|
|
|
|
|
|
Biological Science as a Career
Learn about a career in Biological Science.
What is a Biological Scientist?
Biological scientists study living organisms. Most specialize in some area of biology such as zoology (the study of animals), botany (the study of plants), or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms).
What do Biological Scientists Do?
Biological scientists are sometimes classified by the type of organism they study or the specific activity they may perform. Some of the specialty areas are:
- Aquatic biologists study plants and animals living in water.
- Limnologists study the physical, chemical, meterological, and biological conditions of fresh water organisms.
- Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things by trying to understand the reactions involved in life processes, reproduction, growth, and heredity.
- Botanists study the identification and classification of plant life, the structure and function of plant parts, the biochemistry of plant processes, or the causes and cures of plant diseases.
- Microbiologists study the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi.
- Marine biologists study salt water organisms.
- Zoologists study the origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes of animals. Some experiment with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings. Others dissect dead animals to study their structure.
- Physiologists study life functions of plants and animals, and their cellular or molecular level under normal and abnormal conditions. They may specialize in functions such as growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, or movement.
- Medical microbiologists study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effect of antibiotics on microorganisms. Specialty areas include environmental, food, agricultural or industrial microbiology, virology (the study of viruses), or immunology (the study of mechanisms that fight infections).
- Ecologists study the relationship of organisms and their environments, and the effects of population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude.
- Entomologists study insects, their habits, and habitats. They may look for insects that prey on other insects in an effort to reduce the use of chemical pesticides.
- Taxonomists identify species of animals or plants to determine community composition.
Where do Biological Scientists Work?
Many biological scientists work in research and development. Biological scientists in research areas work in laboratories using electron microscopes, computers, thermal cycles, and other equipment, or may conduct experiments on laboratory animals or greenhouse plants. Some work with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory. Strict safety procedures must be followed to avoid contamination. Others will work in the field, collecting specimens or investigating the relationships of organisms and their habitats, and the effects of pollution sources.
Education
Graduates with a bachelor's degree generally start in non-research jobs. Many with a bachelor's degree enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other health professions. A master's degree is required for some jobs in applied research, inspection or management. The Ph.D. degree is generally required for college teaching, independent research, and for advancement to administrative positions.
Employment and Salary Outlook
Employment of biological scientists is expected to increase through the year 2005. The effort to protect and preserve the environment will continue to add to the growth. These scientists will be needed to determine the environmental effects of industry and government actions.
Many biological scientists hold biology positions in colleges and universities. Almost 4 in 10 non-faculty biological scientists are employed by federal, state, and local government.
Median annual salaries were about $34,000, the middle 50 percent earned between $19,000 and $46,800. In the federal government, general biological scientists in non-supervisory and managerial positions earned an average salary of $45,155.
Source
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1994–1995 Edition: Bulletin 2450, U.S. Department of Labor, April 1994.
|
