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How hard is it to become a biologist what are the drawbacks and what makes it worth?
How hard is it to become a biologist what are the drawbacks and what makes it worth it? Also, what can I do in high school to help get into college?
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margaret mchenney
Research Scientist, molecular biology; veterinary technology
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margaret’s Answer
Hi Tesla,
I hope that I can give you some helpful information related to becoming a biologist.
1. High school. Develop good study habits. I used to study 4 hours/day. Take as many science and math credits, and other college prep courses that are offered in your school. Advanced placement courses can be desirable too. Strive for the highest grades possible. Round out by participating in extracurricular activities. By doing these things your pathway should be less difficult, and you should be able to apply to highly rated colleges and universities, and gain entrance. I volunteered at an ambulance service after taking an abbreviated EMT course. I worked part time as a nurse's aide in a old folk's home to gain experience in the medical field. Find a volunteer or employment opportunity that might help you to align with your interest in marine biology. If there is a zoo you might be able to see if there are internships for high school students that you can apply for, or an opportunity to shadow a porpoise trainer or something else, maybe cleaning areas that house the sea life. Being close to these areas of interest can help to reinforce, or discourage your desire to pursue this area of study, and the experience can be used on your resume. Document all experiences and get letters of recommendation from all of your mentor experiences.
2. University. Continue using well developed study habits. You will be studying a lot. Start out taking the foundation courses and when you are sure that biology is your pathway, begin to take more specific courses. As an example, I knew that I wanted a science background so I took premed courses. I thought that I would like to be a doctor, but eventually accepted that my temperament was not suited to that profession. I thought about being a chemist, a medical illustrator, a nurse, and finally settled on becoming a microbiologist in a research setting. I took the following courses: biology, genetics, microbiology, biophysical chemistry, biochemistry, physics, astronomy, mycology, bacterial metabolism, calculus. The courses that you take will help you to decide what area of biology you want to pursue. My daughter is doing a masters in biology after getting a media and arts background. She has expressed an interest in ecology research. You might find that you are interested in medicine (pharmaceutical or academic research), or practical applications in biology (diagnostic or hospital laboratory; wastewater treatment; working in a zoo with animals, working as a marine biologist as I have noticed in your hashtag) rather than research, or teaching biology. Try to get practical experience in college through work study, or by volunteering in one of the academic laboratories at your institution. You can use this experience to transition into a post college career. Employers want employees with prior experience in their field or a related field. You will also at some point determine what level of higher education you are interested in: BS; MS; PhD.
I hope that I can give you some helpful information related to becoming a biologist.
1. High school. Develop good study habits. I used to study 4 hours/day. Take as many science and math credits, and other college prep courses that are offered in your school. Advanced placement courses can be desirable too. Strive for the highest grades possible. Round out by participating in extracurricular activities. By doing these things your pathway should be less difficult, and you should be able to apply to highly rated colleges and universities, and gain entrance. I volunteered at an ambulance service after taking an abbreviated EMT course. I worked part time as a nurse's aide in a old folk's home to gain experience in the medical field. Find a volunteer or employment opportunity that might help you to align with your interest in marine biology. If there is a zoo you might be able to see if there are internships for high school students that you can apply for, or an opportunity to shadow a porpoise trainer or something else, maybe cleaning areas that house the sea life. Being close to these areas of interest can help to reinforce, or discourage your desire to pursue this area of study, and the experience can be used on your resume. Document all experiences and get letters of recommendation from all of your mentor experiences.
2. University. Continue using well developed study habits. You will be studying a lot. Start out taking the foundation courses and when you are sure that biology is your pathway, begin to take more specific courses. As an example, I knew that I wanted a science background so I took premed courses. I thought that I would like to be a doctor, but eventually accepted that my temperament was not suited to that profession. I thought about being a chemist, a medical illustrator, a nurse, and finally settled on becoming a microbiologist in a research setting. I took the following courses: biology, genetics, microbiology, biophysical chemistry, biochemistry, physics, astronomy, mycology, bacterial metabolism, calculus. The courses that you take will help you to decide what area of biology you want to pursue. My daughter is doing a masters in biology after getting a media and arts background. She has expressed an interest in ecology research. You might find that you are interested in medicine (pharmaceutical or academic research), or practical applications in biology (diagnostic or hospital laboratory; wastewater treatment; working in a zoo with animals, working as a marine biologist as I have noticed in your hashtag) rather than research, or teaching biology. Try to get practical experience in college through work study, or by volunteering in one of the academic laboratories at your institution. You can use this experience to transition into a post college career. Employers want employees with prior experience in their field or a related field. You will also at some point determine what level of higher education you are interested in: BS; MS; PhD.
