Components Of A Successful Biologist Career: Skills Credentials Tools And Technology
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.
What Can You Do With A Bachelors In Biology
For students who have a natural inclination to pursue studies in the sciences, and specifically the field of biology, an obvious question should be considered at the start of that educational journey: what can you do with a bachelors in biology?
On the surface, the answer to that question may seem more straightforward than it actually is. When most people envision a biologist or someone working in the field of biology, more often than not they see a person in a white lab coat peering into a microscope in a room filled with beakers and glass slides.
Theyre not wrong. Spending time in laboratories conducting research and using a microscope to closely examine various specimens is a very real outcome for many professional fields that are directly linked to the study of biology. But if you dig a little deeper, you may be surprised at just how many different career paths a bachelors in biology could take you.
This misunderstanding of whats possible as a future career for students interested in the field of biology is something that biology professors have become used to dealing with.
To better understand all the possibilities that can open up by earning a bachelor of science in biology, its best to start by ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of the field itself what its about, the purposes it serves, and its position within the broader realm of science.
So What Can You Do With A Biology Degree
Biology degrees are extensive, so as you might expect, careers for biology graduates are equally as wide-ranging. Careers you could pursue with a biology degree include:
Biology careers can lead you to study living organisms to help develop biological knowledge and understanding of living processes for a number of different purposes, including treatment of disease and sustaining the natural environment.
Many biology degree graduates choose to study at postgraduate level within a specialization or related field, in order to further their expertise and help career progression, although further study often isnt necessary for many.
Read on to find out more about the selection of typical and less typical biology careers available for both undergraduates and postgraduates.
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How Do I Use My Experience To Get Better Pay
The fact that you got into a biology class is impressive already. Now, you have to show the science field that you know your stuff when it comes to biology. So, heres how to make the most of your time :
- Never miss a class. After all, you never know what day its all going to click and make sense.
- Immerse yourself in the bioscience arena. That way, youll have front-row seats to the most exciting discoveries.
- Sign up for internships. Its a great way to gain relevant experience while getting your foot in the door of a good company.
- Use the free BIO interface because its the perfect tool for networking and there are even study guides to help you pass tests.
Popular Industries Where Masters In Biology Degree
A masters in biology can offer you the chance to work in a variety of different industries. Having a clear understanding of these different industries can give you a straightforward idea of what fields you can find yourself working in after graduating. Here are some examples of popular industries where a basters in biology degree-holders work:
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Improve Your Time Management Skills
Time management is a critical skill during college, regardless of what major you choose.
Your schedule in college will look very different than it did in high school and you are more independent. Its up to you to figure out how to use your time efficiently.
Every course youre in is going to require work that cant be done the night before its due. So you really have to plan out your course. Look for the deadlines of all the different assignments and work on them ahead of time, Draft suggests.
What Should I Study If I Want To Do A Biology Degree
Most universities want to see some evidence confirming a prospective students interest in biology before accepting them on a degree course, so studying biology at school/college prior to university is a must for anyone hoping to study the subject at degree level.
Often, universities require a student to have achieved a certain standard in another science or mathematics subject, such as chemistry, physics, psychology, geography, geology or maths. Relevant work experience is also something worth pursuing for prospective biology students, not only because it may help them to decide whether there is a specific field they want to specialise in but also because it shows a willingness to go beyond school-level education to study.
For example, a student interested in studying zoology at degree level may try to obtain work experience in a veterinary surgery, a zoo, a wildlife trust or even a museum. Some universities require prospective students to pass an entrance examination too, so it is worth looking at course information and requirements in great detail before deciding which universities to apply to.
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Postsecondary Biological Science Teacher
Average National Salary: $98,710
Post-secondary or college-level, biological science teachers instruct students in various subjects relating to biological sciences. The job can vary from class to class and school to school, but in general, one needs at least a masters degree to teach at this level. Salary and wages can depend upon ones experience in the field and level of education. This is a great career to pursue for middle school or high school teachers looking to increase their wages and step into more impressive roles.
