How to become a biologist
Research the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of living organisms such as humans, animals and plants and their relationship with the environment.
Pathways to this career
- Complete an undergraduate environmental or a degree in science with a major in biology.
- Biology is broad field of study - focus your career by picking a specialisation. Potential areas of interest include cell biology, marine biology, immunology, zoology, biochemistry or molecular biology.
- Further your practical experience with an internship.
- If you wish to work in applied research or teach at a high school level, a postgraduate degree in biology is required.
- If you want to undertake independent research or teach at a university level, then you will need to obtain your PhD in biology.
What does a biologist do?
Duties and tasks
- Investigate the biochemistry, anatomy and physiology of living organisms such as humans, animals and plants and their relationship with the environment.
- Examine the effects of environmental factors on plants.
- Liaise with other industry professional to apply the research results and develop new products or practices.
- Observe the development of micro-organisms and the effects they have on living organisms.
- Plan and conduct experiments and process and analyse results and data.
- Write up scientific reports and present to the scientific community at conferences or via published papers in scientific journals.
Professional bodies
- CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
- The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia
Related jobs and job titles
- Agricultural farming specialist
- Anatomist
- Biochemist
- Biotechnologist
- Botanist
- Environmental scientist
- Life scientist
- Marine biologist
- Microbiologist
- Physiologist
- Zoologist
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate MAQ-BSC-DEG
Available majors
- Core Zone: Major in Biology
Undergraduate UNE-DSC-DIP
Undergraduate SCU-EMS-DEG
Bachelor of Science (Earth and Environmental Systems and Marine Systems)
Discover related subjects
Postgraduate UND-MEDI5006
Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX2310
Related degrees
Undergraduate LTU-BCM202
Related degrees
Undergraduate USA-BIOL1052
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