A Ph.D. degree usually is necessary for independent research,
industrial research, and college teaching, and for advancement to
administrative positions. A master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs
in basic research, applied research or product development, management,
or inspection; it may also 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, while others
become biological laboratory technicians or, with courses in education,
high school biology teachers. (See the statements on
clinical laboratory technologists and technicians;
science technicians; and
teachers—preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary elsewhere in the
Handbook.) Many with a bachelor’s degree in biology enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other health profession schools.
In
addition to required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate
biological science majors usually study allied disciplines such as
mathematics, physics, and computer science. Computer courses are
essential, as employers prefer job applicants who are able to apply
computer skills to modeling and simulation tasks and to operate
computerized laboratory equipment. 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 positions that provide specialized
research experience. 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 positions, 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.
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