What Do Biologists Do
You might find yourself asking, What does a biologist do? There’s not just one answer in fact, there are so many things you can do with a biology degree. A bachelor of science degree in biology can help prepare you for a future that includes research, lab work, and graduate or medical school, among many other career options. While the field of biology is broad and offers many possible career outcomes, the industry as a whole is expected to increase over the ten five years and continues to be as expansive and diverse as ever.
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Is Biology A Difficult Major
One of the most common questions high school students ask is, Is biology a hard major.
College biology courses go into each topic in far more depth and cover the material far more quickly than a high school class. As noted, the way in which the material is tested can be challenging. And junior- and senior-level courses build upon the knowledge you gainedand hopefully rememberfrom introductory classes.
So college biology classes may be more difficult than your average high school class.
But, according to Draft, biology is a highly accessible subject, especially if youre really interested in it. You dont need to come into an introductory biology class with a specific knowledge base or level of talent.
The difficulty in biology lies in its complexity, says Draft.
You have to develop an intuition for the principles that underlie this seemingly endless, chaotic diversity of protein cells in life. Theres a lot of knowledge to learn, a lot of jargon, and a lot of specialized techniques. But becoming fluent, developing that intuition, just requires hard work and time, Draft says.
Is A Masters Degree In Biology Worth It
Some biology majors do go on to earn an advanced degree, including a masters, doctoral, or professional degree. Whether you need education beyond a four-year degree depends on your personal and professional aspirations.
If your dream is to work as a surgeon or in a health-related profession such as physical therapy, optometry, or dentistry, youll choose a pre-professional program that will prepare you for further study at the masters level and beyond.
You may also choose to pursue a biology masters degree for career advancement opportunities. If youre wondering, Is a masters degree in biology worth it?, consider your career and academic ambitions.
Scheduling an appointment with an academic advisor and a biology professor is also an ideal way to learn more about the curriculum and your career prospects after graduation.
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Who Can Take The Class
As interesting as bio courses are, you cant just walk into a college and sign up for a major. In fact, you have to take and pass several basic classes just to qualify. Be sure to ask your admissions counselor for more information on the prerequisites.
Meanwhile, mandatory classes usually include the following:
Keep in mind that the required classes will depend on what you plan to do with your bio degree after graduation.FUN FACT:Theres an interesting class called biostatistics that combines biology and math to determine the likelihood of certain outcomes.
What Jobs Can I Get After Biology Class
If you do a good job in class and enroll in a decent school, you should be able to land a rewarding job when you get done. Thats because most employers in the field require at least a Bachelor of Science in Biology for positions higher than an intern. But here are the jobs you can get right now:
Of course, your annual salary after taking a biology class depends on who hires you and what your job duties end up being. Also, if you continue your studies in biology to earn a Masters or Doctorate, then the numbers just keep getting bigger.
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Thinking About A Biology Major Heres What You Should Know
From evolution to zoology, biology is a fascinating subject that can take your college experienceand your future careerin many different and exciting directions.
A degree in biology can open the door to a wide range of career options. Some potential career paths are well-knownmedicine, clinical psychology, and research, for instance. But many biology-related career paths are less obvious. Biology majors may find themselves in business, law, public health, education, and even the arts.
Majoring in biology gives you critical skills youll need to succeed in any career, according to Ryan Draft, instructor of Neurobiology at Harvard Summer School and academic advisor in neuroscience at Harvard College.
Your STEM degree is going to prepare you for whatever you want to get into after graduation, says Draft. Youll have communication skills. Youll have quantitative skills. Youll develop the ability to work both independently and in a group. And youll have the ability to think critically.
Many students discover their interest in biology during a high school biology class. But even students who take AP biology may find that its a big leap into the world of college biology.
Here are a few things you should know about college biology classes and some tips for succeeding as a biology major.
From Skills To Career
Biology concentrators develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide range of careers in the sciences, health care, business, government, and education. For example, the ability to conduct investigations and perform analyses may be equally useful whether working as a college administrator, director of biomedical communications, curator of a natural history museum, or teacher. Many concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Biology graduates.
