Many biologist duties are performed in a laboratory setting.
Biologists work with the world’s living organisms. They typically hold advanced degrees (master’s and doctoral degrees are necessary for higher-paying jobs) and often specialize in their areas of interest. Because biologists deal with all aspects the living organisms they choose to study, their duties vary and can change from day to day.
Research Jobs
Biologists regularly and continuously conduct research. Molecular biologists, for example, are concerned with things like DNA and RNA, and how the genetic material found inside can affect the body of different living things. These biologists can spend more time in labs than others because they are studying material drawn from living things rather than being able to observe living organisms in the wild. Marine and wildlife biologists, on the other hand, observe animals and plants in their habitats as well as in labs. All biologists must dissect creatures, use laboratory equipment and note their findings in research notebooks or reports.
Consultation
Using the information gathered from their research, many biologists work as consultants. Molecular biologists, for example, often serve as consultants on combat diseases because of their intimate knowledge of how viruses, bacteria and genetic abnormalities affect the biological functioning of organisms. This consultation can help lead to the development of new medicines. Marine and wildlife biologists take stock of populations and research the effects of industry on living things. These biologists recommend wildlife management plans and changes in industrial plans to help minimize detrimental effects on a particular species or group of animals or plants. Through consultation, biologists in general also help coordinate programs to prevent the spread of disease.
Education
Biologists educate and inform students, the public, groups of scholars and other biologists. Many biologists work as university professors, teaching a class or two when their schedule permits. Others work with zoos and aquariums to help build exhibits to educate the public on various species and wildlife habitats. In this capacity, biologists often also care for animals and plants that are included in exhibits. Biologists also write scientific papers and articles for journals that are read by peers in their field. In this way, scientists keep up to date on current research in the field of biology.
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