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What educational preparation would you recommend for being a Zoologist?
Zoologist #science #biology #zoology
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Brittany’s Answer
Hi Emily,
Zoologists work in a wide array of fields, from animal husbandry to statistics. In high school, it would be a good idea to take biology at the highest difficulty that you can do well in (but it does not make sense to take dual-enrollment biology, for example, if you can only earn a C at that level right now). I also recommend taking math courses at the highest level you can excel in because in college you will likely take not only biology courses (general biology, anatomy, genetics, evolutionary biology), but also a significant number of math and chemistry (two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, math through Calculus I, and two semesters of physics are fairly standard requirements in Biology/Zoology bachelor degrees). Many students feel like this math and chemistry is not part of what interested them in biology, but I promise that you will use it later!
Next, although some entry-level positions are available with a bachelor's degree, this is not the "terminal degree" in the field -- that is, where most biologists/zoologists finish studying. As you complete your bachelor's degree, think about what you might like to study in graduate school. If you have opportunities to participate in undergraduate research that interests you, do so! This can be a springboard to your graduate studies later. And, if you're not sure what you want to study in graduate school when you graduate, that's ok too. A gap year(s) is a great time to reflect on where you'd like to go in life and think critically about how a graduate degree will get you there.
Good luck!
Zoologists work in a wide array of fields, from animal husbandry to statistics. In high school, it would be a good idea to take biology at the highest difficulty that you can do well in (but it does not make sense to take dual-enrollment biology, for example, if you can only earn a C at that level right now). I also recommend taking math courses at the highest level you can excel in because in college you will likely take not only biology courses (general biology, anatomy, genetics, evolutionary biology), but also a significant number of math and chemistry (two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, math through Calculus I, and two semesters of physics are fairly standard requirements in Biology/Zoology bachelor degrees). Many students feel like this math and chemistry is not part of what interested them in biology, but I promise that you will use it later!
Next, although some entry-level positions are available with a bachelor's degree, this is not the "terminal degree" in the field -- that is, where most biologists/zoologists finish studying. As you complete your bachelor's degree, think about what you might like to study in graduate school. If you have opportunities to participate in undergraduate research that interests you, do so! This can be a springboard to your graduate studies later. And, if you're not sure what you want to study in graduate school when you graduate, that's ok too. A gap year(s) is a great time to reflect on where you'd like to go in life and think critically about how a graduate degree will get you there.
Good luck!
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi school prep for zoology is similar to the prep for anyone aspiring to work in a science-related field. Plan to take AP calculus, bio, chem, and physics. If you have seen this information before, you will have a better chance of getting an A in the class in college.
Updated
Sherrie’s Answer
Hello Emily,
Even if you're still in high school, I would encourage you to study anatomy and physiology, evolutionary biology and general biology. Also, math, and physics will help. These will be helpful in your pursuit of zoology as a career.
Even if you're still in high school, I would encourage you to study anatomy and physiology, evolutionary biology and general biology. Also, math, and physics will help. These will be helpful in your pursuit of zoology as a career.