From the smallest microorganism to the giant blue whale, every living thing is of interest to biologists, who study the basic principles of plant and animal life. Biologists use the scientific method, testing their ideas or hypotheses through experimentation, to investigate questions about the origin of life, its development, and the relationships between living things, as well as a creature’s anatomy and how it functions in its environment. Whether they’re working in a lab, out in the field, or at a university, biologists collect and analyze biological data, although the specifics of their research are as varied as the creatures in nature. For example, some biologists may work almost exclusively with computer models, while others may spend months collecting and studying specimens at sea. Many specialize in working with plants, animals, or the environment. Biologists need strong communication skills. Their work is often as much about interacting with people and institutions as it is focusing on DNA or anatomy. A career in biology generally requires a bachelor’s degree in the field. Many biologists attend graduate school to earn more advanced research positions or professorships.
What they do:
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
On the job, you would:
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
Math and Science
biology
chemistry
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
group things in different ways
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Dependability
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Database management software
Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
BD Biosciences CellQuest
Verity Software House ModFit LT
bachelor's degree or certificate after college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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