Biology
Biology is the study of all aspects of living organisms. It has long been recognized as basic to such important areas as environment, agriculture and medicine. The relation of modern biology to the social issues of our times is reflected by the increasing numbers of biologist involved in searching for solutions to our more pressing urban, environmental and population problems. The discoveries resulting from a continuing study of plants, microbes, animals, and especially man are essential for improving our civilization.
Topics studied by biologists range from subcellular particles to vast populations. Since each living organism is part of a larger interacting system, biology is interwoven with other important fields of study. Knowledge of biology is central to understanding much of the world and life about us.
Representative Job Titles and Areas of Specialization
| Air Pollution Control Specialist * | Pharmacologist | | Aquatic Biologist | Physical Therapist | | Biological Illustrator | Physician | | Biology Teacher/Instructor/Professor | Park Ranger * | | Cell Biologist | Pharmacist | | Chiropractor | Physician's Assistant | | Conservation Biologist | Physiologist | | Dentist | Podiatrist | | Dental Hygienist | Population Biologist | | Ecologist | Preparator/Taxidermist * | | Environmental Consultant | Public Health Educator | | Game Warden * | Range Manager * | | Genetic Counselor | Salesperson Of Biological Products * | | Geneticist | Science Librarian | | Histologist | Speech Therapist | | Laboratory Technologist * | Taxonomist | | Medical Technologist | Technical Writer/Editor * | | Microbiologist | Urban Planner * | | Museum Educator | Veterinarian | | Naturalist * | Wildlife Management Biologist | | Nutritionist | Zoological Park Curator | | Nurse | Zoologist | | Occupational Therapist | Optometrist | | Osteopath | |
* See Training section
Nature of the Work
Many biological scientists are primarily involved in research and development. Some conduct basic research to increase knowledge of living organisms. Others in applied research use this knowledge in activities such as developing new medicines, increasing crop yields, and improving the environment. Those working in laboratories must be familiar with research techniques and the use of the laboratory equipment and computers. Not all research, however, is performed in laboratories. For example, a zoologist may do research in reptilian hybernation in the desert, a field ecologist may study the effects of air pollution on mountain forests, or a benthic biologist may study the way marine organisms adapt to the spareness of food, low temperatures and high pressures on the sea floor.
Other biological scientists work in management or administration, for example, planning and administering programs for testing food and drugs or directing activities at zoos or botanical gardens. Some work as consultants to business firms or to government, while others test and inspect foods, drugs, and other products or write for technical publications. Some work in technical sales and service jobs for companies manufacturing chemicals or other technical products. Many teach at the high school or college level.
Those providing health care treat and prevent illness. People and service, as well as the science of medicine, are the central concerns of their work.
Places of Employment
| Corporations dealing in pharmaceuticals, | Zoos | | - medical supplies, | Parks departments | | - diagnostics, | Environmental consulting firms | | - genetic engineering, | Dept. of the Interior | | - scientific instruments and supplies, | Federal agencies including: | | - foods and cosmetics | | | County & state depts. of public health | - Nationall Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration | | Schools, colleges, universities | - Forest Service | | Medical research centers | - Bureau of Land Management | | Publishing houses | - National Parks | | Hospitals, clinics | - National Institutes of Health | | Scientific libraries | - Veterans Administration | | Museums | |
Training
Those job titles designated by an asterisk may be obtained with a bachelor's degree depending heavily on the type of coursework completed and experience gained while in school. Many of the job titles mentioned above require specific education beyond the bachelor's degree.
Those considering a career a biological research should pursue a doctorate. There are some opportunities for those with the master's degree to work as research biologists. Some positions at the technician level are available to those with a bachelor's degree.
For further information and/or career counseling contact the Career Center, Veitch Student Center, Northwest Wing, University of California, Riverside, 951.827.3631.
|
| SCOTLink Login
|