To become a biologist, an individual will need to study this subject at the post-secondary level. The minimum level of education to work in this field is an Associate’s degree. A bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred by many employers who are recruiting for entry-level positions in this field. Preparing for this career choice can start in high school by taking courses in math and science. Some future biology majors also choose to work on the skills they will need in this field of endeavor through volunteer work or certain hobbies.
The right focus for education to become a biologist will depend on the student’s interests. Biology involves the study of living things, and there are a number of areas that a biologist can focus on. Some people working in the field study plants, while others focus on either land or marine animals. Another possibility for biologists is to study living things at the cellular level as microbiologists.
Biology is a science that can overlap with other fields to create a number of career choices for people. For example, an ecologist is someone who looks at plants and animals and their relationship to their environment. A biochemist is knowledgeable about chemistry as it applies to living organisms.
The curriculum for a biology major at university will include a variety of courses, including molecular biology, ecosystems, botany, and marine biology. A student who is working toward his or her goal to become a biologist will also take courses in plant and animal physiology, genetics, physics and chemistry. A university program will also include courses focusing on research, as well as others designed to help the student develop good communication critical thinking skills.
Before making the final decision to become a biologist, a young person may want to work on a volunteer basis at a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, national or state park. Attending local workshops on related topics will help the prospective student to learn more about the field before applying to go to school.
Other good strategies for a student who is exploring the possibility of going into the field of biology are to volunteer for the school newspaper to learn good writing skills. Joining the debate team or taking advantage of opportunities to learn public speaking will help the individual who wants to become a biologist develop the ability to organize his or her thoughts in a logical manner as well as how to communicate them effectively.