Biologist
A
biologist is a
scientist devoted to and producing results in
biology through the study of
organisms.Typically biologists study organisms and their relationship to their environment. Biologists involved in basic research attempt to discover underlying mechanisms that govern how organisms work. Biologists involved in applied research attempt to develop or improve medical, industrial or agricultural processes. Some biologists work in management positions coordinating or supervising research. Technicians perform specialized tasks using laboratory equipment. (U.S. Department of Labor.)
There are many types of biologists. Some deal with the macroscopic world and other with the microscopic. There is much overlap between different fields, and it is often hard to classify a biologist as only one of them. Some of the fields are:
*Animal
*Biochemistry
*Cell
*Developmental
*Ecology
*Evolutionary
*Genetic
*Microbiology
*Molecular
*Plant
*Structural
*Taxonomy
*Morphology
*Cytology
Many jobs in biology as a field require an
academic degree. A PhD (or equivalent) is generally required to direct independent research but a bachelor's or master's degree is sufficient for most non-research positions. Training on the undergraduate level usually is very general while later training involves a specialization in a specific area of
biology. (U.S. Department of Labor)
See also: List of biologists*
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook*
The biologist: Research on biology