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Is College Biology Easy Or Hard To Pass
Your final grades depend on how well you understood the class material. However, certain courses are harder than others and biology is one of them. Not only are the lessons more in-depth than they are in high school but theyre also faster-paced and more challenging to the mind.
Furthermore, the college you attend will play a role in how difficult the coursework is. Thats because the bigger schools tend to have more resources. Thus, their professors have more freedom to whip up creative lesson plans.
FUN FACT:If you study hard and use resources like study groups and tutors, then passing biology in college becomes much easier.
Courses In Biology Programs
Students earning biology degrees take courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. These foundational science classes prepare learners for coursework in biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, and other subfields of biology. Bachelor’s programs in biology also include laboratory courses to train students in laboratory methods.
Biology courses prepare students for careers in biology or graduate study in subfields like microbiology, zoology, biostatistics, and other areas. While exact courses vary depending on the program, the following list provides a sample curriculum for an undergraduate biology degree.
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Careers In Forensic Science
As a forensic scientist youll be working within the legal sector, alongside police departments or law enforcement agencies, in order to test and process evidence gathered in criminal investigations. Many forensic scientists specialize in specific areas such as forensic odontology , forensic anthropology , crime scene examination and medical examiner roles .
Jump In With Both Feet
If you’ve gotten this far and still haven’t figured this one out then we recommend reading this page again. To do well in biology requires jumping in with both feet. Having one foot in and one foot out doesn’t work. At the beginning of the semester, regardless of your major, personal interests or dislikes, decide that you’re going to give biology your whole heart. Do this and you’ll do well in your biology class.
Editor and user recommended study skills resources, guides and learning tutorials that will help you learn biology and improve your study skills.
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Is Biology A Good Major
Biology may be an excellent choice for your college major, especially if you have an aptitude or strong interest in math, science, andmost importantlyin discovering and applying specialized knowledge that promotes life and human flourishing.
At Crown College, we encourage students in biology majors to examine Gods creation from a biblical perspective. Our holistic approach produces graduates of high integrity and sound ethics, who are well prepared to teach, work in the field or continue on to graduate school.
How To Study Biology
Courses in biology combine practical and theory work with a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab work. Students who choose to study biology can expect to expand their knowledge of cell theory, evolution, genetics, energy and homeostasis.
Most universities will offer degree programmes in biology and will also offer a joint degree programme with other sciences or the social sciences. Some universities will offer more specialised degrees within the biological sciences, such as zoology or ecology. Assessments will vary across exams, coursework, presentations and lab work. Students will often be required to conduct research of their own, to answer a question of their choosing generating exactly the sort of skillset that employers are seeking. This is often in a team, so students will be developing their skills in communications, delegation, research and management.
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Is A Biology Degree Worth It
In general, biology employment opportunities are available in the science, health, and technology industries as well as environmental nonprofits and government organizations.
Studying biology ensures youll gain a holistic perspective that will apply across many employment sectors. If your career goals lie in these areas, a biology degree is for sure worth it.
How To Study For Biology
Biology is usually a mandatory course at both the high school and college levels. At some point or another every student has to take it. Some students find biology challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. As with math, and a few other subjects, learning biology is a cumulative process. Before you can understand more complex biological concepts and processes, it’s essential you understand the basics. Below we’ll explore proven tips and strategies for improving your ability to study and learn biology.
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Let Them Know You Care About Them And About Being A Good Teacher
When you greet students at the door, they see that you care about them.
When your classroom is clean and organized, students see that you care about what you do.
When youre prepared seating charts, agenda, and smooth transitions from one activity to the next, theyll see that youve got your teacher act together!
Teaching is very personal . . .
So, if this doesnt sound like it will work for you, I totally understand. Maybe theres something you can take away from this plan, but in the end, you have to do what feels right to you. The success of your school year has as much or more to do with your relationship with your students as it does with how much you know about Biology or how much they like the subject.
Id love to hear your ideas about what to do on the First Day of Biology.
Finally, if you havent read my two other Back-to-School posts, you can link to them here: