Scientific and research interest , good academic profile, and long term academic ambitions will be required for sustained interest and performance as a scientist.
Introduction
The study of biology applies itself to a variety of fields. It is the study of living things and incorporates Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Biochemistry, Forestry, Horticulture, Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Range Management as well as newer careers such as Oceanography and Marine Biology, High Altitude Biology and Environmental Biology. The growth of new areas such as - Bio-instrumentation, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Cryobiology, Bionics, ete.have also emerged from biological sciences.The demand for more and healthier food stuffs, drugs to combat disease, environmental conservation programmes and space studies pose challenges for biological scientists.
Nature of work
Biologists can specialize in a variety of areas and each area has specific applications.
Anatomists
The study of tissues and organs of animal and human body is required for understanding the causes of degenerative disorders as well as the possibilities of transplant of body organs. Anatomists carry out study and research of cell structures and also study the regenerative aspects of body parts.
Aquatic biologists
Aquatic biologists study the effect of pollutants on aquatic life and investigate the quality of water.
Agronomists
Agronomists seek to improve methods of cultivation, work in farm management, give advise on crop rotation, carry out soil testing, use of fertilizer etc.
Biochemists
The study of biochemistry is related to the study of chemical composition of living organisms and deals with understanding the bases in reproduction, heredity, metabolism and growth.
Biophysicists
Biophysicists concern themselves with the energy of living cells and deal with vision hearing, nervous system, brain function, nerve conduction, muscle reflexion as well as the life and destruction of human systems and cells.
Cytologist
Cytologists' study is concerned with growth, functions, diseases, etc. of cells of all forms of life. He relates his findings to breeding and reproduction of plants and animals carrying particular characteristics of hereditary traits.
Curator
Curators are employed by universities and biological departments and gardens and museums maintained by Botanical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India etc.
Economical botanist
Cultivation of plants of commercial and economic importance is the job of the economical botanist. Suitable types of better yielding plants are evolved, for mass scale production of crops for use in medicines, oils, gums, fibre or even food crops.
Ecologist
They study the atmosphere, environment and its effect on the growth of plant or animal life. Ecologists are concerned about the geographical distribution of plants with a view to replant them under different conditions to improve swamps, deserts and marshy lands.
Entomologist
An entomologist is concerned with elimination of all harmful creatures which damage plants, trees and fruits using various techniques to destroy them through insecticides or other means.
Geneticist
These scientists are involved in the study of heredity and factors governing it. Their work involves research for the improvement of plants and animal breeds.
Keeper herbarium
He supervises the work of the Curator in proper maintenance of Herbarium specimens and supplies information whenever required by the technical body for identification of plants.
Microbiologists
Microbiologists study all microscopic or submicroscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria viruses, moulds, yeasts etc. The study of these organisms is used in the food industry, in packaged foodstuffs, as well as for understanding their role in disease and its prevention and control.
Molecular biologists
Research applied to bacterial study is the work of molecular biologists.The focus is on improving health care.
Mycologist
Mycologists are involved in procedures and techniques of control of fungi. New strains of fungi are useful for agriculture, medicine and industry. Chemical or other methods are used to control multiplication of fungus.
Ornithologist
Ornithologists study birds, their breeding pattern, evolution, migration, food, shape, their eggs, nest making etc.
Orchidologist
He is responsible for organising collection of orchids in the field and maintains them in the orchidarium.
Pisciculturist
A fishery expert conducts experiments on fish culture and collects data concerning their habits, growth, food breeding etc. Pisciculturist also rears and breeds fish through artificial methods. Normally he works in hatcheries located in ponds, tanks and drainage systems which are specially constructed.
Physiologist
He studies functions of the organs and tissues of plants and investigates the functioning of various systems and factors that hinder their normal working.
Pathologist
Pathologist are involved in the experiments in laboratories or in the field to control and check diseases in plants and propagates plant protection methods.
Parasitologist
Parasitologists are involved in the control and treatment of parasitic infections.
Plant Breeder
He grows improved varieties of plants in relation to size, quality, yield and resistance to disease. Cross breeding of various varieties under field or laboratory conditions is done by plant breeders.
Palaeontology
Palaeontlogists study fossilized remains of plants and animals which existed in former geological periods. The study helps in understanding the evolution of species.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study and conduct research on the effects of drugs and chemicals on animals and mice. Such study is required for the development and testing of new drugs.
Regional botanist
Plant introduction, breeding, hybridisation, raising and propagation of vegetable life in the experimental gardens is carried on by regional botanists.
Taxanomists
There is an unlimited variety of plants and animals. Taxanomists identify and classify these under standard nomenclatures.
Toxicologists
Toxicologists study the toxic effects of various substances on humans, plants and animals. Industrial safety and environmental control is their major concern.
Wild life biologists
The study of habitats of animals and birds, the conditions needed for their conservation and survival, and continued wildlife propagation is a concern of the wildlife biological scientists.
Zoologists
Zoologists are concerned with the study of animal life. The origin, habits, life history, propagation, growth, relation to environment, genetics and all matters concerning their preservation is the concern of zoologists.
Work Conditions
Personal QualitiesRigorous outdoor conditions Exacting lab work Risk of handling toxic substances Responsibility and stress Difficult locations Marine biologists spend substantial amount of time at sea Wildlife biologists are exposed to difficult terrains Work is carried on both individually or as part of a large group of scientists in all kinds of ecosystem projects
Job prospectsAbove average aptitude in biological, chemical and mathematical concepts Good observation Systematic approach Patience Curiosity Good approach to team work
Study OptionsGenetic research Drug development Agricultural research Research in the field of medical sciences Biochemical research In research and development departments of industries concerned with pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and chemicals.
For careers in Biology, graduation and postgraduation are available in most universities after 10+2 in Zoology, Botany, Chemistry or Geology. Further specialisation at the post graduate level and Ph.D. can be done in any of the branches of Biology.
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