and to find ways to solve problems, such as finding a cure for a disease.

Biologists generally love what they do. Many put in long hours, compelled by their dedication to work beyond the requirements of their job. Relationships with colleagues can be intense and often are substitutes for average social interaction. From botany to zoology, biologists are engaged in a demanding and creative scientific endeavor. Those who wish to direct the research functions must obtain a Ph.

Biologists at these organizations conduct practical research on existing biological compounds. Pharmaceutical companies employ the next largest block of biologists in their research labs. Certification is available from certain professional organizations, but it is not required.

Biologists are primarily technicians, operating equipment, conducting tests, and recording data for more senior researchers. They spend significant time performing routine tasks regardless of their experience prior to hire. The hours can be long, and most time is spent in the lab. A number of aspiring researchers ally themselves with more experienced and well-known researchers in order to put themselves in a position to become future researchers in their field of interest.

Field work arrives and satisfaction generally increases. His job is to study different areas, close or far apart, and the different types of living things in each one.

He looks to see how the organisms in each area are similar or different, and why. The weather also has an effect on the organisms living in an area. Finally, a bioclimatologist looks at the weather measurements from above the seawater where the samples were taken.

A bioclimatologist studies how climate affects living things. The weather in each area where they collected their data could affect how the coral reef grows. Want to learn the real story behind the problems we are seeing in coral reefs? Check out our podcast, Mystery of the Dying Coral Reefs. Of course, there are many other types of biologists. If you take a moment to think about your favorite living thing, there is probably a field of biology to study it.

Each biologist has a special job, just like each animal, plant, or other organism they find has an important job in the ecosystem being studied. While a research group may focus on one particular living thing within an ecosystem, understanding the other parts of the ecosystem are just as important.

Biologists work together to look at the big picture of how living things survive on their own, and how they work together in a larger system. Additional images via Wikimedia Commons.

Patrick McGurrin. What's a Biologist?. This young biologist is using a bathyscope to see underwater. A Visit to NSF. Young Women in Science Part 1. By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Digging Deeper. Digging Deeper: Depression and the Past. Digging Deeper: Germs and Disease. Digging Deeper: Milk and Immunity. How Do We See? How Do We Sense Smell? How Do We Sense Taste? How Do We Sense Touch? What is Evolutionary Medicine? Successful careers in biology start with building necessary skills and knowledge. Biologists rely on several key skills, including observational skills and a detail-oriented outlook.

Microbiologists closely monitor experiments, while wildlife biologists observe animals to record changes. Jobs in biology also require strong communication and interpersonal skills, since many biologists work on research teams and communicate their findings to non-scientists.

Biology programs train students in biological theory and applied biology. Biology majors learn about the tools and technologies used in the field. Students also gain hands-on training through internships and laboratory coursework. After earning a biology degree, biologists can pursue professional certifications to focus their skills. For example, clinical microbiologists, pharmaceutical biologists, and biologists who work in food safety can pursue certifications.

Biologists can also stay current in their field by joining professional organizations. Professional organizations help biology students transition into careers in biology, including as a microbiologist, molecular biologist, or cell biologist. These organizations host meetings and events for biologists to network, publish research in the field to keep professionals current, and provide career development resources.

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Career Basics. Career In-Depth. Step 1. Earning a bachelor's degree in biology is the first step toward becoming a biologist. Career paths like microbiologist and wildlife biologist require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.

Biology technicians also need a bachelor's degree. Majoring in biology or a related field prepares graduates for careers in biology. During a bachelor's degree in biology, learners study a variety of biological sciences, including genetics, molecular biology, zoology, and biochemistry. Many biology degrees also incorporate labs or internship opportunities to build career-ready skills.

Step 2. Within the broad field of biology, scientists focus their career with a specialty. Biologists specialize in areas like cell biology, bacteriology, marine biology, and immunology. By finding a specialty, biologists prepare for focused career paths after graduation. Many biology degrees let students specialize their training through their major, concentration, or electives. For example, some colleges offer majors in microbiology or zoology. In addition, biologists specialize their skills by pursuing internships, laboratory experience, or work experience within their focus area.

Step 3. Biology internships build the practical experience required for careers in biology. Biology interns work in laboratory settings as research assistants, in zoos as wildlife biology interns, and in offices assisting experienced biologists. Internships offer career-focused training for biologists. Many biology programs incorporate internship opportunities for undergraduates. Biology students can find a summer internship or identify internship opportunities through their school.