Could I Become a Research Biologist?

Biological researchers study natural elements to better understand how living organisms work. Many times, their goal is to identify how these living systems work to solve a particular problem. Sometimes these researchers specialize in an area such as marine biology or biotechnology.

Research biologists work in the outdoors, in laboratories, and in offices. Some may spend long periods of time away from home, staying in the field as they conduct their research, including in remote locations. While in the field, the work can be physically exhausting, and the risk of injury and illness is high.

Career Requirements

Degree Level	Bachelor’s degree required
Key Skills	Critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, active listening skills, complex problem-solving abilities, writing and speaking skills, and the ability to use laboratory equipment
Median Salary (2020)	$79,228 per year (for all research scientists)

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale.com

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step towards working as a research biologist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology. Bachelor’s degree programs in biology usually require four years to complete. Courses in these programs cover topics like cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and biochemistry. Some undergraduate degree programs in biology permit students to participate in research projects. This introduces students to the common tasks they will perform as a research biologist and may help shape an interest in a particular biology-related specialty.

Step 2: Get Master’s Degree

Most biological researchers are required to have more than just a bachelor’s degree; they’re often required to have a doctoral degree as well. Many Ph.D. programs require that applicants possess a master’s degree for admission. Master’s degree programs in biology can take up to three years to complete. The curriculum of these programs often focuses on research. Elective coursework could include classes in zoology, biochemistry, botany, and microbiology.

Step 3: Pursue a Doctoral Degree

Obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in biology prepares an individual to work as a research biologist and qualify for other career advancements. Doctoral degree programs center on independent research, although students also participate in scientific seminars and complete coursework related to the topic of their dissertation. Many schools offer research opportunities and teaching assistantships to doctoral students to prepare them for their careers.

About Biologist

Biology deals with the study of life and is a branch of natural sciences. It deals with living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Over the years, Biology has become one of the standard subjects of instruction in schools. All the higher learning institutes across the world offer courses in Biology. A popular career option in the field is that of a biologist who plays a vital role in examining the structure, origin, growth, function and distribution of living things. A biologist will also classify and describe organisms, their functions and the way these species come into existence. Biology has emerged as one of the dominating fields in modern science in the recent years. Therefore, a career in biology is a great choice for students.

Eligibility to become Biologist

Usually, higher-level jobs in Biology require higher-level educational qualifications. If you want to make a career in Biology, you should start from Class 12 itself. After Class 12, students can take up courses in associated fields of Biology like Zoology, Botany, Aquatic Biology, Biotechnology, Fishery Science, Marine Biology etc at Bachelor’s level. After the Bachelor’s degree level, students can take up Master’s followed by research courses in Biology. Students with at least a Master’s degree in Biology or associated fields will have chances to get better jobs.

Subjects Combination: For taking up Bachelor’s course in Biology, students must choose Science stream in Class 12 with Biology as one of the major subjects of study.

Eligibility:

• Class 12 with Science stream (Biology as major subjects) is mandatory to take up Bachelor’s course in Biology and associated courses.
• For taking up Master’s course in Biology and associated fields, students must have a Bachelor’s degree in the same field.
• For taking up M.Phil and Ph.D. courses in Biology, Masters Degree in Biology and associated fields are mandatory.
• For most UG courses, there will no entrance test except for Biomedical Engineering course.
• For all master’s courses in biology, students will have to clear the entrance test conducted by universities/ institutes.
• There will be also an entrance test for Ph.D. and M.Phil courses.