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What courses to take to become a Biological Scientist?
What degree is needed to become a Biological Scientist?
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Important Career Information
- Biotechnological research and development should continue to drive jobs growth.
- A Ph.D. degree usually is required for independent research, but a master's degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research or product development; temporary postdoctoral research jobs are common.
- Competition for jobs is expected.
Salary: How Much Do Biological Scientists Make?
Median annual pay of biochemists and biophysicists were $82,840 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent were paid between $59,260 and $108,950. The lowest 10 percent were paid less than $44,320, and the highest 10 percent were paid more than $139,440. Median annual pay of biochemists and biophysicists employed in scientific research and development services were $85,870 in May 2008.
Median annual pay of microbiologists were $64,350 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent were paid between $48,330 and $87,040. The lowest 10 percent were paid less than $38,240, and the highest 10 percent were paid more than $111,300.
Median annual pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists were $55,290 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent were paid between $43,060 and $70,500. The lowest 10 percent were paid less than $33,550, and the highest 10 percent were paid more than $90,850.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2009 averaged $33,254 a year for bachelor's degree recipients in biological and life sciences.
In the Federal Government in March 2009, microbiologists were paid an average annual salary of $97,264; ecologists, $84,283; physiologists, $109,323; geneticists, $99,752; zoologists, $116,908; and botanists, $72,792.
What does a Biological Scientist do?
Biological Science Jobs, Job Description, and Responsibilities
Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to their environment. They research
problems dealing with life processes and living organisms. Most specialize in some area of biology, such as
zoology (the study of animals) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms).
Many biological scientists work in research and development. Some conduct basic research to advance our knowledge of living organisms, including bacteria and other infectious agents. Basic biological research enhances our understanding so that we can develop solutions to human health problems and improve the natural environment. These biological scientists mostly work in government, university, or private industry laboratories, often exploring new areas of research. Many expand on specialized research they started in graduate school.
Many research scientists must submit grant proposals to obtain funding for their projects. Colleges and universities, private industry, and Federal Government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation contribute to the support of scientists whose research proposals are determined to be financially feasible and to have the potential to advance new ideas or processes.
Biological scientists who work in applied research or product development use knowledge gained by basic research to develop new drugs, treatments, and medical diagnostic tests; increase crop yields; and develop new biofuels. They usually have less freedom than basic researchers do to choose the emphasis of their research, and they spend more time working on marketable treatments to meet the business goals of their employers. Biological scientists doing applied research and product development in private industry may be required to describe their research plans or results to nonscientists who are in a job to veto or approve their ideas. These scientists must consider the business effects of their work. Scientists often work in teams, interacting with engineers, scientists of other disciplines, business managers, and technicians. Some biological scientists also work with customers or suppliers and manage budgets.
Today, many biological scientists are involved in biotechnology. Those working on various genome (chromosomes with their associated genes) projects isolate genes and determine their function. This work continues to lead to the discovery of genes associated with specific diseases and inherited health risks, such as sickle cell anemia. Advances in biotechnology have created research opportunities in almost all areas of biology, with commercial applications in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental remediation.
Most biological scientists are further classified by
the type of organism they study or by the specific activity they perform, although recent advances in the
understanding of basic life processes at the molecular and cellular levels have blurred some traditional classifications.
Aquatic biologists study micro-organisms, plants, and animals living in water. Marine biologists study salt water
organisms, and limnologists study fresh water organisms. Much of the work of marine biology centers on molecular
biology, the study of the biochemical processes that take place inside living cells. Marine biologists sometimes are
mistakenly called oceanographers, but oceanography is the study of the physical characteristics of oceans and the ocean floor.
Biochemists study the chemical comjob of living things.
They analyze the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.
Biochemists and molecular biologists do most of their work in biotechnology, which involves understanding the complex chemistry of life.
Botanists study plants and their environment. Some study all aspects of plant life, including algae, fungi,
lichens, mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants; others specialize in areas such as identification and classification
of plants, the structure and function of plant parts, the biochemistry of plant processes, the causes and cures of plant
diseases, the interaction of plants with other organisms and the environment, and the geological record of plants.
Microbiologists investigate the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi.
Most microbiologists specialize in environmental, food, agricultural, or industrial microbiology; virology (the study of viruses);
immunology (the study of mechanisms that fight infections); or bioinformatics (the process of integrating molecular biology
and information science). Many microbiologists use biotechnology to advance knowledge of cell reproduction and human disease.
Physiologists study life functions of plants and animals, both in the whole organism and at the cellular or
molecular level, under normal and abnormal conditions. Physiologists often specialize in functions such as growth,
reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, or movement, or in the physiology of a certain area or system of the organism.
Biophysicists study the application of principles of physics, such as electrical and mechanical energy and
related phenomena, to living cells and organisms.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study
animals and wildlife—their origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes. Some experiment with live animals
in controlled or natural surroundings, while others dissect dead animals to study their structure. Zoologists and
wildlife biologists also may collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of current
and potential use of land and water areas. Zoologists usually are identified by the animal group studied—ornithologists (birds),
mammalogists (mammals), herpetologists (reptiles), and ichthyologists (fish).
Ecologists study the relationships among
organisms and between organisms and their environments, examining the effects of population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude.
Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, ecologists may collect, study, and report data on the quality of air, food, soil, and water.
Job Working Conditions for Biological Scientists
Biological scientists usually are not exposed to unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Those who work with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory must follow strict safety procedures to avoid contamination. Many biological scientists, such as botanists, ecologists, and zoologists, do field studies that involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions. Biological scientists in the field may work in warm or cold climates, in all kinds of weather.
