How to Become a Biologist

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.

Role and Responsibilities of a Biologists

Biologists are researchers who specialise in the study of living organisms. Some biologists specialise in wildlife, microbiology, or marine biology. In each sector, a biologist studies how organisms exist, how they perform within an ecosystem, as well as how they evolved. Furthermore, these professionals investigate how various living organisms impact and interact with other living beings in various environments. While a biologist's duties are primarily determined by their work environment, some common primary role and responsibilities include:

• Conducting biological research: Performing biological research entails developing a hypothesis, designing numerous experiments to test the hypothesis, and measuring the results. This assists them in determining whether the data supports their research
• Monitoring biological functions: A biologist is in charge of monitoring biological processes and behaviors at all levels, from the cellular to the organism. This aspect of their work demands them to experiment by studying the organism under a microscope
• Report preparation and record keeping: They prepare, write, and present their findings to peers or conferences. A biologist also keeps meticulous records of their research and findings
• Getting information about various organisms: They take a sample, take measurements, and draw organisms to learn more about a specific species or ecosystem
• Observing various organisms: They closely observe various organisms in order to gain a thorough understanding of their behaviour, diet, and influence on the environment

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.

Steps to Become a Biologist 

Follow these five steps to learn how to become a biologist:

Step 1: Finish your 10+2 exams

Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor's degree. Completing your higher secondary or 10+2 with biology as the major subject is required for admission to a graduate college. Determine which area of biology interests you during your secondary education. Determine programmes and universities that can assist you in achieving your goal based on your field of interest.

Step 2: Complete a bachelor's degree

After that, earn a bachelor's degree in science or a related field. You can major in biology, physics, chemistry, wildlife communication, or ecology. A bachelor of science or biology degree typically takes three years to complete, but if you pursue a biomedical engineering (BE) course, your degree may take four years to complete. In addition, passing an engineering entrance exam is frequently required for a BE course.

Step 3: Undertake an internship

During your final year of study, look for a paid or unpaid research internship. You will most likely have internship opportunities in a variety of settings, ranging from lab research projects to wildlife preserves and hospitals. An internship of this type provides hands-on experience and hones the technical skills required to become a biologist in the future.

Step 4: Get your master's or doctorate degree

Pursuing a master's and a doctoral degree can help you advance in a technical profession like biology. Passing an entrance exam administered by various universities and institutions, as well as a bachelor's degree in a related subject, are frequently required for admission to master's and doctoral programmes. With a master's degree, biologists can work as managers in labs and supervise the work of other biologists. A doctorate degree can help these professionals launch their lab or help educate college-level courses.

Step 5: Make a resume and apply for jobs

After completing all of the educational requirements for the job role, create your CV, listing all of your achievements, experiences, and skills, and look for a job that interests you.

Types of Job Roles Biologist

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.

Employment Opportunities for Biologists:

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: -

• Research
• Healthcare
• Environmental Management and Conservation
• Education Sector (Lecturer or Teacher)
• Science Museums
• Pharmacy Companies
• Zoo, Aquariums, Parks and Nature Centres
• Chemical Manufacturing Units

Top Recruiting Agencies for Biologists:

Some of the top companies and industries require skilled Biologists for various positions. The list of top recruiting companies for Biologists can be checked below.

• Biocon
• Serum Institute of India Ltd.
• Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.
• Syngene International Ltd.
• Biological E.
• Nuziveedu Seeds
• AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.
• Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company
• Bharat Biotech
• GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Apart from the above, Biologists have good scope to secure employment in the government sector.

Skills Required to be a Biologist

To be the best biologist, candidates must have the following skill sets:

• Understanding of basic biological principles: Biologists must have a strong understanding of basic and advanced biology principles in order to excel at their jobs. You may work with internal mechanisms and the relationship of living organisms and the environment as a wildlife biologist or a marine biologist. A thorough understanding of these fundamental principles is essential for success in this field
• Thinking critically: These biologists conduct research and draw conclusions based on their findings, which necessitates critical thinking abilities. These professionals must be highly analytical and critical thinkers when working in various fields and subfields of biology. Their work frequently entails identifying social, institutional, and environmental problems and developing scientific solutions to them. The analysis of these professionals may be critical to an organization's critical business decisions
• Communication Skills: Preparing and writing reports to explain their scientific findings is one of their job responsibilities. They may also publish their findings on research portals or deliver them to government or private organisations in order to elicit social or behavioural change. Excellent written communication skills are required
• Subject matter expertise: Because biology is such a broad field, a biological researcher must have a thorough understanding of both macro and microbiology processes. Understanding current theories and experiments can assist you in becoming a successful biologist. A biologist can use their expertise to analyse and interpret data in order to draw meaningful conclusions
• Teamwork: Biologists mostly work in laboratories and for research organisations. They collaborate with lab technicians, other scientists, and field researchers. Working well in a group while sharing and discussing their findings is a valuable skill. Employers frequently prefer candidates with teamwork skills because it aids in the achievement of organisational goals
• Laboratory Skill: Biologists in any field conduct extensive research and experimentation in a laboratory setting. Mastery of basic laboratory skills such as hypothesis creation, bookkeeping, measuring, dissection, lab safety, and lab maintenance can assist biologists in performing all job-specific duties. A preferred skill is also the skill to use various lab equipment such as microscopes, dyes, and slides

Pay Scale/Salary of Biologist

Biologists in diverse sectors earn a satisfactory salary. Most companies pay more for highly skilled and experienced Biologists and researchers. The average salary structure of Biologists is detailed below.

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual and company to company.

Books & Study Material to Become Biologist

Students preparing for various entrance exams for the admission to Biology courses or the candidates who are pursuing courses in Biology can refer the following books for enhancing knowledge.

• Genetics: Concept of Genetics by Klug and Cummings
• Animal Behaviour by VK Agarwal
• Ecology by PD Sharma
• Vertebrates by RL Kotpal
• Invertebrates by RL Kotpal
• Molecular Biology and Cell Biology by Krap
• Embryology by AK Berry

Pros of becoming a Biologist

• Biology-related professions are experiencing positive job growth in India.
• Excellent pay packages.

Cons of becoming a Biologist

• Candidates pursuing careers in biology should expect a highly competitive job market.
• Some positions within the biology industry may require exposure to hazardous materials and substances.