1. Marine Biologist
Responsibilities
· Marine biology is the study of aquatic organisms, their interactions with the environment and their behaviours.
· The topic of marine biology is very broad so usually marine biologists specify their interests. For example, a marine biologist may choose to study a species of whales in a specific region.
· Employed by colleges, universities, zoos, aquariums, research laboratories, and environment organizations.
· Analyze samples of marine plants and animals
· Some care for plants and animals at zoos or aquariums
Work Enironment
· Various work environments such as indoor labs, offices or outdoors in zoos or at sea.
· Use various equipment such as computers and microscopes to study marine organisms
· Fieldwork may require travelling globally and being at sea for long periods of time
Salary & Hours
. Can make around $100,000. Some factors include experience, employer and area of expertise
· Many work 40 to 50 hours a week and those working as professors may work up to 60 hours.
Education and Recommendations
· For high school students looking into this career should note that math and science is key to this field. Some important grade 12 courses include biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and computer knowledge is recommended
· It is important to be able to work alone and more important as a team
· If you are planning on actually working in the field (at sea) then good health is mandatory
· Scuba diving certification is very helpful and will give you a good start into this career.
· Marine biology is the study of aquatic organisms, their interactions with the environment and their behaviours.
· The topic of marine biology is very broad so usually marine biologists specify their interests. For example, a marine biologist may choose to study a species of whales in a specific region.
· Employed by colleges, universities, zoos, aquariums, research laboratories, and environment organizations.
· Analyze samples of marine plants and animals
· Some care for plants and animals at zoos or aquariums
Work Enironment
· Various work environments such as indoor labs, offices or outdoors in zoos or at sea.
· Use various equipment such as computers and microscopes to study marine organisms
· Fieldwork may require travelling globally and being at sea for long periods of time
Salary & Hours
. Can make around $100,000. Some factors include experience, employer and area of expertise
· Many work 40 to 50 hours a week and those working as professors may work up to 60 hours.
Education and Recommendations
· For high school students looking into this career should note that math and science is key to this field. Some important grade 12 courses include biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and computer knowledge is recommended
· It is important to be able to work alone and more important as a team
· If you are planning on actually working in the field (at sea) then good health is mandatory
· Scuba diving certification is very helpful and will give you a good start into this career.
2. Microbiologist
Responsibilities
· Study how microbes interact with humans and animals
· They usually specialize in some field such as bacteriology or parasitology
· Try and identify disease causing microbes
· Some help develop new food or drug products
Work Environment
· Employed by colleges, universities, governments, research labs, companies in drug or agriculture industries
· Potential hazards include exposure diseases and chemicals
· Work indoors in labs or offices and do some fieldwork
Hours & Salary
· Work up to 50 hours a week depending on the responsibilities their employer gives
· Can make up to $100,000. Beginning salary is close to $30,000. The more education and experience, higher the salary
Education
· For grade 12 students math and science are necessary for this field. They should take physics, biology, chemistry, environmental science and some other courses to consider are calculus and algebra
· The post-secondary path is university. They need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s degree is also required. For academic and senior research potions a PhD is required.
· Study how microbes interact with humans and animals
· They usually specialize in some field such as bacteriology or parasitology
· Try and identify disease causing microbes
· Some help develop new food or drug products
Work Environment
· Employed by colleges, universities, governments, research labs, companies in drug or agriculture industries
· Potential hazards include exposure diseases and chemicals
· Work indoors in labs or offices and do some fieldwork
Hours & Salary
· Work up to 50 hours a week depending on the responsibilities their employer gives
· Can make up to $100,000. Beginning salary is close to $30,000. The more education and experience, higher the salary
Education
· For grade 12 students math and science are necessary for this field. They should take physics, biology, chemistry, environmental science and some other courses to consider are calculus and algebra
· The post-secondary path is university. They need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s degree is also required. For academic and senior research potions a PhD is required.