How to Become a Biologist

Biologists involved in applied research attempt to develop or improve more specific processes and understanding, in fields such as medicine and industry.

Biologists are interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms that govern the functioning of living matter as well as the complex properties that emerge from the biophysical, biochemical, cellular and systemic interactions of living systems.

Biologists conduct research using the scientific method to test the validity of a theory in a rational, unbiased and reproducible manner.

Biologists who work in basic research formulate theories and devise experiments to advance human knowledge on life including topics such as evolution, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience and cell biology.

While theoretical biologists usually work in "dry" labs, formulating mathematical models and running computer simulations, some experimental biologists conduct laboratory experiments involving animals, plants, microorganisms or biomolecules.

Work with different taxa and disciplines.

Don’t sweat it (except for in the field).

Make Career as a Marine Biologist Teacher.

Research colleges that offer Marine Biology as a major.

Build your Marine Biology resume.

While some marine biologists do study and train whales and dolphins, the vast majority pursue a wide range of other activities, including everything from fish, crustaceans, and seals to sponges, seaweed, coral, and other deep-sea creatures including tiny plankton and microbes.

A marine biologist's job may involve fieldwork, either in or on the ocean, a salt marsh, a beach, or an estuary, again, depending on their specialty.

Marine biologists may work on a boat, scuba dive, use a submersible vessel, or study marine life from shore.

In addition to fieldwork, marine biologists teach at colleges and universities and are also employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, privately-owned businesses, aquariums, and zoos.

To become a marine biologist, you will likely need, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree, and possibly a graduate degree, such as a master's or Ph.D.

Marine biologists seek holistic understandings as they study the flora and fauna of the oceans as well as the related fields of chemical, physical and geological oceanography.

Like all scientists, a marine biologist needs a strong sense of intellectual curiosity.

Working as a marine biologist requires skills in research design, data collection, lab analysis, statistical methods, technical writing and even public speaking when you present your research results at a scientific conference.

Forensic biologists can choose to become experts in forensic entomology, forensic botany, forensic pathology, DNA analysis, biological chemistry and forensic anthropology.

Adobe Photoshop and Excel experience. Most marine biologists will also work with these two programs during their research.