Some biological scientists depend on grant money to support their research. They may be under pressure to meet deadlines and to conform to rigid grant-writing specifications when preparing proposals to seek new or extended funding.
Biological Science Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
A Ph.D. degree usually is necessary for independent research, industrial research, and college teaching, as well
as for advancement to administrative jobs. A master's degree is sufficient for some jobs in basic research,
applied research or product development, management, or inspection; it also may qualify one to work as a research
technician or as a teacher in an aquarium. The bachelor's degree is adequate for some nonresearch jobs.
For example, some graduates with a bachelor's degree start as biological scientists in testing and inspection
or get jobs related to biological science, such as technical sales or service representatives. In some cases,
graduates with a bachelor's degree are able to work in a laboratory environment on their own projects, but this is unusual.
Some may work as research assistants, whereas others become biological laboratory technicians or, with courses in education,
high school biology teachers.
In addition to required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate biological science majors usually study
allied disciplines such as mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. Computer courses are essential
because employers prefer job applicants who are able to apply computer skills to modeling and simulation tasks and
to operate computerized laboratory equipment, particularly in emerging fields such as bioinformatics. Those
interested in studying the environment also should take courses in environmental studies and become familiar
with current legislation and regulations. Prospective biological scientists who hope to work as marine
biologists should have at least a bachelor's degree in a biological or marine science. However, students
should not overspecialize in undergraduate study, as knowledge of marine biology often is acquired in
graduate study.
Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biological science, and many
offer advanced degrees. Curriculums for advanced degrees often emphasize a subfield such as microbiology or
botany, but not all universities offer all curriculums. Larger universities frequently have separate departments specializing in different areas of biological science. For example, a program in botany might cover agronomy, horticulture, or plant pathology. Advanced degree programs include classroom and fieldwork, laboratory research, and a thesis or dissertation.
Biological scientists with a Ph.D. often take temporary postdoctoral research jobs that provide specialized research experience. Postdoctoral jobs may offer the opportunity to publish research findings. A solid record of published research is essential in obtaining a permanent job involving basic research, especially for those seeking a permanent college or university faculty job. In private industry, some may become managers or administrators within the field of biology; others leave biology for nontechnical managerial, administrative, or sales jobs.
Biological scientists should be able to work independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Those in private industry, especially those who aspire to management or administrative jobs, should possess strong business and communication skills and be familiar with regulatory issues and marketing and management techniques. Those doing field research in remote areas must have physical stamina. Biological scientists also must have patience and self-discipline to conduct long and detailed research projects.
Where are the Jobs? Biological Science Jobs
Biological scientists held about 87,000 jobs in 2006. In addition, many biological scientists held biology faculty jobs in colleges and universities but are not included in these numbers. Those whose primary work involves teaching and research are considered postsecondary teachers.
About 39 percent of all biological scientists were employed by Federal, State, and local governments. Federal biological scientists worked mainly for the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Defense and for the National Institutes of Health. Most of the rest worked in scientific research and testing laboratories, the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, or colleges and universities.
Job Outlook and Job Opportunities for Biological Scientists
Jobs for biological scientists are projected to grow 9 percent over the 2006-16 decade, about as fast as the average for all careers, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth. The Federal Government funds much basic research and development, including many areas of medical research that relate to biological science. Recent budget increases at the National Institutes of Health have led to large increases in Federal basic research and development expenditures, with research grants growing both in number and dollar amount. Nevertheless, the increase in expenditures has slowed substantially and is not expected to match its past growth over the 2006-16 projection period. This may result in a highly competitive environment for winning and renewing research grants.
Biological scientists enjoyed very rapid gains in jobs between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s—
reflecting, in part, increased staffing requirements in new biotechnology companies. Jobs growth should slow somewhat, along with a slowdown in the number of new biotechnology firms; some existing firms will merge or be absorbed by larger biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms. However, much of the basic biological research done in recent years has resulted in new knowledge, including the isolation and identification of genes. Biological scientists will be needed to take this knowledge to the next stage, which is understanding how certain genes function within an entire organism, so that gene therapies can be developed to treat diseases. Even pharmaceutical and other firms not solely engaged in biotechnology use biotechnology techniques extensively, spurring job increases for biological scientists. For example, biological scientists are continuing to help farmers increase crop yields by pinpointing genes that can help crops such as wheat grow worldwide in areas that currently are hostile to the crop. Expected expansion of research related to health issues such as AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease also should create more jobs for these scientists. In addition, efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean up and preserve the environment will continue to add to job growth. More biological scientists will be needed to determine the environmental impact of industry and government actions and to prevent or correct environmental problems such as the negative effects of pesticide use. Some biological scientists will find opportunities in environmental regulatory agencies; others will use their expertise to advise lawmakers on legislation to save environmentally sensitive areas. There will continue to be demand for biological scientists specializing in botany, zoology, and marine biology, but opportunities will be limited because of the small size of these fields. New industrial applications of biotechnology, such as changing how companies make ethanol for
transportation fuel, also will spur demand for biological scientists.
People with bachelor's and master's degrees are expected to have more opportunities in nonscientist jobs related to biology. The number of science-related jobs in sales, marketing, and research management is expected to exceed the number of independent research jobs. Non-Ph.D.s also may fill jobs as science or engineering technicians or as medical health technologists and technicians. Some become high school biology teachers.
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