Being a Biologist

Biologist

Biologists study living things, like animals and plants.

1. Entry requirements
2. Skills required
3. What you'll do
4. Salary

5. Working hours, patterns and environment
6. Career path and progression

1. Entry requirements

You’ll usually need a relevant degree and a master’s qualification in a biological science. Employers may also want you to have experience in your area of interest and, if you don't already have one, be working towards a PhD.

You may be able to become a biologist through a Higher Apprenticeship for Life Sciences and Chemical Science Professionals.

2. Skills required

You’ll need:

• practical scientific skills
• problem-solving skills
• accuracy and attention to detail
• excellent communication skills
• IT skills

3. What you'll do

You could specialise in an area like:

• biotechnology
• ecology
• immunology
• marine biology
• microbiology
• molecular biology

You could use your skills in a variety of ways:

• in agriculture, to improve productivity in livestock or crops
• in the environment, to clean polluted rivers
• in conservation, to protect plants and animals
• in medicine, to develop new methods to diagnose, monitor and treat illness or disease
• in industry, to prevent food contamination or create ways to dispose of waste safely

You may also:

• design and carry out experiments, make observations, write reports and publish scientific papers
• teach students, if you’re based at a university or teaching hospital
• supervise support staff

6. Career path and progression

You could move into management, teaching, the media, administration and scientific journalism.