What makes you a biologist

Animal anatomy is essential when working with animals in any capacity and is the foundation of any further study with animals. Plant anatomy studies the internal structures of plants, usually at the cellular level, and often involves the sectioning of tissues and microscopy. A plant cell has a strong wall made of cellulose that gives it a rigid shape.

Plant cells differ from animal cells in that they also have chloroplasts chloroplasts capture sunlight and the sun's energy and convert it into nourishment. Specialized cells are organized into tissues that perform certain functions, and the veins of a plant make sure that water, nutrients, and minerals are distributed throughout the plant.

Morphology Morphology is the branch of biology that studies the structure of living organisms, the relationships between their structures, and the specific structural features. This includes the outward appearance, or external morphology shape, structure, colour, pattern, size , as well as the internal structure internal morphology such as bones and organs. Morphology encompasses the study of biological structures from the macroscopic to the molecular. It is extremely important to physicians , to veterinarians , and to plant pathologists , as they are all concerned with the causes and types of structural changes that can result from specific diseases.

Histology Histology or microanatomy is the branch of biology that deals with the microscopic study of plant and animal tissues. The study of organs organology and the study of cells cytology also fall under the topic of histology. Histopathology is the branch of histology that involves the microscopic identification and study of diseased tissue. The correct diagnosis of cancer and other diseases depends on a histopathological examination of tissue samples performed by physicians and pathologists.

Diagnostic information can then be determined based on what they observe. Histotechnology is the area of histology that involves preparing tissues for microscopic examination. Histotechnicians, histotechnologists , histology technologists, histology technicians, and laboratory technicians are the personnel who are trained to prepare these specimens. Ecology Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with studying the relationship and interaction of organisms amongst themselves and with their environment.

Simply put, ecology helps us understand the interdependence between people and the natural world. Ecologists do research on the relationships between living things and their environment, as well as the consequences these relationships can, and do, have on the environment.

They may also teach others to understand and appreciate the natural world we live in by educating local communities about environmental issues and ecosystems in their area. Physiology Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the mechanisms and functions of living organisms that work within a living system. This field can be divided into animal physiology including humans ; plant physiology; cellular physiology; and microbial physiology. In all areas, the focus is on how organs, organisms, organ systems, cells, and biomolecules that exist in a living system are able to carry out their chemical and physical functions.

The field of physiology has given birth to some of the most active areas of today's biological sciences, such as neuroscience, endocrinology, and immunology. Cytology Cytology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of structure, function and composition of cells. Biologists are required for diverse jobs. The following are some of the job profiles that Biologists can take up after obtaining the necessary skills.

Biomedical Engineer: The responsibility of the biomedical engineer is to figure out solutions for different medical problems by designing equipment or artificial organs to be replaced inside the body. For becoming a biomedical engineer, students need to pursue a four-year course in Biomedical engineering at UG level. Environmental Scientist: These scientists study the environment in the interest of living beings, plants and animals and find probable ways to conserve these organisms.

They also deal with pollution and other factors that are harmful to the well-being of the environment. They figure out solutions for solving such problems and propose eco-friendly techniques for the same. Food Scientist: The responsibility of a food scientist is to deal with safety and processing of food products through a detailed study and research.

Forensic Scientist: The responsibility of a forensic scientist is to perform chemical and physical analysis to test and draw interferences for crime or other records. Microbiologist: A microbiologist deals with the study of microbes for developing useful medicines such as vaccines.

Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists use technology to develop animal products such as leather. A career in this field needs extensive experience and research. Researcher: A person with a higher qualification in Biology is required in various industries such as companies that manufacture medicines etc to carry out research and figure out the pros and cons of a specific product. Lecturer: Biologists can also become lectures in universities and colleges after attaining the necessary qualifications.

Biologists have good scope to get employment opportunities in the government sector. However, there is a good scope for a career in the private sector too. Biologists are required in the following areas: -. In private industry, they may work in labs researching treatments for diseases through botany, or in agriculture developing herbicides and pesticides.

They are also at the forefront of biotechnology, researching genetic modification and future agritech. There is simply no end to the options available - if it is studying biological life, there will be an opening. Salaries in this field depend on the area of expertise. Post to EnvironmentalScience. With a Master's degree in the field of biology, biological scientists will have developed a specialty in a specific area of animal and plant species and habitat.

Given the diversity of life on our planet, each biologist job is virtually unique, however every biologist should be capable of conducting the following tasks:. Biological scientists at the senior level have opted for a role managing projects, assets and personnel. Due to their range of professional experiences, they are able to facilitate and strategize project outcomes with facility. The following tasks may be part of their day to day role:. Job demand is high as it is with all STEM science, technology, engineering, math subjects.

Presently, most countries in the developed world have a skills shortage in this area. The USA is no different. Due to the high demand, students are recommended to take their studies as far as possible.

BA and BS degrees make you eligible for most entry-level jobs such as lab technicians and research assistants, but in this case prior lab experience will be vital. Most of these roles will go to master's degree graduates. Other options open to bachelor graduates include High School teaching; should you be unsuccessful with fieldwork or research, this is a strong career choice as there is certainly a shortage of teachers in science subjects.

As a result, the typical hours for careers in biology vary widely. Some biologists also specialize in management and work as laboratory managers or other natural sciences managers. Biology salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location. For example, biochemists typically hold a graduate degree, and experienced biologists earn higher salaries.

As in other fields, certain specialties within biology offer a higher earning potential. Careers in the biological sciences require education, specialization, and work experience. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for many biology careers, although some require a graduate degree. Many career paths also require lab or internship experience. Most jobs in biology require at least a bachelor's degree in biology.

By researching the top schools and programs for biologists, prospective biologists can find the right program to meet their professional goals. Students considering a biology degree can narrow their options by researching the total cost of the degree, admissions policies, program length, and financial aid opportunities. Most colleges and universities offer biology degrees. Some schools even offer online biology degrees, where students complete coursework in an online learning environment and meet any laboratory requirements virtually.

For example, the University of Florida and Arizona State University both offer online biology degrees. When comparing biology programs, prospective students should also consider factors such as a program's enrollment options, the number of start dates per year, and internship requirements.

By evaluating these factors, future biologists can take the first step toward a career in biology. Students earning biology degrees take courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics.

These foundational science classes prepare learners for coursework in biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, and other subfields of biology. Bachelor's programs in biology also include laboratory courses to train students in laboratory methods.

Biology courses prepare students for careers in biology or graduate study in subfields like microbiology, zoology, biostatistics, and other areas. While exact courses vary depending on the program, the following list provides a sample curriculum for an undergraduate biology degree.

Prospective biology students should always check a school's accreditation status before applying. Accredited colleges and universities meet the highest standards for granting degrees. Schools undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency to earn accreditation. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the school's student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission.

Accredited schools regularly repeat this review to maintain their status. Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid.

Credits earned from accredited institutions are more likely to transfer.