Biologists (Life Scientists) are professionals who study the origin, development, structure and function of plant and animal life. The word biology comes from the Greek word bios, which means ‘mode of life.’ Biology covers a broad area like medicine and agriculture, within the life sciences. Biologists, also called Biological Scientists, usually specialize in one area and are recognized and named by that speciality.
Biologists are recognized according to the kind of organism that they study such as Biologists who study animals are often known as zoologists. Those who specialize in plants are called Botanists. Those who work with microscopic forms of plant and animal life such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, are known as Microbiologists.
Biologists have so many career scopes after passing suitable courses in various fields. They can have both private and government jobs.
Biologist Eligibility
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology for becoming a Biologist.
Biologist Required Skills
- Biologists possess good communication skills such as through report writing and presentations; team working skills like through group projects and seminars.
- They also have good organisational skills; ability to confidently handle masses of diverse data and to draw conclusions.
- They also possess problem-solving, project and time management skills; self-reliance, initiative and business awareness.
- They also have skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to locate, gather, organize, synthesize and analyze information, research skills, and teamwork.
- Biologists have the ability to work independently under deadlines and ability to operate scientific laboratory equipment.
Institutes offering Courses for Biologist
- Bangalore University, Bangalore
- Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Banasthali University, Tonk
How to become Biologist?
One has to follow below-mentioned steps for becoming a Biologist-
Step 1
After completing their 12th class candidates have to go for a Bachelor’s Degree in science stream with biological sciences subjects. They can enrol themselves in various institutes offering degrees in this subject throughout the country. At some places, there are entrance tests for having admissions for the courses. Some of the degree courses are given below.
Degree courses:
- B.Sc. (Biological Science)
- B.Sc. (Biology)
- B.Sc. (Hons.) (Biological Science)
- B.Sc. (Hons.) (Biology)
- B.Sc. (Molecular Biology)
Educational qualification-
For graduation courses, they must be passed their 12th class in science stream with Biology as one of the subjects.
Step 2
At some places, Master Degree is considered as the main qualification to have a position. Therefore, after their graduation candidates can go for further higher studies with Biology as one of the subjects. At this level, students are introduced with a detailed view of the subject. They are given special techniques for the successful profession. Some of the courses are given below.
Postgraduate courses:
- M.Sc. (Applied Biology)
- M.Sc. (Biology)
- M.Sc. (Biological Sciences)
Educational qualification-
For Master degree courses, candidates should carry a graduation pass degree in science with Biology as one of the subjects.
Biologist Job Description
Biologists study organisms and plant life to learn more about their composition, behaviours, habitats, and how they interact with other organisms and their environment. They conduct research, collect samples and measurements, perform tests and experiments, and interpret and report their findings.
There are many job scopes after its successful completion-
- Biologists can work in the public sector and the private sector such as in the pharmaceutical, agricultural or food industries, carrying out research and product development or scientific analysis and investigation.
- Candidates having specialism is environmental biology or ecology; you could work with zoos, charities, research institutions and organisations such as the Environment Agency.
- They can also move into careers in management, teaching, the media, administration and scientific journalism. Opportunities may also exist as scientific advisers in government departments.
Biologist Salary
Biologists’ salary varies; it depends on the field one chooses, the level of education and experience, the responsibilities of the position, and the geographical location. Teachers, researchers can expect a starting salary of Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 18,000 per month. In government service, pay scale range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000.
