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How do I know if I'm fit to be a biologist?
I really like biology and would like to go into the biomedical field, but I don't know if I am right for it. #bio #science #stem #biology #biotechnology
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Regina’s Answer
Hi Quynh,
The most important thing is that you enjoy it, so you're taking the right steps. However, being a biologist is very broad these days and different biologists require a different set of skills. The most typical is working in molecular biology labs, where you perform PCRs, pipette different biological samples, and observe biological samples under a microscope. However, a biology degree can take you to other places! There are biologists who do computer modelling, manufacturing, project management, etc.
My advice is now that you know you like the subject, think about what you want to DO in the subject. If you like the idea of doing research in the lab, trying joining one or asking about it. If you think you'd want to do mathematical or computer modelling, take more advanced math and computer courses. If you want to build medical devices, engineering may be your path. Once you decide what you want to do, ask your guidance counselor or biology teacher which courses they recommend.
Good luck!
Regina
The most important thing is that you enjoy it, so you're taking the right steps. However, being a biologist is very broad these days and different biologists require a different set of skills. The most typical is working in molecular biology labs, where you perform PCRs, pipette different biological samples, and observe biological samples under a microscope. However, a biology degree can take you to other places! There are biologists who do computer modelling, manufacturing, project management, etc.
My advice is now that you know you like the subject, think about what you want to DO in the subject. If you like the idea of doing research in the lab, trying joining one or asking about it. If you think you'd want to do mathematical or computer modelling, take more advanced math and computer courses. If you want to build medical devices, engineering may be your path. Once you decide what you want to do, ask your guidance counselor or biology teacher which courses they recommend.
Good luck!
Regina
Updated
Herman’s Answer
Hi Quynh,
If you like it, you should try taking some courses in college. If you do in fact like it a lot, then major in it. If not, you can change your major to something else.
I did the exact same thing actually. I was undeclared, and took some biology courses, then chose to major in biochemistry and molecular biology during my 2nd year of college. :)
Best regards,
Herman
If you like it, you should try taking some courses in college. If you do in fact like it a lot, then major in it. If not, you can change your major to something else.
I did the exact same thing actually. I was undeclared, and took some biology courses, then chose to major in biochemistry and molecular biology during my 2nd year of college. :)
Best regards,
Herman
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Quynh,
Very good question!
The way that undergraduate degrees are structured is many of the required early classes are designed to give you a wide overview of various majors. You'll have to take sociology, geology and many other non-major related classes. This allows you to get a feel for many different areas to see what interests you. The expectation is that most beginning undergrad students don't really know what they want to do.
Also, remember that it is very easy to change majors at any time. The closer you are to graduation, the bigger the impact but it's better to spend an extra term or two in college than be locked into a career you don't like.
Best of luck!
Jeff
Very good question!
The way that undergraduate degrees are structured is many of the required early classes are designed to give you a wide overview of various majors. You'll have to take sociology, geology and many other non-major related classes. This allows you to get a feel for many different areas to see what interests you. The expectation is that most beginning undergrad students don't really know what they want to do.
Also, remember that it is very easy to change majors at any time. The closer you are to graduation, the bigger the impact but it's better to spend an extra term or two in college than be locked into a career you don't like.
Best of luck!
Jeff
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