Updated
Shandirai’s Answer
Becoming a biologist can be a rewarding but challenging journey, requiring both dedication and time. The path typically involves:
### 1. **Difficulty and Commitment**:
- **Education Requirements**: To become a biologist, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, which involves four years of study. For more advanced roles, especially in research, a master's or Ph.D. is often required.
- **Coursework**: Biology requires a strong foundation in science, particularly in subjects like chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The workload can be intensive, especially when balancing labs, fieldwork, and theoretical studies.
- **Research Skills**: Developing research skills takes time. You must learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately. This often requires hands-on experience, which can be demanding but essential for building expertise.
### 2. **Drawbacks**:
- **Competitive Job Market**: Depending on your specialization, the job market can be competitive, especially in academic and research institutions. Securing funding for research is also a challenge.
- **Salary Considerations**: While some roles in biology, such as biotechnology, may offer lucrative salaries, other positions, particularly in academia or conservation, may not be as well-compensated relative to the effort required.
- **Time Commitment**: Becoming an expert in your field can take many years of study, often involving long hours of research and publishing papers.
### 3. **What Makes it Worth It**:
- **Impact**: Biologists have the chance to make significant contributions to our understanding of life, ecosystems, and health. Many find great fulfillment in solving environmental issues, developing medical breakthroughs, or working in conservation.
- **Diverse Career Options**: Biology opens doors to a wide range of careers, including biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, academia, and even policy. The versatility of this field makes it attractive to many.
- **Continual Learning**: The field of biology is ever-evolving, meaning there is always something new to learn or discover. This constant challenge keeps the work interesting and dynamic.
### 4. **How to Prepare in High School**:
- **Excel in Science and Math**: Focus on courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as they will form the foundation of your college studies.
- **Get Involved in Extracurriculars**: Join science clubs, participate in science fairs, or take on internships or volunteer opportunities related to biology. This experience can make you stand out in college applications.
- **Advanced Courses**: Take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) science courses if available. These can give you a head start in college-level coursework.
- **Pursue Research Opportunities**: If possible, get involved in research projects, either through school programs or local universities. Even small-scale projects can demonstrate your passion and initiative in the field.
- **Seek Mentors**: Connect with professionals or teachers in biology to gain insights into the field. Mentorship can provide guidance on navigating your academic and career paths.
In conclusion, becoming a biologist requires perseverance, but the ability to contribute to scientific discovery and innovation makes it highly fulfilling. Preparing early in high school by excelling in science courses and seeking hands-on experience will set you on the right path.
### 1. **Difficulty and Commitment**:
- **Education Requirements**: To become a biologist, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, which involves four years of study. For more advanced roles, especially in research, a master's or Ph.D. is often required.
- **Coursework**: Biology requires a strong foundation in science, particularly in subjects like chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The workload can be intensive, especially when balancing labs, fieldwork, and theoretical studies.
- **Research Skills**: Developing research skills takes time. You must learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately. This often requires hands-on experience, which can be demanding but essential for building expertise.
### 2. **Drawbacks**:
- **Competitive Job Market**: Depending on your specialization, the job market can be competitive, especially in academic and research institutions. Securing funding for research is also a challenge.
- **Salary Considerations**: While some roles in biology, such as biotechnology, may offer lucrative salaries, other positions, particularly in academia or conservation, may not be as well-compensated relative to the effort required.
- **Time Commitment**: Becoming an expert in your field can take many years of study, often involving long hours of research and publishing papers.
### 3. **What Makes it Worth It**:
- **Impact**: Biologists have the chance to make significant contributions to our understanding of life, ecosystems, and health. Many find great fulfillment in solving environmental issues, developing medical breakthroughs, or working in conservation.
- **Diverse Career Options**: Biology opens doors to a wide range of careers, including biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, academia, and even policy. The versatility of this field makes it attractive to many.
- **Continual Learning**: The field of biology is ever-evolving, meaning there is always something new to learn or discover. This constant challenge keeps the work interesting and dynamic.
### 4. **How to Prepare in High School**:
- **Excel in Science and Math**: Focus on courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as they will form the foundation of your college studies.
- **Get Involved in Extracurriculars**: Join science clubs, participate in science fairs, or take on internships or volunteer opportunities related to biology. This experience can make you stand out in college applications.
- **Advanced Courses**: Take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) science courses if available. These can give you a head start in college-level coursework.
- **Pursue Research Opportunities**: If possible, get involved in research projects, either through school programs or local universities. Even small-scale projects can demonstrate your passion and initiative in the field.
- **Seek Mentors**: Connect with professionals or teachers in biology to gain insights into the field. Mentorship can provide guidance on navigating your academic and career paths.
In conclusion, becoming a biologist requires perseverance, but the ability to contribute to scientific discovery and innovation makes it highly fulfilling. Preparing early in high school by excelling in science courses and seeking hands-on experience will set you on the right path.